The University of Southern California offers a tremendous range of academic and intellectual opportunities, and this catalogue should serve as your roadmap. In it you will find information on classes offered by our Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, the Graduate School and 18 different professional schools. I hope you will feel inspired to consider innovative and creative ways of pursuing your education.
To our undergraduates: You are fortunate to have advisers and professors who wholeheartedly encourage you to explore different disciplines and departments. These years should be a time of discovery, for stretching yourself intellectually, creatively and socially. One of USC's distinctive traits is its emphasis at the baccalaureate level on what we call "depth with breadth" — that is, promoting the creative combination of majors (or majors and minors) that seem far apart in the intellectual landscape. USC offers more than 170 minors, and we encourage you to examine those that challenge you, perhaps taking your studies in an entirely new direction.
To our graduate students: Your courses — though designed to focus rigorously on various specialties — are intended to deepen and expand your knowledge. We urge you to pursue interdisciplinary connections and to build relationships with your peers in other fields. These relationships will enrich your work, and increase the tremendously vibrant academic culture on our campuses.
Intellectual breadth and agility are the tools you will need to succeed in the century ahead, and the education you receive at USC will certainly equip you well. Be bold in designing your USC education — and in creating your future!
C. L. Max Nikias
President
Located at the heart of the USC campus, Tommy Trojan is the university's most iconic landmark. The statue's granite pedestal bears the five qualities of the ideal Trojan: faithful, scholarly, skillful, courageous and ambitious.
USC Orientation is an excellent opportunity for our new students to be welcomed into the Trojan Family firsthand. There are programs available for all new graduate and undergraduate USC students. The university strongly recommends that all students attend an Orientation Session to assist in a smooth transition to USC life.
For undergraduate students there are five freshman and three transfer on-campus programs, as well as eight freshman-only off-campus domestic and international orientations. Please see the Office of Orientation Programs Website at usc.edu/orientation for details. All international students are required to attend an on-campus international student orientation for passport verification, which is offered prior to the beginning of each semester. More details can be found on the Orientation Website at usc.edu/orientation.
Graduate students are offered a centralized Graduate Orientation Program in August. Many academic departments and professional schools offer additional orientation sessions for their specific departments. Sessions are also available for graduate assistants through the Center for Excellence in Teaching (CET). For information about CET's programs, see Special Study Options or visit usc.edu/cet. Email usccet@usc.edu to subscribe to the Friends of CET weekly updates.
Program descriptions and session dates are mailed to newly admitted students in their welcome packet and can be accessed online at usc.edu/orientation. During Orientation, students will learn about the resources available on campus and meet with academic advisers to plan their first-semester schedule.
Parents and family members are invited to attend Orientation with their student to become acquainted with the university. There is an additional charge for parents and family members to attend Orientation. Prices can be accessed online at usc.edu/orientation.
All students entering USC for the first time will be assessed a New Student Orientation Fee that will appear on the fee bill. This is a one-time fee assessed for all services available on campus, internationally and online. Fee details can be found on the orientation Website at usc.edu/orientation.
Office of Admission and Financial Aid
(213) 740-1111
Admission to undergraduate programs is granted by the USC Office of Admission. This office receives and processes all applications, evaluates credentials, and mails letters of acceptance to applicants who qualify for entrance. Admission to the university's degree programs must be granted in all cases by the USC Office of Admission and the appropriate selection committees. Only a letter from the Office of Admission grants official admission.
As a private university, USC seeks a wide geographical distribution among its student body, and evaluates its out-of-state applicants using the same criteria as those used for California residents. Tuition and fees are the same for all students, regardless of state or country of residence.
The University of Southern California admits qualified men and women as students regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, handicap, sexual orientation or status as a disabled veteran. After admission, students are accorded equal rights to participate in all university-sponsored programs and activities. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, handicap, sexual orientation or status as a disabled veteran in the administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics and other student activities.
In compliance with the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), USC offers equal access to its degree programs to academically qualified applicants with documented disabilities. Applicants will be expected to have demonstrated by their record in a college preparatory high school curriculum or in an appropriate transferable college course of study that they can perform well in a competitive academic environment. See here for a discussion of possible accommodations. USC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities.
Credentials submitted to the Office of Admission become the property of the university and cannot be returned to the student or duplicated for any purpose.
Students submit applications online through the Common Application at commonapp.org. A nonrefundable fee will be charged with the completed application, although students with financial need may request a fee waiver. For specific application deadlines and requirements, refer to usc.edu/uga or the Meet USC brochure.
Credentials for admission must include complete records of all previous high school and college or university work and the required test scores.
USC does not undertake the collection of these credentials. The application for admission and complete credentials should be submitted to the Office of Admission by the appropriate deadlines.
Factors given prime consideration for admission to undergraduate study are an applicant's previous academic success and the quality of all records presented. To ensure diversity in the composition of the student body, other considerations may include outstanding talent and abilities, extracurricular activities and letters of recommendation.
Deferring Admission A student is accepted only for the semester and program specified in the letter of admission. If a different semester is desired or if the student cannot arrive on campus in time for the specified semester, students may defer admission for one year by submitting a USC Admission Deferral Request Form to the Admission Office. A deferral may be requested within one year of the original semester of application. (Example: A student applied for the fall 2015 semester and wishes to have admission deferred to the fall 2016 semester.) Longer gaps required for religious reasons or for compulsory military service will also be considered.
Once students have been admitted, they complete, sign and date the Admission Deferral Request Form and submit it to the Office of Admission as soon as possible. Only students who have been formally admitted to USC may request a deferral.
Because of strong competition for admission, several schools and academic departments require supplementary application materials and may employ separate deadlines.
Leventhal School of Accounting Transfer applicants interested in accounting must first apply to business administration. A formal request to transfer to the Leventhal School of Accounting can be made once the resident accounting course(s) are successfully completed. In some cases, high school students who have demonstrated exceptional scholastic aptitude for the accounting major will be considered for admission as first-year students. For more information, write or call the USC Marshall School of Business, Office of Undergraduate Admission, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0805, (213) 740-8885, email lsoa_undergrad@marshall.usc.edu or visit marshall.usc.edu/lsoa.
School of Architecture (BArch, BS, Architectural Studies) Transfer students should note that the core curriculum will take five years to complete. A portfolio is required of all applicants. For more information, write or call the USC School of Architecture, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0291, (213) 740-2420, email uscarch@usc.edu or visit arch.usc.edu.
Roski School of Art and Design (BFA and BA) Portfolios are required of all applicants to the BFA and BA (Studio Arts) programs. Applicants may contact the USC Roski School of Art and Design, Watt Hall 104, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0292, (213) 740-2787, for questions about applications and required supplementary materials.
Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy for Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation (BS) To apply, submit the Common Application and the USC Writing Supplement by December 1. Applicants must include a one-minute proposal video and are encouraged to submit a portfolio of creative work. International applicants should submit TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Academic scores. Current USC students who wish to transfer in to the Academy should complete only the SlideRoom portion of the application. The Academy is not currently accepting transfer applicants from institutions outside USC. For more information, please call (213) 821-6140, email iovine-young@usc.edu or visit iovine-young.usc.edu.
Marshall School of Business Students may be admitted as incoming first-year students, as USC undergraduates transferring from another major or as students transferring from another college or university. Transfer students will be considered for admission to the Marshall School of Business once they have completed the prerequisite college writing and business calculus courses. Students should contact the Marshall School for a detailed list of equivalent courses. For further information, write or call the USC Marshall School of Business, Office of Undergraduate Admission, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0805, (213) 740-8885, send email to busadm@marshall.usc.edu or refer to marshall.usc.edu.
School of Cinematic Arts (Animation and Digital Arts, Critical Studies, Film and Television Production, Interactive Entertainment, Media Arts and Practice, and Writing for Screen and Television) Supplemental materials are due December 1. Transfer students applying to the writing program should note that the core curriculum takes four years to complete. For specific instructions on applications and required supplementary material, contact the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Student Affairs Office, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211, (213) 740-8358, email admissions@cinema.usc.edu or visit cinema.usc.edu.
Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism (Communication, Broadcast and Digital Journalism, Print and Digital Journalism and Public Relations) All applicants to the Journalism and Public Relations programs must include a statement of intent explaining their reasons for pursuing an education and a career in journalism or public relations. Statements are read with great attention to commitment and literacy. For more information, contact the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Recruitment Office, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0281, (213) 821-0770, email ascadm@usc.edu or visit annenberg.usc.edu.
Kaufman School of Dance (BFA) Admission to the USC Kaufman School is competitive: No more than 15 to 20 students will be invited to enroll. In addition to the Common Application, applicants must submit the USC Kaufman School Supplement via SlideRoom. All required materials must be received by December 1. Finalists will be invited to audition in person. Current USC students and transfer students are welcome to apply but should note that the BFA in Dance is a four-year program. For more information, contact the USC Kaufman School at 837 Downey Way, STO 322, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0851, email aubertsa@usc.edu or visit kaufman.usc.edu.
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry (Dental Hygiene) All prerequisite and general education course work must be completed prior to entering dental hygiene classes, which begin in the fall of the student's junior year. Contact the department about completing necessary courses at USC or elsewhere. Admission is for the fall semester only. The deadline to submit the USC Common Application is February 1. Only junior transfer students may apply.
For further information and a supplemental application, write or call the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, Office of Admissions and Student Affairs, 925 West 34th Street, Room 201, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0641, (213) 740-2841 or visit usc.edu/dental.
School of Dramatic Arts (BFA and BA) Applicants must complete portfolio requirements for the School of Dramatic Arts. The deadline for all first-year programs, and transfer BFA programs, is December 1. The deadline for BFA transfer programs is February 1. An audition/interview is required for admission to the BFA program; applicants will be notified of the dates and locations for auditions and interviews after the departmental application is received. Additional information is available by calling (213) 740-1286 or visiting dramaticarts.usc.edu.
Viterbi School of Engineering Applicants to engineering and computer science majors must respond to the two short-answer questions on the USC Writing Supplement. For first-year applicants to all majors in engineering and computer science, four years of mathematics are required for admission consideration, preferably with calculus in progress or completed by senior year. Three years of natural sciences are also required. Transfer applicants to all majors in engineering and computer science should have completed one or more semesters of college-level calculus and meet USC admission requirements. Transfer students are encouraged to complete additional pre-engineering course work as available; visit viterbi.usc.edu/admission for a list of relevant courses. For more information, contact the Viterbi School of Engineering Admission and Student Affairs Office at (213) 740-4530 or viterbi.admission@usc.edu
Thornton School of Music The deadline for all music majors (first-year and transfer) is December 1. All required supplementary materials must be received by this date. An audition is required for most majors. Audition requirements and dates can be found at usc.edu/music or by contacting the Thornton School of Music Office of Admission, University Park, UUC 218, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2991, (213) 740-8986. Applicants are urged to apply as early as possible.
USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy This program accepts applications from first-year students only. Students should indicate their interest as soon as possible to receive proper academic advisement. Contact the division to schedule an appointment with an undergraduate adviser. For information about admission criteria, program course sequence and application procedures, visit chan.usc.edu. Alternatively, write or call the USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9003, (866) 385-4250.
School of Pharmacy The Trojan Admission Pre-Pharmacy (TAP) program is a unique program for entering first-year students: a pre-pharmacy/doctor of pharmacy curriculum that affords students continuity in their professional education. Students admitted to TAP begin their pre-pharmacy course work at USC in the freshman year and are guaranteed admission to the USC School of Pharmacy, provided they meet specified criteria. First-year applicants to TAP must submit the Common Application by the January 15 deadline. In addition, applicants must file all departmental materials with the School of Pharmacy by February 27. For more information about TAP, see here. All applicants should contact the School of Pharmacy for instructions at USC School of Pharmacy, 1985 Zonal Avenue, PSC 206A, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9121, (323) 442-1466 or pharmacyschool.usc.edu/programs/pre/tap.
Prospective first-year students are evaluated on the content and rigor of their high school course work, their grades, standardized test scores, activity summary, essay, short answers and counselor/teacher recommendations. There are no absolute "cutoffs" or minimums for grades, rank in class or test scores. We are interested in the interplay of these elements as well as personal accomplishments and potential for success.
The most fundamental expectation of each entering student at USC is that she or he will have completed a rigorous high school curriculum in English, mathematics, science, social studies, foreign language and the arts. We realize, of course, that individual talents, circumstances and opportunities vary greatly. Therefore, no specific curriculum is prescribed. However, we do expect that prospective students will take advantage of the highest level of classes offered to them in their secondary schools.
When assessing grade point average, consideration is also given to class rank and to the strength and frequency of Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate course work in a student's curriculum. Naturally, we are interested in consistently strong academic performance throughout the four-year high school record. However, we realize that some bright students, for one reason or another, may encounter difficulties in ninth grade. In these cases, special attention is given to steady and substantial improvement throughout the sophomore, junior and senior years.
USC requires either SAT or ACT scores (with the optional writing test) from all first-year applicants, and from transfer students who have accumulated fewer than 30 transferable semester units since finishing high school. For students who take the SAT more than once, USC records the highest scores for each section — critical reading, mathematics and writing — even if achieved in different sittings. For students taking the ACT, USC will record the highest composite score.
If test information and application forms are not readily available, write to the College Board SAT Program, 901 South 42nd Street, Mount Vernon, IL 62824; or the American College Testing Program, P.O. Box 414, Iowa City, IA 52240. For the SAT, visit collegeboard.org; for the ACT visit act.org.
We require SAT subject tests only from first-year applicants who do not attend a regionally accredited high school, e.g., home schools, some private, parochial or even some new schools. These students must submit three SAT subject exams, including one in mathematics, in addition to the SAT or ACT. For all other applicants, these exams are optional. We find them helpful in evaluating applications for merit scholarships.
First-year applicants who have taken Advanced Placement (AP) examinations are encouraged to provide those results.
International first-year and transfer applicants whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the PTE Academic test. International first-year applicants with minimum scores of 600 on the SAT Critical Reading or a 27 on the ACT English are exempt from taking the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Academic. The TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Academic must have been taken within two years of the application date.
Students may earn a total of 32 semester units of credit toward their bachelor's degree by examination. Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate credit is granted at USC for exams taken before matriculation at a two-year or four-year college and will be evaluated solely according to USC's Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate policies.
Students who have also earned credit for college courses taken while in high school should refer to the Course Work Taken Elsewhere - Grad page.
USC grants college credit for the Advanced Placement Examinations of the Educational Testing Service. A student may be granted four semester units of credit for most AP tests with scores of four or five. For specific AP credit information call the Office of Admission, (213) 740-1111 or visit usc.edu/articulation.
USC grants either 20 units of credit to students who earn the International Baccalaureate diploma with a score of 30 or higher, or six units for each score of 5 or higher on the IB Higher Level exams, for a maximum of four exams, whichever is higher. International Baccalaureate results should be sent directly from the International Baccalaureate Organization to: University of Southern California, Articulation Office, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0912. For more information, visit usc.edu/articulation.
USC typically awards 8 semester units for most A-level exams with an appropriate score. Results must be sent directly from the examining agency. Refer to the Articulation Office Website at usc.edu/articulation for additional polices regarding transfer credits and AP, IB and A-level exams.
See the Subject Credit by Special Examination section for further information.
USC does not grant credit on the basis of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP).
An applicant may be admitted by transfer from a fully accredited college, university or community college, under the following conditions: (1) if the applicant has completed 30 or more transferable college semester units with an appropriately strong grade point average in an academically rigorous selection of courses; (2) if the applicant is not under the penalty of academic or disciplinary disqualification at any college or university previously attended and is entitled to an honorable dismissal; and (3) if proof of high school graduation on a high school transcript, or the equivalent (such as a GED or finishing certificate), has been provided as part of the application materials. If fewer than 30 transferable semester units have been completed at the time of application, the applicant must submit — in addition to the high school transcript — the results of the SAT or the ACT assessment test.
Students intending to transfer to USC should refer to the Transferring to USC brochure for detailed information about the university's transfer, admission and credit policies. Call the USC Office of Admission at (213) 740-1111 or visit usc.edu/transferring.
The amount of advanced standing granted to a student transferring from another institution is determined in each individual case by the Office of Academic Records and Registrar. A minimum of 64 units toward the bachelor's degree must be earned in residence at USC. For a degree in Architecture, a minimum of 80 units must be earned in residence at USC. A maximum of 70 of the transferable units for this program may be earned at two-year colleges. For students in Engineering's "3-2" Program, at least 48 units must be earned in residence at USC. Two-thirds of any transferable course work must be completed at one of USC's four-year partner institutions.
It is the student's responsibility to report all college-level course work completed outside USC to the Office of Admission when completing the application form. Omitting such information constitutes a violation of the applicant's affidavit and may result in the revocation of admission to the university.
Records of all courses including correspondence study, extension or summer session courses taken in other institutions after the student's admission to USC must also be filed with the Office of Academic Records and Registrar immediately following completion of the work.
The University of Southern California has an outstanding record of commitment to international education. From a small presence during our early history, our international enrollment grew to an average of 200 students by the 1930s. After declining international enrollments in the years surrounding World War II, USC began rebuilding and in 1951 began providing specialized admission services to international students. By 1964, more than 1,000 international students were enrolled at USC. Today, the Office of Admission serves thousands of prospective students each year by providing both general and specialized information and by maintaining the expertise necessary to evaluate academic records from the various educational systems around the world. The Office of Admission also issues the required eligibility certificates for students to enter the United States.
At USC, an international student is an individual of foreign nationality who will be entering or has already entered the United States with a student visa. However, students already residing in the United States and holding other non-immigrant visas (such as E2, H2 or L2) are also international students. International students do not qualify for need-based financial aid. U.S. permanent residents, naturalized U.S. citizens and U.S. citizens residing and attending school outside the United States are not considered international students and are eligible for need-based financial aid.
Office of Admission and Financial Aid
(213) 740-1111
gradadm@usc.edu
usc.edu/admission/graduate
At the graduate level, admission to graduate and professional programs is granted by the dean of the school conferring the degree. However, only a letter from the university's Office of Graduate Admission constitutes an official offer of admission; correspondence with department chairs, program directors or individual faculty members does not constitute admission.
The University of Southern California admits qualified individuals as students regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, handicap, sexual orientation or status as a disabled veteran. After admission, students are accorded equal rights to participate in all university-sponsored programs and activities. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, handicap, sexual orientation or status as a disabled veteran in the administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics and other student activities.
The USC Application for Graduate Admission should be used by all applicants to all programs except law, medicine and some professional programs in the schools of dentistry and pharmacy. Applicants should confirm application requirements with their intended school or academic program before application submission.
Admission to the University of Southern California's online graduate programs is offered to candidates meeting the university's admission standards. USC's online programs are designed to be as rigorous and comprehensive as their traditional on-campus counterparts. Official offers of admission to these programs will come directly from the administering school or college.
Prospective online program students must submit an application for admission, application fee, official academic records and supplemental documents as required by their intended program. Applicants are encouraged to contact the department, program or school to which they are applying for further program information and additional requirements.
In compliance with the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), USC offers equal access to its degree programs to academically qualified applicants with physical, psychological or learning disabilities. Applicants will be expected to have demonstrated by their record in course work completed toward their undergraduate degree that they can perform well in a competitive academic environment. See here for a discussion of possible accommodations. USC is committed to providing appropriate, reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities.
All documents and credentials submitted to the Office of Admission become the property of the university and cannot be returned to the student or duplicated for any purpose.
The minimum standard for graduate admission is a U.S. bachelor's degree, or its equivalent, from a regionally accredited institution or ministry of education recognized institution. The Graduate School and some professional schools have additional minimum requirements for applicants seeking degrees. Conditional admission status is applied to those students who have not yet met all requirements for admission to full graduate status or who have not filed all relevant documents with the appropriate school or department. Students admitted in this status must satisfy their conditions by the end of the first term of enrollment, or within the time period deemed appropriate by the department, program or Office of Degree Progress. Students who fail to satisfy their conditions of admission will not be allowed to register for classes.
Students who have been conditionally admitted for academic requirements must complete at least 6 units of graduate level course work with no grade below a B in each class, and must be recommended for regular admission by a faculty committee. Once those conditions have been met within the stipulated term period, the department chair or program director can authorize registration for the following semester. If the conditions are not met, the student may be dismissed from the program.
Individual exceptions must be approved by the dean of the degree-conferring unit.
Some doctoral programs at USC admit students with Advanced Standing (entry with an appropriate completed graduate degree from an accredited institution).
A minimum of 36 units of course work beyond the first graduate degree, exclusive of 794 Doctoral Dissertation preparation, is required for the doctoral degree if students are admitted with Advanced Standing. Additional course work may be required if deemed necessary by the student's faculty. See the Transfer Credit page.
Admission to graduate study does not imply admission to candidacy for an advanced degree and gives no right or claim to be so admitted. Candidacy is determined after the student has demonstrated the ability to do graduate work with originality and independence at USC.
Faculty members shall not be candidates for degrees in the same schools in which they have appointments. In addition, assistant professors on the tenure track should not simultaneously be candidates for degrees anywhere at the university. Individual exceptions to either of these policies may be made only with the approval of the provost or of a special committee appointed by the president. Individual exceptions are considered when the individual submits a request for tuition waiver, which is forwarded for approval to the vice provost for faculty affairs. The form should be accompanied by a memo from the dean of the school. For candidacy within the same school, the dean's memo explains how conflict of interest issues will be dealt with; for assistant professors on the tenure-track, the memo explains how pursuit of the degree will advance rather than detract from meeting the criteria for tenure.
The Graduate School establishes and monitors the standards under which students are admitted for study in all graduate degree programs except the Doctor of Dental Surgery, Juris Doctor, and Doctor of Medicine. An alphabetical listing of degree programs by school can be found under Degree Programs. Details of admission standards are provided in the Graduate School section of this catalogue and in the sections of schools and departments providing the curricula for these programs.
Details of admission standards to professional degrees available at USC are detailed in appropriate school listings. See here for a list of degree programs.
Applicants wishing to pursue a dual degree program offered by the university must apply separately to each degree program, meet the admission requirements of each school, and be admitted by both academic units. Applicants to a professional degree program should consult the particular school for information on admission requirements and programs of study.
The University of Southern California has an outstanding record of commitment to international education. From a small presence during our early history, our international enrollment grew to an average of 200 students by the 1930s. After declining international enrollments in the years surrounding World War II, USC began rebuilding and in 1951 began providing specialized admission services to international students. By 1964, more than 1,000 international students were enrolled at USC. Today, the Office of Graduate Admission serves thousands of prospective students each year by providing both general and specialized information and by maintaining the expertise necessary to evaluate academic records from the various educational systems around the world. The Office of Graduate Admission also issues the required certificates of eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019) to admitted students who certify to attend USC so that they can apply for a student or scholar visa to enter the United States.
At USC, an international student is an individual of foreign nationality who will be entering or has already entered the United States with a student visa. However, students already residing in the United States and holding other non-immigrant visas (such as E2, H1 or L2) are also international students. International students do not qualify for need-based financial aid. U.S. permanent residents, naturalized U.S. citizens and U.S. citizens residing abroad and attending school outside the United States are not considered to be international students and are eligible for need-based financial aid.
International applicants (those who are or will be in the United States on non-immigrant visas) are required to submit the following documents:
Additional information may be required by the academic departments. General admission guidelines are available by country on the USC Graduate Admission Website and subject to change without prior notice.
The United States government requires all international applicants to provide proof of ability to pay tuition and living expenses before a formal letter of admission or the forms needed for obtaining a visa will be issued. International students are also required to have health and accident insurance. The cost of university-provided insurance will be added to the student's fees unless he or she presents proof of adequate coverage.
Each applicant relying on personal or family support must furnish, at the time of application, an official financial-guarantee letter — preferably a bank letter — indicating the sponsor's name and address and verifying the ability to pay the annual cost in education-related expenses for the first academic year. This document must be verified by a bank seal. It is not necessary to show proof of funding in order to be considered for admission to USC. However, it is crucial for students to submit their financial-guarantee letters once they have submitted their applications if they wish to receive notification of admission in the timeliest manner possible.
Prospective doctoral students do not need to submit a financial-guarantee letter at the time of application since most admitted students will be fully funded by the university. Applicants whose financial support will come from their home governments or other official agencies (e.g., AMIDEAST, IIE, etc.) must submit similarly appropriate documents from their sponsors.
International students cannot meet the full amount of their educational expenses by working while in the United States. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) only allows students to work off-campus under limited circumstances, and employment opportunities are further limited by legislation that requires holders of student visas to be full-time students.
Additionally, all international students must submit a copy of a valid passport.
Once students complete their online application and have received their 10-digit USC ID, they should send the required documents and fee to the Office of Graduate Admission. All international students must follow the deadlines in the application for their particular program of study.
Only an admission letter from the Office of Admission grants official admission; correspondence with department chairpersons, program directors or individual faculty members does not constitute admission.
The Office of Admission will issue the I-20 (for the F-1 visa) or DS-2019 (for the J-1 visa), whichever is appropriate, for the student to apply for the visa required to enter the United States. Any students entering the United States by means of these documents issued by USC must register for the semester to which they are admitted to USC.
International students must maintain full-time student status as determined by the Office of International Services and the departmental adviser. Such students are not eligible to be considered students without formal registration and are in violation of immigration laws when not properly registered. Any international student having questions about registration requirements should consult the Office of International Services, Grace Ford Salvatori Hall, Suite 120.
Admission evaluations for international students are completed by the Office of Admission. Official transcripts for all previous academic work completed should be directed to the Office of Admission.
Tuition is payable in advance unless special arrangements are
made for deferred payments as described below. Tuition is the same
for resident and nonresident students. Registration is completed
when the bill has been
settled.
Auditors pay the regular tuition rate. Auditors are not required to participate in class exercises (discussions and examinations); they receive no grades or credit and there is no transcript notation of courses taken for audit. An instructor, dean or university officer may give permission to an individual to attend a class as a guest. Otherwise, attendance in class is limited to enrolled students.
These fees are based upon current information available at the time of publication and are subject to possible later change. The university reserves the right to change without notice any of the terms stated herein.
The number of units for which tuition is charged is indicated by the number in parentheses after the title of each course listed under Courses of Instruction.
| Undergraduate Students | ||
| (12–18 units) | $24,732.00 | |
| unit basis | 1,666.00 | |
| Graduate Students | ||
| (15–18 units) | 24,732.00 | |
| unit basis | 1,666.00 | |
| Advanced Dentistry (per trimester) | 28,445.00 | |
| Dentistry (per trimester) | ||
| Session 006 | 28,142.00 | |
| Dental Hygiene (per trimester) | ||
| Session 007 | 22,923.00 | |
| Special Dental International Students | ||
| (per trimester) Session 008 | 28,142.00 | |
| Engineering Graduate units (500 level and above) | ||
| unit basis | 1,774.00 | |
| Law Session 002 | ||
| flat fee basis (13–17 units) | 28,643.00 | |
| unit basis | 2,214.00 | |
| Medicine Session 003 | ||
| flat fee basis | 28,424.00 | |
| Master of Physician Assistant Practice | ||
| flat fee basis | 24,732.00 | |
| Pharmacy Session 004, 005 | ||
| flat fee basis (15–18 units) | 25,415.00 | |
| unit basis | 1,693.00 | |
| Graduate Cinema Session 037 | ||
| unit basis (no flat fee) | 1,772.00 | |
| Business Graduate (500-level and above) | ||
| unit basis | 1,710.00 | |
| Doctor of Physical Therapy | ||
| full year for year 1 and 2 students | 60,257.00 | |
| partial year for year 3 students | 36,406.00 | |
| Master of Real Estate Development Session 038 | ||
| flat fee basis (16–18 units) | 29,552.00 | |
| unit basis | 1,847.00 | |
| Application Fee, undergraduate (not refundable) | 80.00 | |
| Application Fee, graduate applicants (not refundable)* | 85.00 | |
| Application Fee, Marshall graduate applicants (not refundable) | 150.00 | |
| Commitment Deposit, freshman and transfer only (not refundable but applicable to tuition and fees) | 300.00 | |
| Commitment Deposit, graduate and professional (not refundable but applicable to tuition and fees): Students should consult their academic department or school. | ||
| New Student Fee (undergraduate) | 350.00 | |
| New Student Fee (graduate) | 55.00 | |
| Student Health Service, per semester (for students with load of six units or more) | 282.50 | |
| Summer, $18 per week, 12-week maximum | 216.00 | |
| Student Programming Fee, per semester undergraduate | 64.00 | |
| graduate | 40.00 | |
| Student Services Fee, per semester undergraduate | 18.50 | |
| graduate | 12.50 | |
| Norman H. Topping Student Aid Fund, per semester, all students | 8.00 | |
| Fall semester** | 610.00 |
| Spring semester and summer session** | 1,102.00 |
| Dental insurance (optional) per year** | 136.00 |
| See
here. |
|
| *Some academic programs have a higher
application fee, which is noted on the application. |
|
| **Students who are registered for classes at off-campus locations (i.e., Skirball Center or Orange County) will follow a different health plan structure. Please see the 2015–2016 plan description for a listing of those rates, as well as the available dependent rates. | |
| Parking Fee, per semester (10% city parking tax included) For more details, please visit our Website at usc.edu/parking. | ||
| Commuter | ||
| Gold (On-Campus, PS1 and PS2, HSC) | 445.50 | |
| Rideshare 2 person carpool Gold | 324.00 | |
| Cardinal (Lots 71 and SSP – HSC) | 324.00 | |
| Rideshare 2 person carpool Cardinal | 256.50 | |
| Parking Center | 301.50 | |
| North Off-Campus Residents | 297.00 | |
| Daily (first-come, first-served basis) | ||
| Meter (hourly) | 2.00 | |
| On Campus (all day) | 12.00 | |
| Parking Center (all day) | 10.00 | |
| Parking Center (hourly) | 2.00 | |
| Motorcycle | 63.00 | |
| Evening permit (5 p.m.–7 a.m. only M–Su) | 198.00 | |
| Deferment Service Charge | ||
| Thirty day deferments are granted for up to $2,000.00 of the tuition balance. There is a non-refundable service charge of five percent of the deferred amount, due at the time the deferment is granted, in addition to the remaining billing balance. | ||
| Enrollment Verification Fee | 5.00 | |
| Petition Processing Fee for Registration Exceptions | 150.00 | |
| Student Identification Card (USCard) | ||
| Replacement with mag stripe | 25.00 | |
| Replacement with Prox contactless | 25.00 | |
| Required of all students. Students must be registered before a card is issued. The fee may be assessed for each replacement of identification card. | ||
| Laboratory Fees | 5.00 – 500.00 | |
| For certain laboratory courses in architecture, biological sciences, chemistry, engineering, fine arts, geological sciences, physical education and physics. These fees are variable, and students should consult the current Schedule of Classes for amount of individual fees. | ||
| Dissertation Fee | 115.00 | |
| For USC Libraries and Graduate School processing of doctoral dissertation | ||
| Thesis Fee | 105.00 | |
| For USC Libraries and Graduate School processing of master's thesis | ||
| Application for re-entry | no charge | |
| Special Subject Examination (one-half per-unit rate regardless of units per course) | 801.00 | |
| Transcript Fee | ||
| Official | 10.00 | |
| Late articulation petition fee | 150.00 | |
| Prior degree verification (international) | 100.00 | |
| Articulation of international undergraduate transfer credit | 185.00 | |
| First week | 100.00 |
| Second week | 100.00 |
| Third week | 100.00 |
Registration is not permitted after the third week of classes.
The university currently assesses a monthly finance charge on all past due balances. The current annual rate is 12 percent, subject to change.
A "returned check charge" of $25 is assessed for a check or e-check returned by the bank for any reason. Under California Civil Code #1719, a returned check may create liability for treble (three times) the amount owed, but not less than $100.
Request for registration constitutes a legal financial obligation to which students will be held liable if they do not follow the proper procedure to change or cancel their registration through the Office of Academic Records and Registrar. They must receive written confirmation (the Registration Confirmation form) to verify that their requested change has been made.
By registering, students agree to be held responsible for all tuition and fees, including, but not limited to, payments denied by student loan lenders, agencies of the United States government, and agencies of foreign governments.
Tuition and fees for all students, including those whose tuition has been deferred, become an obligation in accordance with the provisions of the Withdrawal Refund Policy as follows: Tuition and fees are due, in full, by the settlement deadline. Failure to make payments of any indebtedness to the university when due, including but not limited to tuition, deferred tuition, housing, student loans, lab fees and USCard, is considered sufficient cause, until the debt is settled with the university to (1) bar the student from classes and examinations; (2) withhold diploma, scholastic certificate or transcripts; (3) bar the student from university housing; (4) suspend all university services and privileges; (5) suspend the student; (6) assign the student to a collection agency (students who have been assigned to an outside collection agency may be required to pay in advance for all future registrations and services); and (7) report the student to a credit bureau. This policy will be equally enforced against debts discharged through bankruptcy.
Permission to cancel enrollment does not constitute, nor shall it be construed as, a waiver by the university of a student's financial obligation. Students are still responsible for all outstanding debts and contracts with the university. Furthermore, a student must not have any delinquent financial obligations to USC at the time classes begin or his or her registration may be revoked.
For additional information please contact the Cashier's Office, Student Union 106 (STU 106), (213) 740-7471.
You may pay your bill via the Internet (USCe.pay), by mail or in person. If you are paying by mail, please follow the instructions on your monthly billing statement. Be sure to mail your payment early enough for the university to receive it by the settlement deadline.
USCe.pay allows you to manage your student account online. You can pay your tuition and fees by transferring funds from your savings or checking account, or by charging to your VISA, MasterCard or Discover card. You can also print e-receipts and view your billing statements or current account information. In addition, you can set up individual guest user access for parents or anyone else you choose so they can make payments on your account. For more information or to login to your account, view usc.edu/epay.
In fall and spring semesters, USC offers a monthly payment plan. An application must be made each term after the student has registered for classes but before the settlement deadline.
More detailed information about student accounts, settlement options and procedures is available at usc.edu/sfs.
You should present the credit card (and parent's written authorization if the card is not in your name) as well as a valid driver's license. Presentation of any credit card does not constitute payment of tuition and fees. Authorization must be obtained from the credit card institution in order to be posted to the student account. Declined authorizations are your responsibility. If a bank card transaction is later disallowed by the bank for any reason, the student account will be subject to the "Returned Item" penalties in accordance with the returned item policy.
Thirty day deferments are granted for up to $2,000 of the tuition balance. You must take three or more units (or the equivalent) to receive any type of deferment. There is a non-refundable service charge of five percent of the deferred amount, due at the time the deferment is granted, in addition to the remaining billing balance.
The number of units for which tuition is charged is generally the same as the number of academic units indicated after each course in the Schedule of Classes.
However, some courses with no academic credit require payment of tuition. Most classes with course numbers ending in z (e.g., 594z and 794z) require 2 units of tuition. GRSC 800 and GRSC 810 each require 1 unit of tuition.
In sessions offering different tuition rates or mandatory fees for undergraduate and graduate students, the student's Program of Study (POST) will determine the tuition rate and fees to be charged. Students with more than one active post will be charged as undergraduate students if at least one POST is designated as undergraduate.
Financial aid recipients will have most of their available financial aid (such as scholarships, grants, loans, and graduate assistantship tuition awards) applied to their university account each semester as direct credits against their total charges. Federal and state aid, such as Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Cal Grants, Direct Stafford Loans, Direct PLUS Loans and Perkins Loans, are applied to student accounts no sooner than 10 days before the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. During the summer, federal aid is applied to student accounts no sooner than the first day of the earliest session of enrollment. Students must complete all application steps and meet all disbursement requirements before funds will be applied to their accounts. For details, visit usc.edu/financialaid.
Federal Work-Study awards are not reflected as credits on a student's account. These awards are earned through employment, either on-campus or with an approved off-campus employer. The student is paid by check or direct deposit bi-weekly for hours worked and may earn up to the amount of the Federal Work-Study award.
Monthly billing notifications on all active student accounts are emailed to the student's official USC email address (ends in @usc.edu) and to their designated guest users. USC does not mail printed statements to currently enrolled students.
In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, university representatives will not disclose any specific information about a student's account to any third party (including family members) without the student's permission. Information about granting permission is available on the Student Financial Services Website's FAQs for parents and sponsors (usc.edu/sfs).
Although the university will accept payments from a third party, the student is responsible for settling all debts to the university by the appropriate deadlines.
Tuition is refundable entirely at the discretion of the university. Refunds will be computed as of the date on which a student cancels or drops a course through the Registration Department. Request for a refund must be made to the Cashier's Office.
Full (100 percent) refunds for the regular/general 12- to 15-week fall or spring session are made through the end of the third week of classes (the refund deadline). No refunds are issued for classes canceled after the deadline.
If you are enrolled in any other fall or spring session, or if you are enrolled in the summer, a different refund deadline may apply. See the academic department for specific information.
Students who are recipients of Title IV federal financial aid funds (Federal ACG Grant, Pell Grant, SMART Grant, SEOG, Direct Stafford Loan, Direct PLUS Loan, Perkins Loan) and who withdraw from all classes after the refund deadline, may be required to return any "unearned" Title IV federal financial aid, even if they are not entitled to a refund of tuition. Refer to Withdrawal Implications for Recipients of Financial Aid for more information.
Elective insurance is available that provides full coverage for tuition and mandatory fees if students suffer serious illnesses or accidents that necessitate leaving the university before the semester is completed. The Tuition Refund Plan is offered through a private insurance carrier, Dewars, Inc. You must choose to accept or opt out of this plan the first time you register for each term. If you accept the plan, the charge is added to your student account. Further information is available from the Cashier's Office, the Registration Department and at usc.edu/dept/ARR/services/registration/tuitionrefund.html. See here for additional information.
All students who borrowed a Federal Direct Stafford Loan or Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan must complete exit loan counseling when they are no longer enrolled at least half time. Exit loan counseling is a two-part requirement for borrowers of Federal Direct Stafford and/or Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loans. First, a borrower must complete online exit loan counseling at nslds.ed.gov. This online process takes about 20 minutes and requires students to update their contact information with the U.S. Department of Education. Second, a borrower must also participate in an in-person exit loan counseling information session or an exit loan counseling webinar. Information about the schedule for in-person exit loan counseling and webinar is available online at usc.edu/financialaid at the end of each semester.
Students who have borrowed a Federal Perkins Loan, Health Professions Student Loan, Loan for Disadvantaged Students, Primary Care Loan or any institutional loan, must complete an online session at usc.edu/sfs. Diplomas and transcripts will not be released if the student does not complete exit loan counseling.
Students who received a TEACH grant must also complete exit counseling when they withdraw from the university or graduate. The TEACH grant exit counseling session can be completed online at nslds.ed.gov.
The Tuition Assistance Benefits program provides USC tuition payments for eligible faculty and staff and their spouses or registered domestic partners and children. The amount of tuition payment varies based on who is taking the class, the type of class and the maximum number of units eligible for assistance. Tuition assistance is limited to tuition, and does not apply to any fees or books.
Tuition assistance eligibility does not guarantee the student admission to the university. The prospective student must apply for university admission through the USC Admission Office.
Only those USC classes for which a student may register and receive a registration confirmation are eligible for Tuition Assistance Benefits. Special education programs, seminars and other classes not listed in the USC Catalogue are not eligible for tuition remission.
An employee must be employed by the university in a tuition-benefits-eligible position on or before the first day of classes in the semester for which application is made. Please note that the "first day of classes" refers to the first day classes are in session for the semester, not the first day the specific class in which the student is enrolled meets. Conversely, the "end of the semester," refers to the last day classes are in session for the semester, not the last day the specific class in which the student is enrolled meets. This includes the summer semester, which has different "sessions" but still has very specific semester start and end dates (see Academic Calendar). A student who receives tuition assistance is responsible for payment of a prorated amount of tuition assistance if certain changes in employment status of the employee or sponsoring employee occur during the semester. See the Tuition Assistance Benefits Policy available online at usc.edu/benefits for complete information about eligibility and requirements. General information about the tax liability for certain types of tuition assistance is included in the policy. For additional information, contact the Benefits Office on the University Park Campus. Application forms for tuition assistance may be found on the Benefits Website at usc.edu/benefits by clicking the icon "Forms" and then "Tuition Assistance Application Forms."
Defined as complete withdrawal from the semester or session, cancellation refunds are computed based on the date the application to cancel enrollment is presented to the Registration Department.
Drops are defined as withdrawal from one class or part of registration. The refund schedule applies as of the date the drop is processed by the Registration Department.
This policy is enforced equally for settled and unsettled registrations.
This option offers individuals the opportunity to stabilize tuition costs by avoiding future tuition increases. Under this plan, the university will accept the prepayment of the student's total USC tuition plus mandatory fees at the current tuition rate for up to the next four or five years. The student must be admitted to the university before establishing a tuition prepayment account. For further information, contact Student Financial Services, (213) 740-4077.
The USC Payment Plan, administered by Student Financial Services, enables students and parents to pay tuition, fees and university housing and meal plan charges in monthly installments rather than in a single payment at the beginning of each semester. Payments are made over a five-month period for each semester, beginning August 1 for the fall semester and January 1 for the spring semester, and may be made only by electronic transfer. There is a small application fee each semester. The student must be in good financial standing at the university. For further information, contact Student Financial Services, (213) 740-4077. You may also access the Website at usc.edu/sfs/payplan.
USC participates in a number of long-term financing options that are available to all families regardless of eligibility for scholarships or financial aid. These programs can relieve students' and families' cash-flow restrictions and enable them to meet their expected contributions for the cost of college education. Information about loan programs is available online at usc.edu/finaid or at the USC Financial Aid Office.
Premiums for the 2015–16 academic year are: Fall 2015: $610 and Spring/Summer 2016: $1,102.
The university requires that all students have supplemental health insurance to help cover the cost of health care that cannot be obtained at the health center, especially in emergency situations where hospitalization may be required.
All domestic students carrying 6 units or more will be automatically enrolled in the USC student health insurance plan. Some class registration codes, for example Special Tuition programs, do not generate this automatic charge. All students are required to review their fee bill after registering for classes and if the automatic insurance charge does not appear, must contact the insurance office by the add date to enroll in this plan if they wish to continue coverage for the semester. Domestic students carrying less than 6 units or who drop classes before the add date resulting in enrollment in less than 6 units, must enroll themselves in the plan by the add date if they wish to continue coverage for the semester. All international and/or health sciences students are automatically enrolled in the USC student health insurance plan regardless of the number of units in which they are enrolled. Distance Education students studying remotely must contact the USC Student Health Insurance Office for current eligibility information no later than the add date at the beginning of each semester.
The USC student health insurance plan works in conjunction with the university's student health centers. All students enrolled in the USC student health insurance plan are assessed the student health center fee and are required to access their primary care at the student health center on their campus. Referrals are required in order to see providers outside the student health centers for non-emergency situations.
Enrollment in the USC student health plan will only be waived and the premium charge removed from the fee bill if documented proof of health coverage from another plan is presented using the online waiver application by the deadline date of September 11, 2015. In order to receive a waiver of the USC student health insurance, the insurance presented must meet all the following requirements:
Upon request, you must be able to provide a copy of:
The waiver must be submitted using the online waiver request program by September 11, 2015. Login is through OASIS.
For more information, email the Student Health Insurance Office at eshcins@usc.edu or call (213) 740-0551.
Graduate assistants with a .25 award or higher and PhD students may be eligible to have USC pay for the USC student health plan and the USC Student Health Center fee. Their assistantship award must show in the student financial detail system. More information is available in the student's award packet through his or her academic department.
Students enrolled in overseas study programs are required to have USC health insurance coverage. These students are automatically enrolled in the USC overseas studies health insurance plan unless they are enrolled in the USC health plan. For more information, please email the Student Insurance Office at eshcins@usc.edu or call (213) 740-0551.
Dental coverage for students is available for purchase and billed to the student's account. Dental coverage is not automatic. The coverage period is August 17, 2015 – August 14, 2016. Coverage is for the entire year and must be purchased by the deadline of September 11, 2015. Spring enrollment will only be allowed for new incoming students in the spring semester. Plan details are available at usc.edu/engemann.
Veterans must register with the Veterans Certification Office each semester in order to receive benefits. Students may expect an educational allowance based only on courses that are a legitimate part of the degree program approved for veterans. The student must notify the Veterans Certification Office immediately upon any change in unit load or change of major. The office is located in the Tutor Campus Center, Room 330. Students may contact the office at vets@usc.edu, (213) 740-4619, (213) 821-3760 FAX. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday–Friday.
For more information, visit our Website at usc.edu/va.
Students may visit gibill.va.gov for more information regarding GI Bill Educational Assistance.
The Department of Naval Science offers courses for all undergraduate students, although the courses are structured primarily for those who are participating in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC). This program eventually leads to a commission as an officer in the United States Navy or the United States Marine Corps. Most NROTC midshipmen at USC are the recipients of national scholarships earned through competition while seniors in high school. These grants pay full tuition, fees, a book stipend and a $250 to $400 monthly subsistence stipend to help defray living expenses. The university also provides an additional automatic scholarship of $4,000 per year for each NROTC scholarship recipient to help pay for living expenses. Navy/Marine Corps scholarships are also available on a competition basis to students who enroll directly in the NROTC college program at the university. College program students receive no NROTC financial aid until they are selected for a scholarship, qualified medically, and meet naval body composition and fitness standards. College program students who are not selected for a scholarship may apply for advanced standing status during their sophomore year, which enables them to continue in the program and makes them eligible to receive a subsistence stipend beginning in their junior year. Upon completion of the bachelor's degree and NROTC requirements, scholarship and advanced standing students are commissioned as active duty Ensigns in the U.S. Navy or as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Marine Corps, and proceed to advanced training in the Navy Officer communities of aviation, submarines, surface ships, and naval special warfare or Marine Corps Military Occupational specialties such as aviation, infantry, intelligence, artillery, etc. For specific information, contact the Department of Naval Science at (213) 740-2663 or visit usc.edu/dept/nrotc.
Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps (AFROTC) is open to most students pursuing a baccalaureate degree. Classes consist of one hour of academics and two hours of laboratory for freshmen and sophomores; three hours of academics and two hours of laboratory for juniors and seniors. AFROTC offers a variety of scholarships, many of which pay the full cost of tuition, books and fees. AFROTC cadets on scholarship and all juniors and seniors receive a monthly tax-free stipend and a textbook allowance. USC offers a $4,000 scholarship per year for all AFROTC scholarship recipients and cadets who have successfully completed summer field training. Upon successful completion of AFROTC academic classes and leadership laboratories, students may qualify for a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. For more information, you may visit our Website at usc.edu/dept/afrotc or contact the Department of Aerospace Studies (AFROTC) at (213) 740-2670.
Army ROTC is one of the most demanding and successful leadership programs in the country. The training a student receives in Army ROTC teaches leadership development, military skills and career training. Courses take place both in the classroom and in the field, and are mixed with normal academic studies. Students may also attend additional summer programs, such as Airborne School. Upon completion, an Army ROTC graduate earns a commission as an officer starting out as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. The USC Army ROTC program has a limited number of full-tuition scholarships for full-time undergraduate and graduate students. Scholarships are offered on a competitive basis to all qualified applicants and are not based on financial need. Students (cadets) may compete for active duty, U.S. Army Reserve or National Guard duty. All cadets receive a monthly stipend based on his or her academic year and a book stipend per semester. All enrolled cadets receive uniforms, military science textbooks and any other required items from the department. Students may select any major offered by the university. Prior to the completion of their degree and commissioning, students will choose from the 17 different career fields (branches) the U.S. Army has to offer. Veterans, Reservists and National Guard members and AROTC graduates qualify for advanced placement. For further information, visit the Army ROTC office located in the Physical Education Building, Room 110, call (213) 740-1850 or visit the Website at uscrotc.com.
Students are expected to be familiar with university policies and to monitor their own academic progress. They should keep all records of official grades earned, degree requirements met, transfer credits accepted and actions taken on requests for substitutions or exceptions to university policies and regulations.
Return to: Academic and University Policies
The Fall, Spring and Summer issues of the Schedule of Classes contain details describing registration procedures, including the Web registration process, courses offered, course descriptions, faculty listings, time and meeting place of classes, textbook information and course syllabi. The Schedule of Classes is available before registration each semester at usc.edu/soc. It is recommended that students register as early as possible using Web registration to save time and avoid inconvenience. Registration appointment times and permit to register information are available to continuing students in October and March at my.usc.edu and on OASIS. New students will receive their permits to register during their orientation sessions. Open registration for all students continues the week prior to the start of the semester.
A student is considered to be enrolled full time in a semester when the student has registered for 12 or more units as an undergraduate student, eight or more units as a master's level student or six or more units as a doctoral level student. All graduate assistants are classified as full-time students during the semester(s) of their appointments as long as they are enrolled for the minimum units required for their assistantship. The number of courses for which a student has registered is not a basis for determining full-time enrollment status. Units taken for audit do not apply to enrollment status calculation. Other than units, there are additional circumstances that confer full-time enrollment status. These include enrollment in: 594 Master's Thesis, 794 Doctoral Dissertation, GRSC 800 Studies for the Qualifying Examination and GRSC 810 Studies for Master's Examination, as well as other courses and programs as determined by the Dean of Academic Records and Registrar. Verification of student enrollment status is provided by the Office of Academic Records and Registrar (Trojan Hall 101), usc.edu/dept/ARR/services/verification/generalinfo.html. Third-party requests for degree and enrollment information are provided by National Student Clearinghouse, studentclearinghouse.org. Enrolled students can also obtain verification on OASIS by logging in to my.usc.edu, clicking on OASIS and clicking on Record Ordering Services.
A normal academic load is 16 units per semester for undergraduate students and 8 units (500-level) for graduate students. The university recommends that undergraduate students register for no more than 18 units and graduate students for no more than 16 units. Permission to enroll in more than 20 units requires written approval from the school or home department of the student's major.
All undergraduate students must record their primary major by the start of their junior year (on completion of 64 semester units). All major and minor programs of study should be recorded three semesters before the intended graduation date. Undergraduate academic departments can also perform changes of major for their students.
Application for a minor must be made to the department or professional school offering the minor.
The first digit of the course number indicates the year level of the course: 000 — non-credit preparatory courses, 100 — first undergraduate year, 200 — second undergraduate year, 300 — third and fourth undergraduate years without graduate credit, 400 — third and fourth undergraduate years with graduate credit for graduate students, 500 — first graduate year, 600 — second graduate year, 700 — third graduate year.
Upper-division courses (300- and 400-level courses) are generally more sophisticated and demanding. They may have prerequisites or other limitations on enrollment and are usually intended for students who have some preparation, either in the specific discipline or more generally in academic study. They tend to concentrate more narrowly and intensively in scope than lower division courses in the same discipline.
The lowercase letters ab, abcd, etc., indicate the semesters of a course more than one semester in length. In such courses the a semester is prerequisite to the b semester, and so on. Courses designated g are available for general education credit. Courses designated m for multiculturalism meet the diversity requirement. Capital L indicates that all or part of the work is supervised laboratory or other work. Courses designated x are restricted in some manner. The course description will specify the restriction. Courses designated with a z are for repeated registrations for 0 credit, for which 2 units of tuition are charged.
The following are not available for graduate credit: courses numbered 000–399 and 490, courses designated g (general education), Senior Seminar courses, courses designated x where the description specifically excludes graduate credit.
The unit value of courses is indicated for each term of the course by a numeral in parentheses after the course title. All courses are on the semester unit basis. It is the student's responsibility to verify with the instructor that the number of units in which he or she has registered in any variable unit course is correct. If the units are incorrect, the student must correct them through Web registration or in person at Trojan Hall 101.
Ordinarily, courses may not be repeated for credit. For courses that may be repeated for credit, the maximum amount of credit is indicated after the unit value. Courses that may be repeated for credit reflect instances in which the subject matter is progressive in nature, or where special topics or directed research offerings exist, all reflecting unique course work.
It is recommended that students register in courses appropriate to their academic standing — lower-division students in courses below 300, upper-division students in courses below 500, graduate students in courses numbered 500 or higher.
Preparatory courses (course numbers below 100) impart the minimum skills required for college-level work. Students completing preparatory course work may receive unit credit toward enrollment status but do not receive degree credit.
Prerequisites are courses that must be passed and/or specific background that must be demonstrated prior to advancing to the next course in a prescribed sequence of courses. Passage of appropriate examinations or consent of the academic unit offering the course will waive prerequisites. However, a prerequisite course within the same discipline taken after the higher level course has been passed will not be available for unit or grade point credit.
Corequisites are courses that must be taken at the same time as, or passed prior to, the designated course. Passage of the appropriate examinations or consent of the academic unit offering the course will waive corequisites. However, a corequisite course within the same discipline taken after the designated course has been passed will not be available for unit or grade point credit.
Recommended preparation indicates course work or specific background that is advisable but not mandatory in preparing the student for the designated course.
Registration in a class does not by itself guarantee a space in that class. An instructor may replace any student who without prior consent does not attend these class sessions: (a) the first two class sessions of the semester, or (b) the first class session of the semester for once-a-week classes. It is then the student's responsibility to withdraw officially from the course. Any class added, whether by Web registration or in person, after the first week of classes should receive the approval of the instructor.
Students may enroll for courses with the Pass/No Pass grade option on Web Registration. USC allows students to decide the grade option for any course up until the 20 percent mark of the session in which the course is offered. For the specific deadline to change the grade option of a course, click the Calendar icon next to the course on the Schedule of Classes.
As of fall 2015, students who register for a course on a Pass/No Pass basis may request to change the grade option to letter grade 45 percent into the session in which the course is offered. For the specific deadline to change the grade option of a course, click the Calendar icon next to the course on the Schedule of Classes.
Certain undergraduate courses (e.g., courses offered by the WRIT department) must be taken for a letter grade. Graduate students must receive departmental approval to enroll in a graduate course on a Pass/No Pass basis. Refer to the Pass/No Pass Graded Work section in the USC Catalogue for details on degree credit restrictions on courses taken on a Pass/No Pass basis. Students should consult an academic adviser before enrolling in any course on a Pass/No Pass basis.
In cases where a student has registered for a course on a Pass/No Pass (P/NP) basis and an academic integrity violation has occurred, a penalty letter grade may be assigned (i.e., "F"), rather than assigning a mark of Pass or No Pass.
Certain courses have been authorized by the University Committee on Curriculum to be graded Credit/No Credit. Students may not enroll in a course on a Credit/No Credit basis unless the course is listed as being offered as Credit/No Credit.
Many academic units offer courses numbered 490x and 390. These courses are offered on a letter-graded basis only and carry certain restrictions that are uniformly applied throughout the university.
Courses numbered 490x are open to students who have demonstrated the ability to do independent work in the discipline. The courses require consent of the instructor and a written contract of course requirements signed by both the instructor and department chair. They are not available for graduate credit and are not open to students with less than 2.0 GPA overall or with any academic holds that restrict registration. A student may accumulate a maximum of 12 units of 490x in any one department and 16 units toward the degree.
Courses numbered 390 are available only to seniors in their last semester who are made aware of a unit shortage after the enrollment period for that semester has passed. Students notified of a unit shortage prior to the close of the enrollment period are expected to register for regularly scheduled classes. Enrollment in a 390 class is available only by petition to the Committee on Academic Policies and Procedures (CAPP). A 390 is a supervised, individual studies course. The student and instructor must prepare a written contract of course requirements for presentation with the petition to CAPP. The petition must be recommended by the dean of the academic unit in which the student is seeking a degree. Evidence must be provided that the unit shortage was the result of circumstances beyond the student's control. Credit for only one 390 registration is accepted toward the student's baccalaureate degree.
Students may elect to audit courses during the first three weeks of the semester (or the third week equivalent for any session that is scheduled for less than 15 weeks). Consult the Schedule of Classes for the deadline to select the audit grade option for a specific course. A course taken for audit (V) will be assessed at the current tuition rate. A course taken for audit (V) will not receive credit and will not appear on the USC transcript or grade report. A course taken for audit is not included in enrollment for purposes of receiving financial aid.
Limited status enrollment allows persons who have not been admitted to the university to take a limited number of courses at USC.
Students who have not yet completed a bachelor's degree are not eligible for limited status enrollment if they have been denied admission to USC or if they have been academically disqualified or suspended from any community college, college or university.
At the post-baccalaureate level, limited status enrollment is not available to students who have been denied admission to the department offering the course unless prior approval is granted by the department and the appropriate dean.
Limited status enrollment does not fulfill requirements for issuing a student visa. International students (students studying or wishing to study in the United States on a non-immigrant visa) must have the approval of the Office of International Services (Grace Ford Salvatori, Room 120) before registering for classes.
A pre-baccalaureate limited status student may not register for more than 16 units; a post-baccalaureate limited status student may not register for more than 12 units.
Exceptions to this policy will be considered by the Office of Admission for USC employees and for post-baccalaureate students who submit a disclaimer of intent to pursue a USC degree.
Prior approval of the department offering the course is required for all limited status enrollment. If a limited status student is subsequently admitted to regular standing, no more than the first 16 undergraduate or the first 12 graduate units taken through limited status enrollment can be applied toward a degree. In very rare situations, individual undergraduate exceptions may be approved by the dean of the degree-conferring unit. For graduate students, the rare exception must be approved by the Vice Provost for Graduate Programs. International students must show proof of proper visa type and demonstrate English language proficiency prior to enrollment in the Limited Status program.
Dropping and Adding Courses
Courses may be added only during the 20 percent mark of the
session. After registering, it is the student's responsibility to
officially drop from a course if he or she decides not to continue
in a course. All such changes must be processed by Web registration
or through the Registration Department. Failure to withdraw
officially will result in the mark of "UW," which is computed in
the GPA as zero (0) grade points. A student may drop a course
without academic or financial penalty up until the 20 percent mark
of the session in which the course is offered. If the course is
dropped after the 20 percent mark and before 45 percent of the
session, the course does not appear on the academic transcript, but
the course tuition and fees will be assessed to the student's
account. If the course is dropped after the 45 percent mark, it
will be recorded with a mark of "W." No course may be dropped after
the 80 percent mark of a session. A student may not withdraw from a
course in which he or she committed or was accused of committing an
academic integrity violation. Please refer to the Schedule of Classes to see
session dates.
Exceptional undergraduate students may enroll in a graduate course. In order to do so, students must receive approval of the instructor. Students must have prior approval from the chair of the major department to count the course for undergraduate credit or audit the course. The student's major department will notify the Degree Progress Department regarding the manner in which the graduate course will be used. In no case will a student be allowed to enroll in and receive credit for a graduate course if the student's cumulative USC GPA is below 2.0.
As part of an academic resource-sharing program, USC graduate students have an opportunity to take a portion of their program at UCLA. This cross-registration opportunity is only available for courses or seminars not offered at USC and only to selected students. For further information on requirements, contact the USC Graduate School office (Student Union 301).
Credit (CR) will be granted only for work completed with a grade of B (3.0) or higher. The student's transcript will show that the course was taken at UCLA and also record the name of the course. Units attempted at UCLA are on the quarter system. USC students who complete course work at UCLA will have those units converted to semester units for each unit completed at UCLA. Library privileges will be extended at UCLA but other privileges or services cannot be offered.
A student may file a Request for NDO Course Conversion form with the Registration Department to have USC courses previously taken under a non-degree option (NDO) converted to unit credit and thus appear on the USC transcript. Such a request must include all NDO courses previously attempted; requests for partial conversion will be denied. Conversion for credit requires retroactive registration in the term in which the course was attempted, including payment of the tuition differential between the NDO rate originally paid and the tuition rate in effect at the time of conversion. As in all USC courses taken in Limited Status, converted courses may not be considered for degree credit at USC unless the student is formally admitted to full standing at the university. Upon formal admission, only the first 16 NDO units taken that are available for credit toward the intended degree may be applied for baccalaureate credit, and only the first 12 NDO units taken that are available for credit toward the intended degree may be applied toward a graduate degree. Degree credit for units beyond the first 16 undergraduate or 12 graduate available units will not be allowed. All courses converted will appear on the USC transcript and will be included in the calculation of the USC GPA, regardless of whether they are being applied specifically toward the degree being pursued.
Students who wish to take course work at another institution while continuing as enrolled students at USC will be required to obtain various levels of permission to do so. For details, see the Course Work Taken Elsewhere section here (undergraduate) or here (graduate).
Return to: Academic and University Policies
The university as an instrument of learning is predicated on the existence of an environment of integrity. As members of the academic community, faculty, students and administrative staff share the responsibility for maintaining this environment. Faculty have the primary responsibility for establishing and maintaining an atmosphere and attitude of academic integrity such that the enterprise may flourish in an open and honest way. Students share this responsibility for maintaining standards of academic performance and classroom behavior conducive to the learning process. Administrative staff are responsible for the establishment and maintenance of procedures to support and enforce those academic standards. Thus, the entire university community bears the responsibility for maintaining an environment of integrity and for confronting incidents of academic dishonesty.
Guidelines governing academic integrity can be found on the Student Judicial Affairs and Community Standards Website at usc.edu/student-affairs/SJACS.
The University of Southern California maintains the privacy of student education records and allows students the right to inspect their education records as stated in the university's Student Education Records policy, consistent with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). The entire text of the university's policy is located in the Office of the General Counsel, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and the Registrar's Office. Additional information regarding FERPA is also available on the Registrar's Website, usc.edu/ferpa.
Faculty and staff who request access to student academic records in order to execute their normal duties must first review the information found on the FERPA Website and complete the tutorial before access will be granted.
Students wishing to review or seeking to amend their education records should submit a written request to the university office in which the record is maintained.
At the discretion of university officials, USC may release certain information classified as directory information unless the student requests that such information not be released. A complete listing of directory information is in the FERPA section of the Registrar's Website, usc.edu/ferpa.
Students wishing to restrict release of directory information may do so by completing the appropriate form provided by the Registrar's Office (Trojan Hall 101). Such requests remain in effect for the academic year. Students wishing only to have their information withheld from the online USC Student Directory should contact the Registrar's Office (Trojan Hall 101).
Recognizing that many students wish to share information from their educational records with their parents and family members, USC has developed an online system that will accomplish the following:
Students may log in to my.usc.edu and click on OASIS, USC's Web-based student information system, and use the "Establish Guest Access" feature to grant others permission to education and medical records. Instructions for logging into OASIS and granting access are provided on the university's FERPA Website at usc.edu/ferpa.
Parents who wish to gain access to information from the education records of their son or daughter will not be provided the information unless the student has granted access through OASIS or has completed the appropriate release form authorizing the university to release specific information from their education records to approved individuals.
If students grant access through OASIS, parents and family members may access education records information online through the OASIS for Guests Website. For more information regarding FERPA, including forms and instructions to log in to OASIS or OASIS for Guests, parents and students should visit the university's FERPA Website at usc.edu/ferpa.
The University of Southern California is committed to full compliance with the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA). As part of the implementation of this law, the university will continue to provide reasonable accommodation for academically qualified students with disabilities so that they can participate fully in the university's educational programs and activities. Although USC is not required by law to change the "fundamental nature or essential curricular components of its programs in order to accommodate the needs of students with disabilities," the university will provide reasonable academic accommodation. It is the specific responsibility of the university administration and all faculty serving in a teaching capacity to ensure the university's compliance with this policy.
The general definition of a student with a disability is any person who has "a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person's major life activities," and any person who has "a history of, or is regarded as having, such an impairment." Reasonable academic and physical accommodations include but are not limited to: extended time on examinations; use of academic aides in the classroom such as notetakers and sign language interpreters; accessibility for students who use wheelchairs and those with mobility impairments; and need for special classroom furniture or special equipment in the classroom.
Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact Disability Services and Programs (DSP) prior to or during the first week of class attendance or as early in the semester as possible. The office will work with the course instructor and his or her department, and the student to arrange for reasonable accommodations. It is the student's responsibility to provide documentation verifying disability in a timely way.
See dsp.usc.edu for documentation guidelines, policies and procedures.
Students seeking academic accommodations due to a disability should make the request to the course instructor prior to or during the first week of class attendance or as early in the semester as possible. Course instructors should require that a student present verification of documentation of a disability from Disability Services and Programs if academic accommodations are requested. The USC Gould School of Law has a unit-specific policy for handling requests for academic accommodations; however, all students with disabilities should register with DSP. Refer to the Law School Student Handbook.
For assistance in how to provide reasonable accommodations for a particular disability, course instructors are encouraged to consult with the staff at DSP. Students requesting academic accommodations must have verification of disability.
Detailed information about processing a grievance can be found at dsp.usc.edu.
The University of Southern California is an equal opportunity employer and educator. Proudly pluralistic and firmly committed to providing equal opportunity for outstanding men and women of every race, creed and background, the University of Southern California strives to build a community in which each person respects the rights of other people to live, work and learn in peace and dignity, be proud of who and what they are, and to have equal opportunity to realize their full potential as individuals and members of society. To this end, the university places great emphasis on those values and virtues that bind us together as human beings and members of the Trojan Family. The university enthusiastically supports this policy in its entirety, and expects that every person associated with the university will give continuing support to its implementation.
The university is committed to complying with all applicable laws and governmental regulations at the federal, state and local levels that prohibit discrimination against, or which mandate that special consideration be given to, students and applicants for admission, or faculty, staff and applicants for employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical disability, mental disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic that may be specified in such laws and regulations. This policy also shall apply to the administration of any of the university's educational programs and activities. Gender includes both the actual sex of an individual and that person's gender identity, appearance or behavior, whether or not that identity, appearance or behavior is traditionally associated with that person's sex at birth. An otherwise qualified individual must not be discriminated against or excluded from admission, employment or participation in educational programs and activities solely by reason of his or her disability. This policy applies to all of the university's educational programs and activities including admissions, and all personnel actions including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, transfers, layoffs, return from layoff, provision of leaves, training, education, tuition assistance and other programs. In addition, an otherwise qualified individual must not be discriminated against in, or excluded from, admissions, participation in educational programs and activities, or employment solely due to his or her disability.
University policies and procedures will ensure that students and student applicants with a disability will not, on the basis of a disability, be denied full and equal access to and enjoyment of academic and co-curricular programs or activities or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under programs or activities offered by the university. For more information on accommodations for any student or student applicant with a disability, contact the Office of Disability Services and Programs, (213) 740-0776.
The university seeks compliance with all statutes prohibiting discrimination in education, including Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 which respectively prohibit discrimination. This good faith effort to comply is made even when such laws and regulations conflict with each other.
The university will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. Further information is available from Human Resources Administration at uschr@usc.edu or (213) 821-8111.
The Disabled/Veterans Affirmative Action Plan may be reviewed by employees and applicants upon request. For further information or to make an appointment during regular business hours, contact OED (see below).
Questions regarding the application of the various rules and regulations concerning equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and non-discrimination should also be addressed to OED (see below). The university's Title IX Coordinator, ADA Coordinator, and AgeDA Coordinator is Jody Shipper, Executive Director of the OED, University Park Campus, Los Angeles, California 90089.
Responsible Office: Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), usc.edu/dept/hr/equity_diversity, oed@usc.edu, (213) 740-5086
Return to: Academic and University Policies
When a final examination falls at a time that conflicts with a student's observance of a holy day, faculty members must accommodate a request for an alternate examination date at a time that does not violate the student's religious creed.
A student must discuss a final examination conflict with the professor no later than two weeks prior to the scheduled examination date to arrange an acceptable alternate examination date.
The following administrative examinations are given at USC:
Placement examinations determine the student's level of ability and appropriate placement in mathematics, chemistry and foreign languages. These exams carry no unit credit but can be used to fulfill a required or elective subject area.
Placement exams are administered by the USC Center for Testing and Assessment in mathematics (MATH 040x, MATH 108, MATH 116, MATH 117, MATH 118 and MATH 125), chemistry (CHEM 050, CHEM 102, CHEM 105a or CHEM 105b), and the International Student English Examination (ISE) in conjunction with the American Language Institute. These placement exams are administered on scheduled dates on the USC campus and require a reservation with the Center for Testing and Assessment. All exams require a USC ID and/or proof of USC enrollment. For additional information, contact the USC Center for Testing and Assessment, STU 301, (213) 740-7166, sait.usc.edu/academicsupport/cta.
Placement in elementary and intermediate foreign language courses is made by the foreign language placement exams. Foreign Language placement exams are administered by the Language Center on scheduled dates throughout the academic year and during summer. Transfer courses in foreign languages do not fulfill the prerequisite for the next course in the sequence; students are required to take the USC placement exam to continue in language courses at USC. For additional information concerning foreign language exams, contact the Language Center, THH 309, (213) 740-1188, language.usc.edu.
Transfer students may be advised to repeat, without additional credit, a semester or semesters of instruction to qualify for the next level in the sequence if their skills are judged insufficient at the time of testing.
Students who score below specified levels on certain sections of the SAT or ACT exams and students completing American Language Institute course work are required to take the University Writing Examination to determine if they must complete preparatory course work before enrolling in WRIT 150. See The Writing Program section.
Equivalency examinations are given at the discretion of the academic unit to determine whether upper division transferred course work may be applied as subject credit to the major requirements for the degree. Passing the examination does not provide additional unit credit. Contact the appropriate academic unit for specific details.
Special examinations for subject credit establish subject credit in a subject area in which the student is sufficiently prepared but in which no previous credit has been accepted or attempted toward the USC degree.
Students who would like to request a waiver from the normal course requirements may request that the chair of the department in which the course is offered allow them to take a special examination challenging the course for subject credit only. The fee for the examination is one half of a unit per examination.
With the permission of the dean of the academic unit in which the student is a degree candidate, the student may file a Request for Credit by Special Examination form in the Grade Department (Hubbard Hall 106). The following rules apply:
Return to: Academic and University Policies
The following grades are used: A — excellent; B — good; C — fair in undergraduate courses and minimum passing in courses for graduate credit; D — minimum passing in undergraduate courses; F — failed. In addition, plus and minus grades may be used, with the exceptions of A plus, F plus and F minus. The grade of F indicates that the student failed at the end of the semester or was doing failing work and stopped attending the course after the twelfth week of the semester. Minimum passing grades are D- for undergraduate credit and C for graduate credit. Additional grades include: CR — credit (passing grade for non-letter-graded courses equivalent to C- quality or better for undergraduate courses and B (3.0) quality or better for graduate courses); NC — no credit (less than the equivalent of a C- for an undergraduate and a B for a graduate, non-letter-graded course); P – pass (passing grade equivalent to C- quality or better for undergraduate letter-graded courses and B (3.0) quality or better for graduate courses taken on a Pass/No Pass basis); NP – no pass (less than the equivalent of a C- for an undergraduate and a B (3.0) for a graduate, letter graded course taken on a Pass/No Pass basis).
The following marks are also used: W — withdrawn; IP — interim mark for a course exceeding one semester (failure to complete courses in which marks of IP [in progress] appear will be assigned grades of NC); UW —unofficial withdrawal (assigned to students who stopped attending prior to the drop deadline but failed to withdraw); MG — missing grade (an administrative mark used in cases when the instructor fails to submit a final course grade for a student); IN — incomplete (work not completed because of documented illness or some other emergency occurring after the twelfth week of the semester; arrangements for the IN and its completion should be initiated by the student and agreed to by the instructor prior to the final exam); IX — lapsed incomplete.
A system of grade points is used to determine a student's grade point average. Grade points are assigned to grades as follows for each unit in the credit value of a course: A, 4 points; A-, 3.7 points; B+, 3.3 points; B, 3.0 points; B-, 2.7 points; C+, 2.3 points; C, 2 points; C-, 1.7 points; D+, 1.3 points; D, 1 point; D-, 0.7 points; F, 0 points; UW, 0 points; IX, 0 points. Wherever these letter grades appear in this catalogue or other university documents, they represent the numerical equivalents listed above. Marks of CR, NC, P, NP, W, IP, MG and IN do not affect a student's grade point average.
There are four categories of class level: Undergraduate, Graduate, Law and Other. Undergraduate comprises freshman (less than 32 units earned); sophomore (32–63.9 units earned); junior (64–95.9 units earned) and senior (at least 96 units earned). Graduate comprises any course work attempted while pursuing a master's and/or doctoral degree. Law comprises any course work (offered by the USC Gould School of Law) attempted while pursuing a Juris Doctor or Master of Laws degree. Other comprises any course work attempted while not admitted to a degree program or course work not available for degree credit.
If an IN is assigned as the student's grade, the instructor will fill out the Assignment of an Incomplete (IN) and Requirements for Completion form which will specify to the student and to the department the work remaining to be done, the procedures for its completion, the grade in the course to date and the weight to be assigned to the work remaining to be done when computing the final grade. A student may complete the IN by completing only the portion of required work not finished as a result of documented illness or emergency occurring after the twelfth week of the semester. Previously graded work may not be repeated for credit.
One calendar year is allowed to complete an IN. Individual academic units may have more stringent policies regarding these time limits. If the IN is not completed within the designated time, the course is considered "lapsed," the grade is changed to an "IX" and will be calculated into the grade point average as 0 points. Courses offered on a Credit/No Credit basis or taken on a Pass/No Pass basis for which a mark of Incomplete is assigned will be lapsed with a mark of NC or NP and will not be calculated into the grade point average.
Completing the IN within the one-year period should be the student's highest priority. A student may petition the Committee on Academic Policies and Procedures (CAPP) for an extension of time for the completion of an IN. Extensions beyond the specified time limit are rarely approved if the student has enrolled in subsequent semesters.
In all cases, a petition for an extension of time for completion of an IN must have departmental approval and include a statement from the instructor explaining what is needed to complete the course and why the instructor feels the student should be given even further time for completion.
Marks of MG must be resolved before a degree or certificate will be awarded. If a student wishes to graduate and chooses not to resolve the mark(s) of MG, the mark(s) will be defaulted to mark(s) of UW and will be calculated into the grade point average as 0 grade points.
One calendar year is allowed to resolve an MG. If an MG is not resolved within one year, the grade is changed to UW and it will be calculated into the grade point average as 0 grade points. Courses offered on a Credit/No Credit basis or taken on a Pass/No Pass basis for which an MG was not resolved within one year will be changed to a mark of NC or NP and will not be calculated into the grade point average.
Courses offered on a Credit/No Credit basis or taken on a Pass/No Pass basis for which an MG was not resolved within one year will be changed to a mark of NC or NP and will not be calculated into the grade point average.
A grade once reported to the Office of Academic Records and Registrar may not be changed except by request of the faculty member to the Committee on Academic Policies and Procedures on a Correction of Grade form. Changes should be requested only on the basis of an actual error in assigning the original grade, not on the basis of a request by the student or special consideration for an individual student. Students are not permitted to complete course work after the semester has ended.
The instructor's evaluation of the performance of each individual student is the final basis for assigning grades. Through orderly appeal procedures, students have protection against prejudiced or capricious academic evaluation. See here for details of the procedure.
When a student is found responsible for a violation of the USC Student Conduct Code standards pertaining to academic dishonesty, the Vice Provost for Student Affairs (or designee) will inform the Office of Academic Records and Registrar. In appropriate cases, the Office of Academic Records and Registrar will post the sanction information on the student's academic records. Disciplinary sanctions noted on student records include suspension and expulsion from the university and revocation of admission and degree. Disciplinary grade sanctions (e.g., F in course) are not distinguished on a student's transcript from marks assigned for academic work accomplished. In cases of suspension or expulsion, the student's registration for the current term may be cancelled with marks of "W."
Under certain conditions, a student may repeat a course for grade point credit. In no case will additional unit credit be allowed for repeated courses or duplicated work. No student may repeat a course for grade point credit in which a grade of B- or better was received. A prerequisite course may not be repeated after a student has completed a course for which it is designated a prerequisite. (See prerequisites in the Registration section of the Catalogue.)
Undergraduate students who want to repeat a course in which a grade of C+, C or C- was received and have the subsequent grade calculated in the grade point average must petition the Committee on Academic Policies and Procedures (CAPP) for permission to do so prior to re-registering in the course. Post hoc approval will not be granted.
Graduate students may repeat a course in which a grade of C- or below was received, but both grades will be calculated in the grade point average. Graduate students who want to repeat a course in which a grade of C+ or C was received and have the subsequent grade calculated in the grade point average must petition the Committee on Academic Policies and Procedures (CAPP) for permission to do so prior to re-registering in the course. Post hoc approval will not be granted.
A special provision governs the repeat of courses by students who enter USC as first-time freshmen. These students may repeat a maximum of three courses taken during the first two semesters at USC in which grades of D+ or below (including UW and IX) were received, and only the subsequent letter grade, even if lower, will be calculated in the grade point average. The courses must be repeated at USC for a letter grade, and both courses with the grades received will appear on the transcript. The same course may be repeated no more than once for the benefit of substitution of grade. Students must notify the Degree Progress Department if they wish to utilize this provision. Students who have been assigned a grade as a result of a Student Conduct sanction may not repeat the course under this provision. Students who were admitted for spring and were first-time freshmen elsewhere in the previous fall may repeat a maximum of two courses taken during the first semester at USC in which grades of D+ or below were received with the same set of provisions stated above. An exception is the case in which a student earns a grade of C- in a course for which a grade of C or higher is required for application to major or minor requirements. In this case the subsequent grade will be calculated in the grade point average without the requirement of a petition.
An undergraduate student who withdraws (a mark of W) from at least 8 units in one semester or from at least 16 units overall must undergo mandatory academic advisement before the student can enroll in a subsequent semester. A restriction enforces this requirement. A student must have his or her academic adviser remove the restriction. This is a one-time requirement. Students will not be denied registration in future terms once advisement has taken place. This advisement is intended to provide students with information and guidance on the negative consequences that excessive withdrawals have on successful and timely completion of degree programs.
Any undergraduate student who earns a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on 12 units or more of letter-graded course work in any one semester is placed on the Dean's List for that semester. Grades of IN must be removed before eligibility is determined for that semester. Academic transcripts do not carry the Dean's List notation.
The University of Southern California does not calculate or support a class rank for its undergraduate students. While most graduate programs do not rank students, requests for graduate student class rankings should be directed to the dean of the particular school in which the graduate degree was earned.
Students are considered to be in good academic standing if they are eligible to register for classes. Disciplinary good standing is determined by the office of Student Judicial Affairs and Community Standards.
An overall USC grade point average (GPA) of at least C (2.0) on course work taken at USC is required for completion of undergraduate degrees.
A student whose overall USC GPA falls below 2.0 is placed on academic probation. Continued enrollment requires clearance from a counselor in the Office of Academic Review and Retention. Actions such as Corrections of Grades, Completion of Incompletes, Removal of Missing Grades and Exceptions Requests will not result in academic statuses being retroactively changed.
A student whose overall GPA falls below 2.0 is required to seek academic advisement prior to course selection each semester. Proof of advisement must be filed with the Office of Academic Review and Retention before any registration request will be processed. The Office of Academic Review and Retention will only accept an official Academic Review Advisement Record form with an authorized school signature as proof of advisement. This form may be obtained in Figueroa Building 107.
Students on academic probation who do not raise their overall GPA to 2.0 after two semesters of enrollment, exempting summer enrollment, will be academically disqualified. However, if a student earns a minimum semester GPA of 2.3 in the second or any subsequent probation semester but has not yet reached the overall 2.0 GPA, the student will not be disqualified and will be allowed to enroll for an additional semester.
Petitions for readmission after academic disqualification are initiated by the student through the Office of Academic Review and Retention. Completion of approved course work from another institution is a requirement for petitioning for readmission. Disqualified students must meet with a counselor from the Office of Academic Review and Retention before enrolling in courses at another institution. The counselor will provide the Readmission Pre-Approval Form on which both the Office of Academic Review and Retention and the student's academic department must sign approval.
Before petitioning for readmission, a disqualified student must complete a minimum of 12 semester units of preapproved, transferable course work applicable to USC degree requirements with a minimum 3.0 GPA. As readmission to the university is never guaranteed, any indication of strong academic performance beyond the 12 units required would strengthen a readmission petition. All grade issues at USC (IN, MG, etc.) must be resolved prior to submission of a readmission petition.
Students must petition for readmission by December 30 for spring semester, by May 1 for summer session and by August 15 for fall semester. Since a student's readmission petition must be reviewed and approved by CAPP before he or she can register, under no circumstances will a petition be accepted after the deadline. A nonrefundable fee of $50 must accompany the readmission petition.
Faculty advisers and departments take factors other than satisfactory grades and adequate GPAs into consideration in determining a student's qualifications for an advanced degree. A student's overall academic performance, specific skills and aptitudes, and faculty evaluations will be considered in departmental decisions regarding a student's continuation in a master's or doctoral degree program.
Satisfactory progress toward an advanced degree as determined by the faculty is required at all times. Students who fail to make satisfactory progress will be informed by their department or committee chair or school dean. The faculty has the right to recommend at any time after written warning that a student be dismissed from a graduate program for academic reasons or that a student be denied readmission. Procedures on disputed academic evaluations are described here.
As participants in an enterprise that depends on academic freedom and integrity, faculty members and graduate students have a special obligation to promote conditions that maintain free inquiry and the highest standards of integrity. USC faculty have developed guidelines to serve as a resource for students finding their way through the often complex academic relationships of a major research university. These guidelines for ethical faculty and graduate student relations are available from the Graduate School.
Graduate student researchers are required to obtain approval from the USC Institutional Review Boards whenever research, whether funded or unfunded, involving human subjects is proposed. The Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) are fully authorized to review all proposals and projects which involve the use of human subjects. "Human subject" means a living individual about whom an investigator conducting research obtains (a) data through intervention or interaction with the individual or (b) identifiable private information. The university IRBs have been established to meet federal regulations. The IRBs are required to assure that: (1) research methods are appropriate to the objectives of the research; (2) research methods are the safest, consistent with sound research design; (3) risks are justified in terms of related benefits to the subjects; (4) subjects' privacy is protected; (5) subjects participate willingly and knowingly to the extent possible; and (6) research projects are "monitored" by the IRBs.
English is the language of instruction at USC. All courses are taught in English with the exception of a few advanced language courses.
Return to: Academic and University Policies
Exceptions to particular university regulations and degree requirements will be considered only if there is no prohibition stated in this catalogue. Where exceptions are specifically prohibited, none will be granted. A student who wants an individual exception must follow the procedure specified in this catalogue for the particular regulation or requirement. If no procedure is specified, it may still be possible to request an exception. Such exceptions, however, are rarely granted.
Requests for exception to established university academic regulations or procedures are generally heard by: (1) the Committee on Academic Policies and Procedures (CAPP); (2) the dean of the academic unit in which the student is seeking a degree; or (3) the dean or director of the office responsible for administering the policy. Requests for credit for courses taken out of sequence are heard by the dean of the academic unit offering the course that was taken out of sequence. Students who wish to request an exception should first consult an academic adviser about the appropriate process to follow.
While the university is sensitive to the educational advantages of a flexible curriculum, it is also conscious of a responsibility to ensure equity for all students. Permission to deviate from published regulations is neither automatic nor pro forma; each request is considered on its own merits and in light of the petitioner's complete academic record.
The Committee on Academic Policies and Procedures (CAPP), a representative group of faculty, students and administrators, reviews or delegates the review of most general petitions. CAPP studies the effects of university academic requirements, regulations and policies; recommends improved student academic policies and procedures; and regularizes policies and procedures so that the number of petitions can be reduced. As part of this charge, CAPP has specific responsibility for oversight and review of the University Policy on Accommodations for Students with Disabilities. CAPP also rules through Academic Petitions Committees on requests for exceptions to academic regulations and requirements published in the University Catalogue. In most instances, the Academic Petitions Committee acts as the body with original jurisdiction, but in some cases delegates authority for approvals to another.
The assumptions and procedures which guide Academic Petition Committee actions are the following:
The Office of the Provost, Office of Academic Records and Registrar, and the Committee on Academic Policies and Procedures (CAPP) reserve the right to review, amend or revoke academic statuses and/or registration at any time.
Requests for exception to published registration procedures and enrollment deadlines are heard by the Dean of Academic Records and Registrar. Such requests are generated in the Office of Academic Review and Retention, Figueroa Building 107. Requests that are not approved by the dean are referred to a CAPP panel for review.
Any request to change the official registration for a semester retroactively must be submitted within 24 months of the end of the semester in question. The 24-month period starts with the last day of final examinations for the semester in question. If appropriate, the time limit can be waived by the dean of the academic unit in which the student is seeking a degree for a period not to exceed a total of five years. Deans may not request waivers of the two-year time limit rule if the course(s) in question occurred longer than five years previously.
Students may petition to waive individual general education requirements or apply one or more courses not listed in the USC Catalogue toward general education requirements. If the course or courses to be substituted was or will be taken at USC, a General Petition may be initiated in the student's home department; if the course was taken at another institution, an Articulation Petition may be initiated at usc.edu/OASIS. See the Transfer Credit section under Course Work Taken Elsewhere - UG.
Requests for exception to specific degree requirements are generated in the academic unit. Most requests will be forwarded by the adviser to CAPP for review. Some exceptions are made by the dean of the academic unit and are recorded on the Student Academic Record System (STARS) report by the academic department, using the exception process.
Requests for an exception to the policies and procedures governing Graduate School degree programs will be considered upon submission of a general petition to the Graduate School stating the specific request, supported by adequate reasons and information. The signatures and recommendations of the faculty adviser or committee chair and department chair are required.
Requests for exception to the policies and procedures governing graduate degree programs that do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School should be directed to the dean of the degree-conferring unit.
Return to: Undergraduate Education
College Academic Services Building 200
(213) 740-2961
(800) 872-2961
Director: Pennelope Von Helmolt, PhD
Each year, USC welcomes a small number of exceptional and highly motivated high school seniors to begin their college careers a year early as part of the Resident Honors Program. The program accepts students interested in all majors, but looks particularly for mature individuals who are ready for the challenges of a university. The typical Resident Honors student has a cumulative SAT score above 2200 and a high school GPA above 4.0.
The application process for the Resident Honors Program begins during a student's junior year of high school. SAT or ACT scores are an important part of the application and students are encouraged to take the SAT or ACT in October or November. In addition to an expanded university application, the program also requires a nomination form from the student's high school counselor and two letters of recommendation from high school teachers (one from the student's English teacher). The application is available online at usc.edu/rhp.
For more information, contact Pennelope Von Helmolt at (213) 740-2961 or (800) 872-2961, or vonhelm@usc.edu.
Return to: Undergraduate Education
Students at USC benefit from federal, state and university financial aid programs administered by the Financial Aid Office and from scholarships administered by the Office of Admission and various academic departments. USC also offers an interest-free monthly payment plan, a tuition pre-payment plan, and participates in long-term student and parent educational loan programs.
Although international students are not eligible for need-based financial aid, they may be eligible for scholarships offered by their schools or departments. International students should contact their departments directly for information about existing opportunities. International students may also be eligible for private educational loans.
The Financial Aid Office may change these policies at any time to ensure continued compliance with changes in federal and state regulations governing student financial aid. As a result, students must refer to the current catalogue regulations. Unlike degree requirements, changes in regulations, policies and procedures are immediate and supersede those in any prior catalogue.
Detailed information, application procedures and deadlines for financial aid are available online at usc.edu/financialaid. To be eligible for federal, state and university financial aid programs, students must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents or other eligible non-citizens; have a valid Social Security number; meet Selective Service registration requirements; have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent; meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements; and meet all other eligibility requirements. Students must also complete all application requirements by the relevant deadline(s). For most federal and state awards, a minimum of half-time enrollment is required. Full-time enrollment is required for most university awards. Enrollment status will be calculated based only on those courses that are required for, or that can be applied as an eligible elective credit toward, a student's degree or certificate program. Students awarded a California Dream Grant are considered for limited university financial aid.
Scholarships awarded on the basis of academic achievement, leadership, service and talent are available through the Office of Admission, most academic departments at USC, alumni groups, and outside agencies and foundations. Some of these awards require a separate application. In some cases, financial need is also considered. For more information, visit usc.edu/scholarships.
The Financial Aid Office may award need-based University Grants to eligible students with demonstrated need who meet all financial aid application deadlines.
Federal Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) are available for students with exceptional financial need. The SEOG is awarded only to eligible students who meet all application deadlines.
Cal Grants A and B are administered by the California Student Aid Commission. All undergraduate aid applicants who are residents of California are required to apply. Cal Grant A provides funds for partial tuition and fees. Cal Grant B recipients receive a subsistence award the first year and receive a subsistence award and tuition award in subsequent years.
The Federal Work-Study program enables eligible students to earn funds through employment either on campus or with an approved off-campus employer. Only students who meet all application deadlines and federal eligibility requirements are considered for this program.
Federal Perkins Loans may be awarded to eligible students who meet all application deadlines. Repayment begins nine months after the borrower ceases to be enrolled at least half time.*
Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are also available to eligible students. Repayment begins six months after the borrower ceases to be enrolled at least half time.*
Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans are available to parents of dependent** undergraduate students who meet the credit criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education. Payments may be deferred while the student is enrolled at least half time.*
*Enrollment status will be calculated based only on those
courses that are required for, or that can be applied as an
eligible elective credit toward, a student's degree or certificate
program.
**Undergraduate students considered dependent for the purpose of
receiving federal financial aid
Private financing programs are available to help students and parents meet the costs of education by providing long-term financing options. Students should exhaust all federal Title IV assistance available, including Federal Pell Grants, the Federal Direct Stafford Loan and the Federal Direct Parent PLUS loan before considering a private student loan program. The repayment terms of federal programs may be more favorable than the terms of private loan programs. Unlike private loan programs, federal student loans are required by law to provide a range of flexible repayment options, including but not limited to, income-based repayment and income-contingent repayment plans, and loan forgiveness benefits. Federal Direct Loans are available to students regardless of income.
For more information about student loan programs, visit usc.edu/financialaid/loans.
Federal and state regulations governing the Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG Grants and the Cal Grant limit these awards to students who have not yet earned a baccalaureate or professional degree. Similarly, the university limits awards of university need-based grant to students who have not yet earned their first bachelor's degree.
Students who are planning to double major or pursue a dual degree should carefully plan their academic course work with their academic adviser to ensure that they remain eligible for federal, state and university financial aid. The best approach is to make sure you complete the requirements for both degrees or majors simultaneously in the same semester. Once the requirements for one major/degree have been satisfied, a student will only be eligible for limited financial aid (Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Work-Study and Federal Direct Loans).
Students who are pursuing their second bachelor's degree are eligible for a limited number of financial aid programs, specifically the Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Work-Study and Federal Direct Stafford Loan programs. Parents of dependent* students may also borrow Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans.
*Undergraduate students considered dependent for the purpose of receiving federal financial aid
Progressive degree students are classified as undergraduate students until their undergraduate degree is conferred or they complete 144 units, whichever comes first. If a transfer student's course work is not accepted for credit toward the degree, he or she may appeal to request that those units not count toward the 144 units.
While classified as undergraduates, students are assessed the undergraduate tuition rate, and their enrollment status and financial aid eligibility are determined by undergraduate standards. Undergraduate-level progressive degree students maintain their eligibility for Federal Pell Grants, Federal SEOG Grants, Cal Grants, Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans and any applicable eligibility for USC Merit Scholarships or USC University Grants, as long as they are enrolled in courses that are required for, or that can be applied as an eligible elective credit toward, their undergraduate degree. The Registrar's Office determines when a student has completed his or her undergraduate degree and manages the process of posting degrees to a student's record. The Financial Aid Office relies on the Registrar's determination of the applicability of a course to a degree program and the completion of the undergraduate degree.
Once the undergraduate degree is conferred or the student has completed 144 units, a progressive degree student can no longer be considered an undergraduate for financial aid purposes. At that time, progressive degree students will be reclassified as graduate students. While classified as graduate students, they are assessed the graduate tuition rate, and their enrollment status and financial aid eligibility are determined by graduate standards. Graduate students are not eligible for federal, state or university need-based grants. Graduate-level progressive degree students are eligible to borrow Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans and Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans, up to the maximum yearly amounts established for graduate students.
Students who receive a research assistant or teaching assistant award before completing 144 units or their undergraduate degree are classified as graduate students and are not eligible to receive undergraduate financial aid.
Students not admitted to a degree-seeking program who enroll as limited-status students are not eligible for federal, state or university financial aid. Refer to the Financial Aid for Graduate Students section. Students who have completed their degree or certificate programs, but continue to enroll, will be considered limited-status students and are thereby ineligible for financial aid.
Students admitted to a degree-seeking program at USC who enroll at least half-time at another eligible institution and whose courses are applicable to their USC degree may be eligible for limited federal financial aid if a Financial Aid Consortium Agreement is completed. Financial Aid Consortium Agreements are contingent upon the host school agreeing to participate. Financial Aid Consortium Agreements are not available for students participating in the Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.
Students enrolled at least half-time in undergraduate courses required for admission to a degree program may be eligible for limited Federal Direct Stafford Loan program funds. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office.
To be eligible for federal, state and university aid, students are required by the U.S. Department of Education (34 CFR 668.34) to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress toward their degree objectives. USC has established this SAP policy to ensure student success and accountability and to promote timely advancement toward degree objectives.
The following guidelines provide academic progress criteria for all undergraduate students receiving certain financial aid at USC. Although the requirements for students receiving such financial aid are somewhat more restrictive than for the general student population, they are based on reasonable expectations of academic progress toward a degree. Accordingly, these guidelines should not be a hindrance to any student in good academic standing.
Table 1
Programs Subject to Financial Aid SAP Policy
| Federal and State Programs | USC Programs |
| Federal Pell Grant | University Grant |
| Federal Work-Study | |
| Federal Perkins Loans | |
| Federal Direct Stafford Loans | |
| Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans | |
| California State Cal Grant |
Table 2
Programs Not Subject to Financial Aid SAP Policy
| USC and Outside Programs+ | |
| USC Merit Scholarships | USC Alumni Scholarships |
| USC Topping Scholarships | USC Departmental Awards |
| USC Assistantships | USC Employee Tuition Assistance Benefits |
| Sponsored Agency Awards (Including Department of Defense and Veterans Awards) | Outside Agency Scholarships |
+Recipients of these awards should contact the awarding agencies/departments for rules regarding award retention.
At USC, to be eligible for financial aid, as identified above, you must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined by the following three criteria:
Students who do not meet one or more of the above criteria will be considered to be SAP ineligible or in a financial aid SAP Warning Period as described below. The following explains each of the three SAP evaluation criteria; SAP Ineligibility, Warning and Probation Periods; and the SAP Appeals Process in detail.
To maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, undergraduate students must meet a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 at each monitored interval and at the end of two academic years for programs lasting more than two years. Refer to Tables 3 and 4 below to understand how specific grades and course types affect students' cumulative grade point averages.
Table 3
Impact of Grades on Cumulative GPA Calculation
| Grade Earned | Counted in Grade Point Average |
| A, B, C, D, F (+/-) | Yes |
| CR — Credit, P — Pass, IP — In Progress | No |
| NC — No Credit, NP — No Pass | No |
| IN — Incomplete | No |
| IX — Expired Incomplete | Yes |
| W — Withdrawal | No |
| UW — Unofficial Withdrawal | Yes |
| V — Audit | No |
| MG — Missing Grade | No |
Table 4
Impact of Course Type on Cumulative GPA Calculation
| Course Type | Counted in Grade Point Average |
| Remedial course work (course numbers below 100) | Yes |
| Repeated course work (previous passing grade) | No |
| Repeated course work (previous failing grade) | Yes (both grades counted) |
| Transfer course work (pre- and post-matriculation) | No |
For more information about grading policy, please visit the USC Department of Grades on the Registrar's Website at usc.edu/grades.
To maintain satisfactory progress, undergraduate students must complete a minimum number of units each semester (Pace) to ensure completion of the degree within the maximum time frame. Full-time undergraduate students are encouraged to attempt at least 16 units per semester to ensure that degree objectives can be reached within the maximum time frame allowed. A lower number of units per semester is permitted if required by academic advisement.
Pace of Progression is calculated by dividing the cumulative number of credits the student has successfully completed by the cumulative number of credits the student has attempted.
To be eligible to receive federal, state and institutional financial assistance detailed above, a student is required to successfully complete a minimum of 67 percent of all attempted credits.
Pace of Progression ≥ 67% = SAP eligible for Pace
Review Tables 5 and 6 below to understand how grades and course types will affect students' Pace of Progression calculation:
Table 5
Impact of Grades on Pace of Progression and Maximum Time-Frame Allowance
| Grade Earned | Pace of Progression | Counted Toward Maximum Time Frame | |
| Units Completed | Units Attempted | ||
| A, B, C, D (+/-) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CR, P, IP | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| F, UW, IX | No | Yes | Yes |
| NC, NP, W, MG, IN | No | Yes | Yes |
| V | No | No | No |
Table 6
Impact of Course Types on Pace of Progression and Maximum Time-Frame Allowance
| Course Type | Pace of Progression | Counted Toward Maximum Time Frame | |
| Units Completed | Units Attempted | ||
| All Undergraduate and Graduate Course Work Taken for a Letter Grade | |||
| Undergraduate and graduate course work (course numbers 100 and above) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Remedial course work (course numbers below 100) | No | No | Yes |
| Repeated course work (previous passing grade) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Not Counted in the GPA | |||
| Repeated course work (previous failing grade) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Transfer course work (pre- and post-matriculation) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
To demonstrate Satisfactory Academic Progress, students must complete their degree objective within a specified amount of time. The time frame will depend on the student's enrollment status and educational objective. Tables 5 and 6 above show how different grades and course types will be counted against the Maximum Time-Frame Allowance.
Undergraduate students in single-degree, four-year programs requiring 128 units are eligible for financial aid for a maximum of 144 total attempted units or a maximum of nine SAP semesters, whichever comes first. The allowances will be increased as necessary for single-degree programs requiring more than 128 units. For example, students pursuing a five-year, single-degree program, such as the Bachelor of Architecture, will be eligible to receive financial aid for a maximum of 176 attempted units or 11 SAP semesters.
Each semester in which a student attempts 6 to 11 units is counted as a one-half (0.5) SAP semester. Each semester in which a student attempts 12 or more units is counted as a full (1.0) SAP semester. Semesters in which a student attempts fewer than 6 units are not counted as SAP semesters.
Please refer to the section on Undergraduate Financial Aid for Double Majors or Dual Degrees here. Students pursuing a double major or dual degree should keep in mind that once a student has completed the requirements for one major or degree, financial aid eligibility is limited.
Students pursuing a second bachelor's degree are eligible for a limited number of financial aid programs. Refer to the section on Financial Aid for a Second Bachelor's Degree in this catalogue. Students seeking financial aid for a second bachelor's degree are monitored for maximum time frame based on the following:
The Financial Aid Office monitors the Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement, Pace of Progression and the Maximum Time-Frame Allowance.
Satisfactory Academic Progress is monitored for all undergraduate financial aid applicants at the end of each enrolled semester after grades have been made official by the Registrar.
Financial aid may not be disbursed to a student's account until SAP has been evaluated. The Financial Aid Office cannot complete the SAP evaluation until prior semester grades have been officially posted by the Office of Academic Records and Registrar. An otherwise eligible student who is in a SAP Warning or SAP Probation Period may experience a delayed financial aid disbursement if grades are not made official before the beginning of the subsequent semester. No exceptions can be made to this process.
Students who have met Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements will not receive a SAP notification. The Financial Aid Office will notify any student who does not meet SAP requirements via the student's USC email address. Students who are notified that they do not meet the SAP requirements for financial aid should consult their academic advisers.
Students who have reached the Maximum Time-Frame Allowance are ineligible for further financial aid without an approved, written SAP Appeal. Students who are academically disqualified from the university are ineligible for further financial aid. There is no financial aid SAP Warning Period in either of these instances.
Students who do not meet the Pace of Progression or GPA requirements are placed on a one-time, one-semester financial aid SAP Warning Period.
Students who do not meet the Pace of Progression requirement or who are on academic probation for GPA will be placed on a one-time, one-semester financial aid SAP Warning Period. Students may continue to receive financial aid while in this one-semester warning period without a written appeal. Students who are placed on a financial aid SAP Warning Period are encouraged to seek both academic and financial aid advisement. By the end of the financial aid one-semester warning period, the student must meet all Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.
As stated above, students who have exceeded the Maximum Time-Frame Allowance and those who are academically disqualified are ineligible to receive financial aid.
Students who do not meet the minimum requirements by the end of the one-semester warning period for GPA and Pace of Progression violations will no longer be considered to be making Satisfactory Academic Progress and will become ineligible for financial aid without an approved, written SAP Appeal.
Students in their one-semester SAP Warning Period who receive grades of D, W, UW, IN, F, IX, MG, NC, NP and V will no longer be considered to be making Satisfactory Academic Progress and will become ineligible for financial aid without an approved, written SAP Appeal.
The one-semester financial aid SAP Warning is only available to students one time throughout their degree program. Students who regain eligibility by meeting SAP standards at the end of the warning period and subsequently fall below the standard will be considered ineligible for financial aid without another SAP Warning Period.
Students who have been placed on a Financial Aid SAP Warning due to insufficient GPA or Pace of Progression can be reinstated by a grade change or by successfully completing sufficient units or bringing up their GPA to meet the accepted standards by the end of their warning period. The student must notify the Financial Aid Office in writing once the requirements have been met.
Students who need additional time to complete their degrees must meet with their academic adviser to complete a SAP Appeal Form. Students must also update their expected graduation date with the Degree Progress Office. The Financial Aid Office may increase the maximum time frame for students who have changed majors, are adding a major, or have experienced a one-time extenuating circumstance such as illness or injury that has since been resolved. However, the Financial Aid Office will not approve any appeal when the additional time required for completing the degree objective(s) extends beyond 150 percent of one undergraduate degree. In addition, the Financial Aid Office will make no adjustments for declared minors.
Students may also appeal the determination that they are not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress GPA and Pace of Progression requirements. The following can be considered: extended illness; one-time extenuating circumstances that have since been resolved; and enrollment limitations due to academic advisement.
The student and the academic adviser must submit an Undergraduate Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal form with complete supporting documentation to the Financial Aid Office. The SAP Appeal Form must contain the specific academic plan for the student that the adviser has approved. For the appeal to be approved, the academic plan must lead to graduation within 150 percent of the published degree time. The student must also provide a written appeal letter that includes the following information/explanation: (a) What caused the work at USC to fall below acceptable standards? Students should think carefully and provide a specific explanation. (b) How have those conflicts been resolved? (c) How will the student maintain good academic standards and progress toward the degree if the appeal is granted?
Students should not submit SAP Appeals for GPA or Pace of Progression deficiencies when they are in a Financial Aid SAP Warning period. These pre-emptive appeals are unnecessary and will be withdrawn. Rather, students should wait until they have been notified by the Financial Aid Office that they are ineligible for financial aid because of a SAP deficiency. SAP Appeals for Maximum Time-Frame Allowance may be submitted at any time, but students should first ensure that the Degree Progress Office has updated their expected graduation term.
SAP Appeals must be submitted before the end of the semester for which the aid is sought. Financial aid cannot be reinstated retroactively for a past semester.
The Financial Aid Office will never increase the Maximum Time-Frame Allowance past 150 percent of the published degree requirements for one undergraduate degree.
The Financial Aid Office will make no adjustments for students who declare minors. Minors must be completed within the same time frame as the student's major program(s) of study.
Students who are on SAP Probation (see below) as a result of an approved appeal will not receive funding for more than one undergraduate degree program. For these students, no exceptions will be made to maximum semesters or units to support the addition of a second major or a minor program of study.
Students who are academically disqualified or otherwise prevented from registering for future semesters may submit SAP Appeals. However, those appeals will not be evaluated until the activity restrictions have been resolved.
SAP Appeals will be evaluated and the Financial Aid Office will notify the student of the decision via email at the student's USC email address.
Appeals for insufficient Pace of Progression and/or GPA are approved through the use of a semester-by-semester SAP Contract. Students placed on a SAP Contract are eligible for financial aid on a probationary basis, strictly according to the terms of the contract. While students are on SAP Probation, the Financial Aid Office will review their academic progress each semester to ensure they have met the specific terms of their contracts.
The SAP Contract is a written agreement between the student, the academic adviser and the Financial Aid Office in which the student commits to following a specific academic plan that leads to graduation. Reinstated eligibility through a contract may alter the type and amount of financial aid for which a student is eligible. Terms of the SAP Contract may be stricter than the standard SAP regulations cited in this section. Acceptance of the approved SAP Contract supersedes all other SAP regulations. Any deviation by the student from the terms of the contract results in the forfeiture of future financial aid eligibility.
Students on SAP Probation as a result of an approved appeal who fail to meet the terms of their accepted SAP Contracts may submit a subsequent SAP Appeal. However, these appeals are granted on an exception basis. Students will be required to document specifically the exceptional circumstances that caused them to fail their SAP Contract and how those problems have been resolved.
A student appealing his or her Satisfactory Academic Progress status must meet all financial aid application deadlines and other eligibility requirements. A SAP Appeal must be submitted before the end of the semester for which the aid is sought. Financial aid cannot be reinstated retroactively for a past semester. As with any type of financial aid appeal, Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals are funded on a funds-available basis.
During the university's published drop/add period, students who drop or reduce their enrollment may be eligible for a 100 percent refund of tuition for classes dropped.
Financial aid recipients must immediately notify the Financial Aid Office in writing when a drop from one or more classes during the drop/add period results in an enrollment status different from the enrollment status on which their current financial aid eligibility was based. The same applies if one or more classes are cancelled.
The Financial Aid Office will review the student's new enrollment and, if appropriate, revise the student's eligibility based on the new enrollment status.
If a financial aid recipient drops from all classes or drops to less than half-time status during the drop/add period, all financial aid awards must be returned to their respective programs. Students who drop from all classes or drop to less than half-time status during the drop/add period are considered never to have established eligibility for financial aid. If the student was given financial aid funds for other expenses, he or she will be expected to return those funds to the university.
Students who are recipients of Title IV federal student aid are also covered by federal Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) regulations. Title IV federal student aid is awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend for the entire period for which the assistance is provided and thereby "earn" the award. When a student ceases academic attendance prior to the end of that period, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of federal funds that the student was originally scheduled to receive.
If a Title IV recipient withdraws from all classes on or before the session is 60 percent complete, based on their last date of attendance, federal policy requires that any "unearned" Title IV federal student aid be returned to the U.S. Treasury, even if the student is not entitled to a refund of tuition.
A student is required to immediately notify the Registrar when he or she stops attending classes. If the student fails to notify the Registrar's Office, it is possible that the 50 percent point in the term will be used to determine the student's last date of attendance, in accordance with federal regulations. If a student withdraws from all classes*, the Financial Aid Office will determine if that student's period of attendance resulted in the earning of all federal student aid awarded for that term. If it is determined that not all the scheduled federal aid has in fact been earned, then the Financial Aid Office will calculate the amount to be returned to the federal student aid programs. The Financial Aid Office will bill the student via his or her university account for the amount to be returned. It is the student's responsibility to contact the Cashier's Office to settle the bill.
*Note to students in modular programs: In a modular program, one or more of the student's enrolled courses do not span the length of the entire semester. Students in modular courses who withdraw from one or more courses, but are still registered for future courses within the term, will be required to confirm their future enrollment plans. For students who fail to confirm or fail to re-enroll, the Financial Aid Office will determine what portion of your financial aid has been earned based on your latest date of attendance. Refunds to the U.S. Treasury may be required. Students who have earned grades in early modular courses, but withdraw or fail to re-enroll for later courses, are still subject to these rules.
Any time a student withdraws from one or more courses, the student should consider the potential effect on his or her Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) status. See here for more information about SAP requirements.
Whenever a student's enrollment drops to less than half time or the student withdraws completely, or if a student takes a leave of absence, he or she must notify the lender, holder or servicer of any loans. Student borrowers of federal or university loans must also satisfy exit loan counseling requirements at studentloans.gov.
It is also the student's responsibility upon withdrawal from all classes to notify the Student Financial Services Office, the Housing Services Office, the Transportation Services Office and/or the USCard Office, if the student has charges from these offices on his or her student account. Students who have withdrawn from studies may be entitled to a prorated cancellation of charges from these offices.
Financial aid recipients considering a leave of absence should be aware of the financial aid implications. Although obtaining an approved leave of absence from their programs does allow students to re-enroll in the university without formal re-admission, it does not allow them to defer their loan repayment. The university reports student enrollment to the National Student Clearinghouse throughout the academic year. Lenders and federal loan service agencies subsequently query this database to determine if a student has maintained continuous half-time or greater enrollment.
If students are on a leave of absence from the university, their lender or federal loan service agency will move their loan from an "in-school" status to a grace or repayment status as required. While on a leave of absence, students may be able to postpone repayment by obtaining a deferment or forbearance from their loan servicer(s) as a result of unemployment or economic hardship. Students should contact their loan servicer(s) for more information about loan repayment. Students may review their federal loan history and determine their loan service agencies by visiting the National Student Loan Data System Website at nslds.ed.gov. Once they re-enroll on a half-time or greater basis, they may be able to request deferment for "in-school" status.
To complement its own refund policy, the university makes available to students Tuition Refund Insurance, an insurance policy designed to protect the investment students and their families make in education. The Financial Aid Office strongly encourages all financial aid recipients to take advantage of this plan. If a student formally withdraws from all classes after the end of the drop/add period and he or she is covered by Tuition Refund Insurance, the student may receive:
The Tuition Refund Insurance credit will be applied first to any outstanding charges on the student's university account, including any charges resulting from the return of Title IV federal student aid. Recipients of university and/or federal financial aid will then receive a cash refund equal to the amount of cash payments made to the account plus any loan payments still on the account (after all returns of Title IV aid have been made in accordance with federal policies, if applicable). The remainder of the insurance credit will be used to repay university financial aid grant or scholarship programs.
Brochures about Tuition Refund Insurance requirements and claim forms are available in the Cashier's Office and the Registrar's Office. All questions about the insurance plan should be directed to these offices.
Students are considered recipients of Title IV federal student aid if they have received funds from one or more of the following programs to meet educational expenses for the semester in question: Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Direct Stafford Loans (Subsidized or Unsubsidized), or Federal Direct Graduate or Parent PLUS Loans.
At USC, the periods of enrollment are generally measured using the session(s) in which the student enrolled on a semester basis, starting on the first day of classes and ending on the final day of examinations for a given term. For purposes of Title IV federal student aid, any scheduled break of five or more days will not be included in the measurement of the enrollment period. For programs offered in modules (sessions that do not span the entire length of the semester), breaks of more than five days between modules will not be included in the measurement of the enrollment period.
When a student withdraws from all classes or withdraws from one or more classes while attending a modular program, the Financial Aid Office will calculate the percentage of earned Title IV federal student aid using the date of withdrawal. The earnings calculation is based on the number of days of enrollment, up to and including the day of withdrawal, divided by the total number of days in the enrollment period. In most cases, when a total withdrawal is determined to occur on or before the 60 percent point in a semester, some federal aid will need to be returned.
To satisfy federal regulation, returns to Title IV financial aid programs must be made in the following order:
The types of information covered by this policy include all documents and information submitted to apply for and/or receive need-based financial aid, scholarships and private financing funds. These documents and information include, but are not limited to, the following:
The integrity of the documents and the honesty of the information presented through them are critical to the financial aid process. Students should be aware that they will be held responsible for the integrity of any financial aid information submitted either by them or on their behalf.
If the university determines that a student or parent has provided falsified information, or has submitted forged documents or signatures, the following steps may be taken without prior notification to the student or parent:
Return to: Undergraduate Education
Admitted students receive a transfer credit report prepared by the Degree Progress Department showing unit and subject credit granted for college courses and relevant exams, such as AP, IB and A-levels.
Students are required to submit complete, official transcripts of all course work attempted at any postsecondary institution as soon as final grades are posted. All post-secondary transcripts must be submitted regardless of the type of course(s) or the quality of the work. A student's failure to provide transcripts for all course work attempted prior to enrollment at USC or while away from USC may result in denial of transferred course work and a charge of a violation of the university's academic integrity policies.
The University of Southern California affirms the practice of accreditation of American post-secondary academic institutions by the six regional accreditation agencies: the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Acceptance of course work and/or degrees completed by undergraduate and graduate students applying to the University of Southern California will be based on accreditation by these six agencies. Certain graduate schools, seminaries, conservatories and professional institutions of national renown that are not accredited by a regional agency may be considered for graduate transfer work by the Articulation Office in consultation with the USC department or professional school to which the student is applying.
Acceptance of course work and/or degrees from post-secondary institutions overseas will be based on the recognition and approval of the college or university as a degree-granting institution by the Ministry of Education within the respective country.
USC's transfer policies have been established to enable students to achieve either an undergraduate or graduate degree that will reflect traditional academic study and research. For that reason, the following types of nontraditional course work will not transfer to USC for undergraduate credit:
In addition, no more than 4 units of English as a Second Language (toward the maximum of 12 ESL/ALI units that may apply to a degree) will transfer. Also, a maximum of 4 units of physical education activity courses and music ensemble will transfer. A maximum of 8 units of dance, 12 units of physical education theory courses and 16 units of individual instruction in music will transfer.
USC will determine on a case-by-case basis whether to grant credit for certain types of courses taken at accredited institutions. Courses that require review by the Articulation Office include:
Articulation agreements with California community colleges are issued by the Articulation Office and indicate courses available for transfer to USC. These agreements can be found at usc.edu/transfercredit. These agreements are revised periodically and are subject to change, depending on course content, availability and changes in USC's academic policies. Articulation agreements are not issued for four-year colleges and universities.
Academic credit will be awarded for course work taken at one of the regionally accredited U.S. Military academies upon receipt of official transcripts.
The university will also evaluate course work/experience completed through the armed services and may award credit for such courses if they meet the following criteria:
USC will not grant credit for the following:
All undergraduate students entering USC may receive a combined maximum of 32 elective units for college courses taken before high school graduation and/or examinations (e.g., AP or IB) taken before matriculation at a two-year or four-year college. A maximum of 16 of these 32 units will be allowed for college courses taken before high school graduation. These courses must appear on the college transcript as part of the regular college curriculum and are expected to be taught on the college campus by college faculty and not used toward high school graduation. Students whose courses are taken at a college and were not used toward high school graduation may file an articulation petition to request more than 16 units. These courses (as well as AP and IB exams) will not receive course equivalence or credit toward writing or foreign language requirements, although they may fulfill general education categories where appropriate. However, departments may use them as a basis to waive prerequisites or specific course requirements on a case-by-case basis.
Students may not receive credit for both an AP exam (or IB or other international exam) and a college course taken before high school graduation covering the same subject matter, nor for an AP and IB exam covering the same subject matter.
Besides earning elective units, some AP tests and international exams fulfill general education requirements. Finally, scores of 4 or 5 on AP tests in modern languages if taken in spring 2007 or later will satisfy the thirdsemester foreign language requirement. Details will be reported on the student's transfer credit report.
Students who began full-time college study at four-year institutions before completing their high school diplomas can submit transcripts for special evaluation. These programs, which typically are conducted on a college campus and are taught by regular faculty, will be evaluated on an individual basis. More than 16 units may be granted. Students entering full-time college programs at two-year colleges before graduating from high school are subject to the 16 unit maximum stated above.
A transfer credit report is prepared prior to enrollment for every new undergraduate transfer student admitted to regular standing. To ensure complete evaluation of transfer courses, it is the student's responsibility to submit complete, official transcripts from all post-secondary schools in which course work was completed as soon as final grades are posted. All post-secondary transcripts must be submitted regardless of the type of course(s) or the quality of the work. The purpose of the credit report is to acknowledge officially all transferable work toward the USC degree sought by the student. The university expects undergraduate transfer students to assist in completing a final review of all prior transfer courses by the end of their first semester of study.
Students should review their transfer credit reports for accuracy and report any missing courses or incorrect information to the Registrar One Stop Center, Trojan Hall 101. To request a change in the way a transfer credit report has been evaluated, students may initiate articulation petitions at usc.edu/OASIS. All articulation petitions regarding courses taken before entering USC should be initiated as soon as possible after matriculation, and no later than the end of the first semester of study.
Total transferable units attempted and total transferable units accepted toward the degree are posted on the credit report. For the purposes of making an admissions decision, all grades (including grades of D and below) are calculated into the grade point average and are used in calculating a total grade point average for graduation. Neither subject nor unit credit will be granted for courses that have been graded with less than a C- (1.7). USC does not honor other colleges' academic "renewal" or "forgiveness" programs that permit students to improve a substandard grade. If you repeat a transferable course for which you earned a grade of D+ or lower, both grades will be included in your transfer GPA. If the grade on the first course was a C- or higher, only the first grade is included. Your transfer GPA is different from the GPA earned in courses you take at USC. The transfer GPA and your USC GPA are kept separate until it is time to determine if you are eligible to graduate and earn graduation honors. See the Graduation with University Honors section of this catalogue.
For limitations on use of transfer courses to fulfill general education and writing requirements see the General Education Program.
Subject credit does not carry unit value toward units required for a degree but may fulfill a required or elective subject area. Degree credit is defined as units that may be applied toward the units required for a USC degree.
A student may earn a maximum of 64 units of credit toward a bachelor's degree from other accredited institutions. The BArch degree and the Engineering "3-2" Program allow a maximum of 80 units of transfer credit, of which a maximum of 70 may be from two-year colleges. Students will receive only subject credit for work completed in excess of the unit limitations.
After completion of 64 college-level units applicable to the undergraduate degree, no more than 8 additional units may be allowed for transfer credit. In the case of the BArch. degree, no more than 8 additional units may be allowed for transfer credit after completion of 84 college-level units.
Degree credit will not be given for a transferred undergraduate course that a student has previously completed with earned credit at USC.
Subject credit only will be given for a transferred undergraduate course previously taken at USC, under the following conditions: (1) When the student took the course at USC, he or she received a passing grade or mark which failed to meet departmental or university requirements. (2) The student obtained prior approval from the department offering the USC course on the USC transfer course work pre-approval form at usc.edu/transfercredit.
Subject and unit credit will be given for a transferred undergraduate course previously taken at USC, under the following conditions: (1) When the student took the course at USC, he or she received a failing grade or mark. (2) The student obtained prior approval from the department offering the USC course on the USC transfer course pre-approval form at usc.edu/transfercredit.
As defined in the Residence Requirement, once students enroll at USC, only courses taken during a summer semester will be considered for transfer credit. No transfer work may be used to satisfy any Core Literacy requirements or the writing requirement if those courses are taken after a student has enrolled at USC, but transfer work may be used to satisfy Global Perspectives requirements. In addition, transfer courses taken after enrollment at USC cannot be used to fulfill upper-division requirements in the major without prior approval, using the request for exception to residence form available from the student's major adviser or, for undeclared students, from the Office of the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences associate dean for academic programs. Transfer courses may not fulfill upper-division requirements in the minor under any circumstances.
Students are advised to consult their major department or College Academic Services before taking college course work at another institution. Students should also consult the Degree Progress Department to ensure that the work will transfer.
If students wish to take summer course work elsewhere after admission to USC, they must first obtain appropriate pre-approval. Even if there is an articulation agreement, pre-approval is necessary to assure the student's eligibility. Most students can use the online pre-approval process available on OASIS. In some cases, the paper pre-approval form must be used. It is available at usc.edu/transfercredit.
Once the course work has been completed elsewhere, students must request the other institution to send an official transcript to USC so that the course work can be evaluated and transferred.
Students are required to provide transcripts of all course work attempted at any post-secondary institution, regardless of the type of course(s) or the quality of the work. A student's failure to provide transcripts for all course work attempted while away from USC may result in denial of transferred course work and a charge of a violation of the university's academic integrity policies.
Students should request that a transcript be sent to the Degree Progress Department, Hubbard Hall 010, 700 Child's Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0912. All transcripts must arrive in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution.
To avoid a possible delay in graduation, official transcripts from post-secondary institutions should be submitted as soon as the course work is completed and graded by the transfer institution. It is advisable to complete all transfer work prior to the final semester of enrollment at USC. If transcripts for transfer course work are not available during the final USC semester, it will likely delay degree posting and result in a later degree date.
Students who have questions concerning the transfer credit shown on the transfer credit report should inquire at the Registrar One Stop Center, Trojan Hall 101. Any questions regarding the applicability of previous course work toward major requirements should be referred to the student's academic adviser.
Interruptions of enrollment can cause problems in the continuity of course work within a student's program. Therefore, leaves of absence are generally discouraged. A student who must interrupt studies for compelling reasons may request a leave for a stated period. Students who find it necessary to be excused from registration in fall or spring semesters should request a leave of absence and withdraw from their classes by the last day to drop or add courses. Students should contact their academic adviser, ask for a Leave of Absence Student Handbook and complete the Leave of Absence form in the back of the handbook (also available at usc.edu/loa). Completed forms should be submitted to the student's academic adviser for review and approval. If, as a result of the leave, the student exceeds the time limits for completion of degree or general education requirements, he or she may not be allowed automatically to continue to follow the original catalogue of enrollment. Students who fail to apply for a leave of absence may encounter difficulties with residence requirements and financial aid when returning to USC. A leave of absence does not exempt students from the residence requirement described below.
Financial aid recipients considering a leave of absence should be aware of the financial aid implications. For more information, refer to the Withdrawal Implications for Recipients of Financial Aid section.
Students who have failed to attempt course work for at least one semester within an academic year without filing a Leave of Absence form will have their POST (Program of Study) expired. Returning undergraduates will be required to meet with their department adviser and complete and sign a POST Reactivation form before registration will be permitted. Graduate students who wish to return will be governed by applicable university policies, including the continuous enrollment requirement.
A minimum of 64 units toward the bachelor's degree must be earned in residence at USC, with the following exceptions: Students earning a bachelor's degree in architecture must earn 80 units in residence; students in engineering's "3-2" Program must earn at least 48 units in residence.
Once students matriculate at USC, all courses taken for subject or unit credit in the fall and spring semesters must be taken in residence. Only transfer work that appears on the transfer institution's transcript for a summer term will be accepted. In addition, all upper-division units required for the major and minor must be earned in residence. However, a student's department may apply upper-division courses taken elsewhere prior to matriculation to major requirements on a case-by-case basis.
In rare circumstances, permission may be granted in advance to take a course out of residence. This permission is documented on the Request for Exception to Residence form. The form, which is available from the student's major adviser or, for undeclared students, from the Office of the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences associate dean for academic programs, is used to record major department approval to use the course toward the major. Questions about the residency policy may be addressed to the Degree Progress Department, (213) 740-7070.
Academically disqualified students must meet with a counselor from the Office of Academic Review and Retention for advisement and forms for departmental preapproval rather than using the request for exception to residency form.
After completion of 64 college-level units applicable to the undergraduate degree, no more than eight additional units may be allowed for transfer credit. In the case of the BArch degree, no more than 8 additional units may be allowed for transfer credit after completion of 84 college-level units.
Units earned in overseas studies programs approved by USC's University Committee on Curriculum and in courses approved by consortial or other institutional agreements are considered to be taken in residence.
For students with their first bachelor's degree from USC, 32 units applicable to the degree beyond the number of units required for the first USC bachelor's degree must be completed in residence. Students who have not exceeded the transfer unit residence restriction for the first USC bachelor's degree may apply the remaining number of units available for transfer to this 32-unit residence requirement.
For students with their first bachelor's degree from another institution, the second bachelor's degree requires 64 units applicable to the degree completed in residence, except for the BArch. degree, which when earned concurrently with the MArch degree requires 32 units applicable to the degree completed in residence.
Return to: Undergraduate Education
In addition to degree requirements outlined below, undergraduate and graduate students are also subject to current catalogue regulations, policies and procedures. Examples include, but are not limited to, the policy on the grade of incomplete and graduation with honors. Unlike degree requirements, changes in regulations, policies and procedures are immediate and supersede those in any prior catalogue.
A student will be awarded the graduation date for the term in which degree requirements, including submission of supporting documents, have been met. Although course work may have been completed in a prior term, the degree will be awarded only for the term for which all academic and administrative requirements have been fulfilled. Students wishing to change the degree date from that indicated on the STARS Report should request an updated degree term at the Registrar One Stop Center, Trojan Hall 101 or onestop@usc.edu.
Students pursuing major or minor programs that the university discontinues will be allowed to complete them within a specified time limit. The time limit will be specified at the point of discontinuance of a major or minor program and begins at that point. It is determined according to the student's progress toward degree completion and will not exceed five years for any student.
The academic record of a student who has completed the program of study or ceased attendance is considered closed. Once a student's record is closed, no further additions or changes may be made. This includes, but is not limited to, such things as registering in additional course work, resolution of marks of incomplete (IN) and missing grade (MG), declaration of minors, etc.
Undergraduate degree requirements consist of grade point averages, residence requirements, general education requirements, the writing requirement, the diversity requirement, pre-major and major requirements, and minor requirements. Undergraduate students may elect to follow (a) the degree requirements in the catalogue current in their first term of enrollment after admission or readmission at USC or (b) degree requirements in a subsequent catalogue as long as they were enrolled in a term in which it was in effect. However, students may not mix catalogues. An exception is that students may follow the requirements for a minor from a different catalogue year than the major; and students pursuing two majors may follow major requirements from different catalogue years.
While there are no specific time limits for completing the bachelor's degree, over the years many departments change their major requirements in accordance with developments in the field and department. Occasionally, general education requirements are changed or a degree program is discontinued.
Therefore, undergraduate students who do not complete their degrees within six consecutive years from the beginning of the semester of their first completed USC course work will not be allowed automatically to continue following their pre-major, major and minor requirements as specified above. (This time limit includes semesters during which students are not enrolled.) The pertinent department chair will decide what pre-major, major and minor requirements each student must follow and communicate the decision to the student in writing.
Students who do not complete their degrees within 10 consecutive years from the beginning of the semester of their first completed USC course work will not be allowed automatically to continue their general education requirements. (This time limit includes semesters during which students are not enrolled.) The General Education Office will decide what general education requirements each student must follow and communicate the decision to the student in writing.
An appeal of a department's decision may be made to the dean of the appropriate academic unit or the Provost's Office for academic units without departments. An appeal of a general education decision may be made to the Committee on Academic Policies and Procedures (CAPP).
A grade point average of at least C (2.0) on all baccalaureate units attempted at USC, as well as on the combined USC-transfer GPA, is required for undergraduate degrees. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all upper division courses applied toward the major is also required, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken. The university will not deviate from policies governing the calculation of the grade point average through inclusion or exclusion of course work.
Students are required to take a minimum of 128 baccalaureate units at the undergraduate level (of which not more than four units may be physical education units). A student may earn a maximum of 16 units for individual instruction in music at the 101/201/301 levels and comparable transfer courses. No more than 8 units of dance technique courses (DANC 181a, DANC 181b through DANC 189a, DANC 189b and comparable transfer courses) may be applicable toward an undergraduate degree. Of the 128 unit minimum at least 32 units must be upper division course work. Students must also complete all upper division course work in the major at USC. The university will not deviate from the minimum unit requirements stated above or the additional unit-specific requirements. Some disciplines require more than the minimum requirements. Check individual department listings for specific requirements.
Unit credit indicates the number of semester units earned in the course; these units may or may not be applicable to the degree. Degree credit indicates the units are applicable to the degree.
A maximum of 24 units of undergraduate course work taken on a pass/no pass basis may be used toward an undergraduate degree and a maximum of 4 of these 24 units may be applied to the general education requirements. WRIT 130, WRIT 150, and WRIT 340 will not fulfill undergraduate writing requirements if taken on a Pass/No Pass (P/NP) basis.
Use of Pass/No Pass course work to fulfill major requirements must be approved in writing by the academic department. Course work required for a minor may not be taken on a P/NP basis. Individual academic departments may have placed further restrictions on whether a course taken on a Pass/No Pass basis can be used to fulfill specific requirements.
In cases where a student has registered for a course on Pass/No Pass (P/NP) basis, and the student is subsequently found to have committed an academic integrity violation in the course, the instructor may elect to assign a penalty letter grade, rather than assign a mark of Pass or No Pass.
General education and writing requirements for all students are provided on the General Education Program page. Additional specific information is included with the information on individual majors.
The diversity requirement must be met by all students who began college at USC or elsewhere in fall 1993 or later. and prior to 2015. It can be met by passing any one course carrying the designation "m" for multiculturalism. Further details about meeting the diversity requirement are found in the General Education Requirements for Students Who Began College Before Fall 2015 section.
A gateway course is a lower division 3–4 unit course that introduces and showcases the minor or major curricula of an academic field of study. It is intended to be a student's first exposure to a field of study.
The university requires that all undergraduate students successfully complete at USC all the upper division courses that are applied to their major. Substitution of a comparable upper division course for a required one may be entered in the STARS exception process by the departmental adviser with the support of the department. Substitutions and waivers of USC or transfer courses for upper division requirements for majors are to be limited to a combination of 25 percent. Substitution of courses with the same departmental prefix are exempted from this limit. Lower-division courses cannot be substituted for upper-division course requirements.
Application for a minor must be made to the department or professional school and an appropriate endorsement must appear on a change/addition of major or minor degree objectives form. Students who decide not to complete a declared minor must formally drop the minor program. Failure to drop a declared minor may delay the awarding of the student's degree.
The following guidelines apply to minor programs:
The following departments have received approval from the university Undergraduate Curriculum Committee for their majors to graduate with departmental honors:
Accounting (BS); American Studies and Ethnicity; Anthropology; Art History; Biochemistry; Biological Sciences (BA and BS); Broadcast and Digital Journalism; Business (BS); Chemistry (BA and BS); Cinematic Arts (Critical Studies); Classics; Communication; Comparative Literature; Earth Sciences; East Asian Languages and Cultures; Economics; English; French; Gender Studies; Geodesign; Geological Sciences; History; Human Development and Aging (BS); International Relations; Linguistics; Linguistics/Philosophy; Linguistics/Psychology; Mathematics (BA and BS); Neuroscience; Philosophy; Policy, Planning, and Development; Political Science; Print and Digital Journalism; Psychology; Public Relations; Religion; Sociology; Spanish; and Spatial Sciences.
The minimal requirements for receiving departmental honors are that the student: (1) satisfactorily completes course work for an honors project and (2) achieves no less than a 3.5 GPA (A = 4.0) in the major at the time of graduation. Each program, department or school will designate what it considers the appropriate course work and honors project.
Departmental honors are noted on academic transcripts but not on the diploma.
The Steven and Kathryn Sample Renaissance Scholars program recognizes select undergraduate students who have excelled in their studies while completing a major and a minor (or two majors) in widely separated fields of study. In order to be designated a USC Renaissance Scholar candidate, a student must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program and must have his or her fields of study certified to meet the breadth with depth requirement.
To be designated a Renaissance Scholar upon graduation, a student must graduate within five years of matriculation at USC, with a minimum 3.5 overall grade point average, a minimum 3.5 grade point average in each of the major(s) and/or minor(s) course requirements and with university honors. A student with multiple certified program combinations (three or more academic programs) may fulfill the 3.5 major and/or minor grade point average requirement with a minimum of two programs from one of his or her certified pairings of academic programs.
Renaissance Scholar honors are noted on academic transcripts but not on the diploma.
The Discovery Scholars program recognizes undergraduate students who have excelled in their studies while demonstrating the ability to create exceptional new scholarship or artistic works. In order to be designated a USC Discovery Scholar candidate, a student must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program and must meet the criteria established by his or her school for outstanding original research or creative work. The criteria may include submission of a research thesis, an artistic portfolio or some other evidence of original contributions to the discipline. Faculty letters of recommendation may also be required.
To be designated a Discovery Scholar upon graduation, a student must graduate within five years of matriculation at USC with a minimum 3.5 overall grade point average and with university honors.
Discovery Scholar honors are noted on academic transcripts but not on the diploma.
The Global Scholars program recognizes undergraduate students who have excelled in their studies both at home and abroad. Applicants must have participated in one or more international programs administered by USC or an outside institution for a minimum of 10 weeks. In order to be designated a USC Global Scholar candidate, a student must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program and must submit a capstone paper, project or research paper based on criteria established by his or her school, as well as a reflective essay. Faculty letters of recommendation may also be required.
To be designated a Global Scholar upon graduation, a student must graduate within five years of matriculation at USC with a minimum 3.5 overall grade point average and with university honors.
Global Scholar honors are noted on academic transcripts but not on the diploma.
See Media Arts and Practice for a full description of this honors program.
See Thematic Option for a full description of this honors program.
To be eligible for undergraduate honors at graduation, a minimum overall grade point average of 3.5 for cum laude, 3.7 for magna cum laude and 3.9 for summa cum laude is required. Students must meet these averages, both on residence work attempted and on combined transferred and residence work attempted. The honors award is then determined by either the GPA for the residence work or the GPA for the combined transferred and residence work, whichever is lower. USC does not honor other colleges' academic "renewal" or "forgiveness" programs that permit students to improve a substandard grade. If you repeat a transferable course for which you earned a grade of D+ or lower, both grades will be included in your transfer GPA. If the grade on the first course was a C- or higher, only the first grade is included.
The university will not deviate from policies governing the calculation of the grade point averages required for graduation with honors through inclusion or exclusion of course work. University honors are noted on academic transcripts and the diploma.
An undergraduate student who is within 12 semester units of the bachelor's degree and has a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 may request to enroll in and reserve for graduate credit a limited amount of work at the 400 and 500 levels during the last semester as a senior, provided that the semester program does not exceed 16 semester units. A written request should be submitted to the Registrar One Stop Center, Trojan Hall 101, and should bear the endorsements of the chair of the student's major department and of the department in which the reserved work is to be taken. One Stop staff verify that the units being reserved are not needed to fulfill requirements for the bachelor's degree.
Return to: Undergraduate Education
All students who begin college in fall 2015 or later at USC (or who begin elsewhere in fall 2015 and then transfer to USC) must satisfy the 2015 General Education Program, which includes six Core Literacy and two Global Perspectives requirements. Together these provide training in the liberal arts — the critical skills necessary for a free person to function effectively, thoughtfully and productively in a complex world. This General Education program has been designed to nurture habits of thought essential for professional success and personal development, and to establish a background for lifelong learning. No transfer work may be used to satisfy any Core Literacy requirements if those courses are taken after a student has enrolled at USC, but transfer work may be used to satisfy Global Perspectives requirements.
GE-A: The Arts (one course)
GE-B: Humanistic Inquiry (two courses)
GE-C: Social Analysis (two courses)
GE-D: Life Sciences (one course)
GE-E: Physical Sciences (one course)
GE-F: Quantitative Reasoning (one course)
GE-G: Citizenship in a Global Era (one course)
GE-H: Traditions and Historical Foundations (one course)
In addition, all entering freshmen are expected to complete a General Education Seminar during their first year at USC. These seminars satisfy one of the Core Literacy requirements above.
For more information about the general education requirements, see here.
In their writing classes, students learn to think critically, to build sound arguments and to express their ideas with clarity. The writing requirement comprises two courses; most students meet this requirement with:
Certain groups of students may meet this requirement with other course work. For more information on the writing requirement, see here.
The following courses are approved to meet this requirement for a specific group of students:
The following courses are approved to meet this requirement for a specific group of students:
The following courses are approved to meet this requirement for a specific group of students:
The following courses are approved to meet this requirement for a specific group of students:
The following courses are approved to meet this requirement for a specific group of students:
The following courses are approved to meet this requirement for a specific group of students:
The following courses are approved to meet this requirement for a specific group of students:
The following courses are approved to meet this requirement for a specific group of students:
Return to: Undergraduate Education
For more information about the general education requirements that apply to students who began college prior to fall 2015, see the USC Core/General Education section in the 2014-2015 Catalogue.
Return to: Undergraduate Education
USC is a major university providing diverse academic programs. As such it has evolved into a complex organization. The basic underlying principle in its organization is simple: groups of faculty with similar areas of knowledge and interest are grouped together to form departments or schools. These units work together in determining the courses to be offered, requirements for degrees, and the content and rationale underlying their curricula.
In practice, the organization becomes more complex. Certain areas of study are based on broad areas of knowledge which need to draw faculty from several departments. The following list of undergraduate degrees provides a guide to the organization of USC. The index includes all degrees offered, and the school which administers the degree.
The basic undergraduate degrees are the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science. Students may obtain these degrees in a variety of majors that have been formally approved. More specialized degrees, such as a Bachelor of Music, require more undergraduate study devoted to professional training.
An Area of Emphasis is a specific focus within a major. Areas of Emphasis are listed within parentheses following the appropriate majors and do not appear on diplomas but are indicated on transcripts.
A combined program is an organized set of requirements from two academic units in a single undergraduate degree program that combines two majors. Examples are: Linguistics/Psychology and Physics/Computer Science.
A double major consists of two majors, which allow the student to earn the same degree, either a BA or BS degree, conferred by the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. The Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences offers two kinds of majors, "departmental" and "interdepartmental" (see Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences). A double major may consist of two departmental majors, two interdepartmental majors, or one departmental and one interdepartmental major. All double majors require a minimum of 12 upper-division courses. Some upper division courses may count for both majors. For double departmental majors two upper division courses may count toward both majors. For departmental and interdepartmental majors, three upper-division courses may count toward both majors. The student receives a single diploma.
Double majors may be offered in other schools. The two majors must be offered by different departments but lead to the same degree, such as a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Music. Double majors consisting of two majors in the same department are not permitted. The student receives a single diploma.
The progressive degree plan enables an undergraduate student to begin an integrated program of study joining bachelor's degree and master's degree programs in the same or different departments. This option is available to outstanding USC undergraduates who have completed 64 units of course work at USC, and often results in a more expeditious completion of the master's degree than otherwise would be possible.
Students are admitted to the master's degree at the completion of the sixth semester. Progressive degree students must fulfill all requirements for both the bachelor's degree and the master's degree except for the combined total number of units for the degrees. The bachelor's degree can be awarded first. Further details about progressive degrees can be found in the Requirements for Graduation - GRAD section.
A second bachelor's degree requires a minimum of 32 units beyond the number required for the first. If the first bachelor's degree was earned at USC, a minimum of 32 units for the second must be completed at USC. If the first bachelor's degree was earned at another institution, a minimum of 64 units toward the second must be completed at USC. (See the policy on residence requirements for a second bachelor's degree, under Course Work Taken Elsewhere - UG.)
For some degrees, more than the 32 units beyond the first bachelor's degree will be required because all requirements for both degrees must be met. The student receives a separate diploma for each degree upon completion.
The first and second bachelor's degrees may be completed at the same time but there is no requirement that they be.
In addition to the degree programs listed throught the Catalogue, many academic units offer minor programs. A list of minors appears after the list of undergraduate degrees. The requirements for each minor are listed in the appropriate school section. A separate minor certificate is issued for each minor a student completes. Minors are also recorded on the student's transcript.
Return to: Undergraduate Education
USC's undergraduate international study programs, many of which are administered by the Office of Overseas Studies in USC Dornsife, enable students to learn in a different educational and cultural context for a semester or academic year. Some of the programs require a background in the language of the host country; others are conducted entirely in English. Units earned are considered USC units and affect residency in the same manner. However, overseas courses are not offered for general education credit. Students receive regular USC credit and may apply financial aid and scholarships to the semester and year programs described here. The semester and year programs detailed below are offered through the Dornsife Office of Overseas Studies unless they are identified as being offered by the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Please visit the Dornsife Office of Overseas Studies located in Taper Hall (THH), Room 341, call (213) 740-3636, email overseas@dornsife.usc.edu or visit dornsife.usc.edu/overseas-studies for more information.
This Annenberg semester program offers students the opportunity to study Latin American culture and study at the Universidad de San Andrés, a small liberal arts college in the suburbs of Buenos Aires. Students will live and learn in this vibrant metropolis while taking communication courses that count toward major credit at USC. Buenos Aires is one of the largest cities in Latin America and will give students the chance to explore the world view of Latin America and how it relates to communication, mass media and the world at large.
The program will immerse students in South American culture, with classes being taught exclusively in Spanish. This program requires a high degree of proficiency in Spanish, both written and oral (five semesters of collegelevel Spanish or the equivalent required), and no special arrangements will be made for students who cannot meet language requirements. An optional five-week preparatory program is offered by the Universidad de San Andrés for students who need to strengthen their Spanish skills. (Please note that language courses taken during this program will not count for Spanish major/minor credit.) A minimum USC cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for this program. For further information, contact the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Room 140, call (213) 821-1276, email ascintl@usc.edu or visit annenberg.usc.edu/international.
Students may spend the spring semester through this Dornsife program at the Universidad de San Andrés. The Program in Latin American Studies (PLAS) provides students with the opportunity to take courses with local students in subject areas such as economics, history, international relations, literature and political science specifically related to Latin America. All courses are taught in Spanish. Study-abroad students are required to take a Spanish language course in addition to their courses in Latin American studies. Students live in homestays arranged by the program or in self-arranged apartments. A minimum of six semesters of college-level Spanish with a B average or better is required to be eligible for this program.
The University of Queensland (UQ) is one of Australia's premier higher education institutions. Brisbane, with more than one million residents, is Australia's third-largest and fastest-growing city. USC undergraduates enroll in regular university courses in a wide variety of subjects. Courses are available in the humanities, social sciences, science and engineering. Psychology majors with a GPA of 3.75 or higher may participate in faculty-guided research for major credit. Students may choose to live on or off campus.
Located in the capital city of Canberra, the Australian National University (ANU) offers USC undergraduates the opportunity to study alongside Australian students for a semester or year. Courses are available in the schools of arts and social sciences, Asian studies, economics and commerce, engineering and computer science, law and science. Fine arts and design majors may pursue studio arts and design courses at the ANU School of Art.
The Australian National Internship Program allows students to intern in Australian Parliament, the Australian Public Service or a nongovernmental organization. Interns attend academic seminars and complete a research project in addition to the intern duties they perform. Students live in university-affiliated residence halls.
The University of Melbourne is Australia's oldest university and is consistently ranked within the top 30 universities in the world. USC students enroll in regular university courses and study alongside local students in an array of academic disciplines. Courses are available in the humanities, sciences, social sciences, film, engineering and urban planning. Students live in residential colleges or apartments surrounding the main campus.
This spring semester program offers students the chance to live and study in Australia's most exciting city. Students choose from a wide variety of courses offered at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), one of Australia's "Group of Eight" premier universities. UNSW is located near the hub of Sydney's central business district. The program will give students the chance to explore mass media and communication in a challenging environment with a distinct world view, very different from that of the United States. The program is open to all majors. A minimum USC cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for this program. For further information, contact the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Room 140, call (213) 821-1276, email ascintl@usc.edu or visit annenberg.usc.edu/international.
Through the School for Field Studies, students spend a semester at a field station in a rain forest in far northern Queensland, home to an amazing variety of exotic birds, plants and wildlife. Students enroll in four courses: Rainforest Ecology, Principles of Forest Management, Economic Policy and Socioeconomic Values, and Directed Research. The courses involve a great deal of hands-on fieldwork, and the directed research projects provide invaluable experience for students interested in graduate studies or in work dealing with the environment. Students share four- to eight-person cabins.
USC students may enroll in the Arts and Sciences or Community Public Health tracks offered at the University of Botswana (UB) through the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE). Arts and Sciences students directly enroll in UB courses, choosing from a wide array of courses within the faculties of engineering and technology, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. Students in the Community Public Health track take a combination of specialized CIEE public health courses, a field practicum and direct enrollment courses at UB. All students are required to take Setswana Language and Culture Practicum. As Gaborone is a hub for international development agencies and local NGOs, students are encouraged to commit to regular volunteering assignments, where they engage with the community and gain a greater understanding of contemporary Botswana culture and its role in Southern Africa. Students live in UB residence halls or with a host family in Gaborone.
The semester program offers students the opportunity to learn about Brazilian culture through an intensive presemester Portguese-language course* and through civic engagement projects that benefit the local communities in Rio de Janeiro. (*This course does not count for a USC language requirement.) Through the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), USC students enroll in 20 USC units in courses offered by CIEE and at the Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing, Brazil's top communication and journalism school. The program is open to communication, journalism, and public relations majors. Visit the Annenberg International Programs Website for more information on language and other prerequisites. A minimum USC cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for this program. For further information, contact the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Room 140, call (213) 821-1276, email ascintl@usc.edu or visit annenberg.usc.edu/international.
Students may spend a semester or year in Salvador da Bahia in northeastern Brazil through the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE). Salvador da Bahia, a city of 2.1 million, was once the capital of Brazil and is now considered the center of Afro-Brazilian culture. The semester and year programs begin with several weeks of intensive Portuguese language training before the start of regular university courses. During the semester, students take one Portuguese language class, one or more CIEE courses and several courses alongside Brazilian students at the Universidade Católica do Salvador. All courses are taught in Portuguese. Courses are available in such areas as anthropology, Afro-Brazilian studies, art history, history, Latin American studies, literature, religion, sociology and theatre. Students live with Brazilian host families. Students who have completed four semesters of college-level Spanish or two semesters of Portuguese are eligible to apply.
Students may spend a semester or year in São Paulo, Brazil, a city of approximately 16 million inhabitants, through the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE). The program begins with several weeks of intensive Portuguese language training prior to the start of regular university courses. During the semester students take one Portuguese class and several courses alongside Brazilian students at the Pontificia Universidade Católica de São Paulo. All courses are taught in Portuguese. Courses are available in such disciplines as anthropology, archaeology, communications, economics, history, geography, international relations, linguistics, literature, philosophy, political science and sociology. Students live with Brazilian host families. Students who have completed four semesters of Spanish or two semesters of Portuguese are eligible to apply.
In conjunction with the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), USC provides the opportunity for study at the Universidad de Chile, the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, and/or the Universidad Diego Portales, all located in Santiago, the capital of Chile. All courses are taught in Spanish. Courses are available in such disciplines as art, anthropology, economics, geography, history, international relations, literature, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, Spanish, and theology. Students live with Chilean host families. Students who have completed six semesters of Spanish, or the equivalent, are eligible to apply.
The program at Peking University in Beijing, offered through CIEE, provides students with the opportunity to study at China's most prestigious liberal arts institution and to improve their Mandarin Chinese in a city where the standard dialect is used. The focus of the program is intensive language learning, with instruction available at many levels of ability. Students may take one English-taught area studies course. Students who have a very advanced level of Chinese and attend the program in the spring semester may take regular Peking University courses alongside Chinese students. Students live in an international student dorm or in a homestay with a Chinese family. Students must have completed three semesters of Mandarin or the equivalent to be eligible for the program.
The semester program offers students the opportunity to learn about Chinese culture at the Chinese University in Hong Kong, a bilingual institution. The program also gives students the experience of living in Hong Kong, where they can witness the "one country, two systems" experiment. Courses in English are offered in fine arts, literature, history, Japanese studies, intercultural studies, music, philosophy, computer science, anthropology, economics, international relations, as well as journalism and communication. For students interested in Chinese language, courses are offered in Putonghua (Mandarin) or Cantonese. (Please note that these language courses will not count toward the EALC major/minor.) Extracurricular activities include the opportunity to teach English in rural China, monthly dinner talks with Asian studies specialists and excursions to local areas of interest. Students take five classes worth 3 units each, for a maximum of 15 USC units. Students reside in dormitories with Chinese or international roommates. A minimum USC cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for this program. For further information, contact the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Room 140, call (213) 821-1276, email ascintl@usc.edu or visit annenberg.usc.edu/international.
Students may spend a semester or year through CIEE in Nanjing, China, a city of more than three million people set along the banks of the Yangtze River. Nanjing University is well-regarded for its liberal arts and social sciences education. Students with two to five semesters of Mandarin take 12 units of Mandarin and a 3-unit elective. Advanced language students may take courses in Chinese at Nanjing University's Institute for International Students. In the fall semester there is an extended field trip to southwest China, and in the spring semester the extended field trip is to northwest China. Each student shares a double dorm room with a Chinese student. Students may also choose to live with a host family. Students must have taken at least two semesters of Mandarin or the equivalent to be eligible for this program.
Students may spend a semester or year in Shanghai participating in the CIEE-run China in a Global Context program. The CIEE Shanghai Study Center is located on the campus of East China Normal University. Students take 6 units of Mandarin and three 3-unit Chinese studies courses taught in English. The courses offered are in fields such as international relations, political science, political economy, economics, gender studies, global studies, history, cinema and sociology. Students live either with a Chinese host family within easy walking distance of the university or in an on-campus student residence hall with a Chinese roommate. To be eligible for this program, students must have completed at least two semesters of college-level Mandarin.
USC provides the opportunity to pursue course work in Central European studies in Prague in conjunction with the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE). Students with an interest in cinema studies may take up to 6 units at the Film & Television Academy of the Performing Arts (FAMU). Although there is no language prerequisite, all students are required to enroll in conversational Czech. The remainder of the courses, at least half of which must be taken for major credit, may be chosen from such fields as Czech and Central European history, art history, political science, sociology, international relations, Jewish studies and film. Students can opt to live in a dormitory, an apartment or with a Czech host family.
Students who have completed two semesters of college-level Korean have the opportunity to spend the spring and summer semester on the specially designed Three-Campus Program in Comparative East Asian Studies. The program begins in Tokyo at Keio University with an intensive introductory course in Japanese culture, society, government, politics and business, followed by the full spring semester at Yonsei University in Seoul. At Yonsei students take Korean language, a program-required social sciences seminar and three elective courses taught in English. Yonsei offers a wide variety of options in anthropology, art history, business, economics, history, international relations, literature, philosophy, politics, religion and sociology. After the spring term at Yonsei, students go directly to the University of Hong Kong, where they take a two-week course on the Political Economy of Global Asia. The program ends with a four-week internship placement in a local NGO in Hong Kong. Students live in the host university housing in all three countries. The program runs from late January to early August.
Students may study for a semester or year at the American University in Cairo (AUC). About 5,200 students attend AUC, and about 87 percent of the student body is Egyptian. Visiting students may take courses in any of AUC's departments. With the exception of Arabic language and literature courses, the language of instruction at AUC is English. Fields of particular interest to USC students include Arabic language, history, Middle Eastern studies and Egyptology. USC students must have completed at least two semesters of college-level Arabic to study at AUC, and they must take at least one Arabic language course at AUC. Visiting students may live in AUC housing on campus or in the Zamalek residence hall in central Cairo.
The University of Sussex is especially strong in American studies, cognitive science, computer science, English, international development studies, international relations, neuroscience, biological sciences, psychology and sociology. USC students are directly enrolled in courses with British students. Situated near the seaside resort town of Brighton, the university is only an hour away by train from London and just a half hour from Gatwick Airport. Brighton has a very active arts scene and a lively nightlife, and 10 percent of the residents are university students. Students live in university housing either on or off campus.
Students in the majors listed above directly enroll at Queen Mary in four courses, at least two of which must be for major credit. They may take the remainder of their courses in any department except law and medicine. Students live in on-campus housing at Queen Mary, located in the East End of London.
Juniors and seniors can spend a year at LSE, which has an outstanding international reputation in all of the social sciences, including anthropology, economics, international history, international relations, philosophy, political science and sociology. Students spend an academic year at LSE on the general course, where they take four yearlong courses alongside British and other international students. More than half of the 6,000 full-time students come from outside the United Kingdom, lending to a very international atmosphere. University housing is located throughout central London. Students must have at least junior standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher to be eligible for this program; students in quantitative majors such as economics and mathematics need a 3.5 GPA in major courses.
Juniors and seniors in the majors listed above can directly enroll at King's College, one of the top universities in the United Kingdom. King's is strong in biological sciences and offers a special class for pre-med students, which combines classroom study with clinical attachments focusing on different aspects of medical practice. Students interested in security or peace and conflict studies can enroll in the War Studies Department, one of the few university departments in the world devoted to the study of war as a phenomenon. USC students must plan to take at least three courses for major credit to be eligible for this program. University housing is located throughout central London, and students can expect to commute to campus. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher to be eligible for this program.
Undergraduate communication students may spend a spring or fall semester at a dedicated study center, where they enroll in 16 units of upper-division communication course work. In addition to their studies, students tour publishing and broadcasting companies, meet communication executives and government policy-makers and gain exposure to British media, culture and civilization. The program also includes group excursions to such places as Bath, Oxford, Liverpool and Hampton Court. A minimum USC cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for this program. For further information and program requirements, contact the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Room 140, (213) 821-1276, email ascintl@usc.edu, or visit annenberg.usc.edu/international.
USC journalism students may spend a spring semester at City University in London, where they have a privileged vantage of British culture and media. Through social science course work and an intensive and integrated journalism project, they have the opportunity for personal and direct comparison between the relatively structured and governmentally controlled media of the United Kingdom and the comparatively laissez-faire approach to media regulation in the United States. Students earn a total of 8 USC journalism elective units and 8 social science electives units. A minimum USC cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for this program. For further information, contact the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Room 140, (213) 821-1276, email ascintl@usc.edu, or visit annenberg.usc.edu/international.
In the spring of junior year, USC public relations students may spend a spring semester at the University of Westminster in London, one of the leading British institutions for the academic and professional study of public relations and media, culture and society. Students will be integrated into the University of Westminster, and will take courses across the four Westminster campus locations around central London. Students will live in the central London district of Marylebone and will be immersed into the public relations and media hub that is London. Students earn a total of 16 units at Westminster; up to 8 USC upper-division journalism elective units toward their public relations major and 8 general elective units. A minimum USC cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for this program. For further information, contact the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Room 140, (213) 821-1276, email ascintl@usc.edu, or visit annenberg.usc.edu/international.
Juniors and seniors in the majors listed above may spend a semester at UCL, one of the top universities in the United Kingdom. Students will have a home department at UCL and must take two of their four courses in their home department. Remaining courses can be taken in any department except English (unless one is also an English major) and fine arts. USC students are directly enrolled in courses with British students. University housing is located throughout central London, and students can expect to commute to campus. A GPA of 3.3 or higher is required to be eligible for this program.
In conjunction with Sarah Lawrence College and the British American Drama Academy (BADA), USC theatre/acting majors and minors spend a semester or year in London. The London Theatre program is designed to expose American undergraduates to the rigor of professional British training in acting by helping them improve their ability to perform plays from the classical repertoire and develop techniques and approaches to acting that will stand them in good stead in any role. The program is taught by a faculty that includes some of Britain's most distinguished actors and directors. Students will take courses which include scene study workshops in Shakespeare, high comedy, modern drama, acting in performance, voice, movement, stage fighting, theatre history and dramatic criticism. Students attending a one-year program will add classical acting for stage and screen to their academic program for the second semester. Students live in flats with other program participants. Students must audition for the program, and admission is competitive.
USC is a member of the Sweet Briar Junior Year in France Consortium, which enables USC undergraduates to spend an academic year in Paris, taking courses at the University of Paris and other institutions in the Parisian system of higher education. Courses are offered in most areas of the social sciences, the humanities and the arts. The year is preceded by a two-week intensive language orientation in the city of Tours, and internship opportunities are available in the second semester. To apply, students must have completed four semesters of college French or the equivalent.
USC students can study for a semester or year on the USC Paris program. In addition to French language courses at the Sorbonne, the program offers USC upper-division French courses and English-taught USC courses in art history and international relations. Students at an advanced level of French may take one or two courses alongside French university students at the Institut Catholique. Courses are available in the following areas: art history, economics, history, international relations and sociology. The program also offers weekend trips to regions such as Normandy and Provence, and day trips to sites of cultural importance near Paris.Students live with French host families. Students must have completed at least two semesters of college-level French.
Juniors and seniors in the majors listed above may spend the spring semester or academic year studying at the Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po), one of the top-ranked universities in France. Students choose the English track, English/French track or French track for their courses in international relations, political science and economics. All students take a French language course or elective course taught in French each semester regardless of which track they are in. Students live in private accommodation throughout Paris. To be eligible for this program, students need a 3.3 USC GPA, junior standing, and three to five semesters of French (depending on the track selected). Students must make their own housing arrangements.
In conjunction with the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES), USC offers a program of study at the IES Center and Humboldt University, perfectly situated for exploring the city. Students receive intensive German language instruction during the first three weeks of the program, then enroll for the remainder of the semester at Humboldt University (in the spring semester only) and/or courses offered at the IES Center (in the fall or spring semester). All courses are taught in German and are available in such disciplines as economics, history, politics, art history, business, classics, international relations, political science, psychology, religion and sociology. Students are housed in private German homes and apartments. Students must have completed four semesters of college-level German to be eligible for this program.
Students may spend the spring semester or full year with Boston University's Dresden German Studies Program at Technische Universität Dresden (TUD). Students spend six weeks in an intensive German course prior to the start of the TUD semester. Students who have completed two or three semesters of college-level German are placed in the Level 1 program. Level 1 students take courses in the TUD Department of German as Foreign Language, where courses include German for the Humanities and Social Sciences, German for the Technical and Natural Sciences, Business German, Speaking Practice and intensive multi-skills German courses. Students who have completed four or more semesters of college-level German are placed into the Level 2 program, where they take regular TUD courses. Areas of study available include art history, economics, German literature, history, international relations, philosophy, political science and sociology. Students live in university housing.
Students may spend a semester or year in Athens, Greece, where the ancient world comes alive. A vibrant capital city, Athens is a center of international business and the hub of an efficient and extensive transportation system that makes the beauty of Greece readily accessible. This program is administered by College Year in Athens, and students take courses with other American students. All students are required to enroll in Modern Greek as one of their five courses. The areas of study are art & archaeology, environmental studies, ethnography, history, languages (Ancient Greek, Latin & Modern Greek), literature, philosophy, political science & international relations, religion, and urban planning & sustainability. Students live in simply furnished apartments with other American students.
Through the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES), USC undergraduates have the opportunity to spend a semester or year studying in Delhi, India's capital city. At the IES Delhi Center, students take a Hindi language course and courses related to India (taught in English) in the humanities and social sciences. They also have the option of taking some of their courses at Delhi University's Kamala Nehru College or Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Both Kamala Nehru College and JNU offer a wide range of courses in the humanities and social sciences. The program includes some daylong and multi-day excursions. The program staff also helps interested students find volunteer opportunities in Delhi. Students live with an Indian host family.
USC Dornsife economics, English, history and philosophy majors may spend the semester or academic year studying at Trinity College Dublin, one of the top-ranked universities in Europe and the premier research university in Ireland. A wide range of courses is offered in the major fields, and students may take a complementary elective course. USC students will live with and study alongside Irish students. To be eligible for this highly selective program, students need a 3.7 USC GPA, junior standing, and a minimum of three major courses completed at the time of application.
This spring semester abroad program takes place at Trinity College Dublin's Irish School of Ecumenics (ISE). The program is interdisciplinary and suitable for students with a variety of majors and minors, including political science, international relations, religion, sociology, gender studies and anthropology. At the ISE, students are immersed in a cutting-edge program of study that examines the causes and consequences of war and armed conflict, with a view to understanding how to achieve sustainable peace. Courses draw on perspectives from political science, international relations, gender studies, ethics and conflict resolution, allowing students to engage critically with the social, political, religious and economic issues associated with peace and violence. Students must have at least junior standing and a USC GPA of 3.3 to be eligible.
Students may spend a semester or year studying at the National University of Ireland, Galway. Located in western Ireland, Galway is the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland and plays a dynamic and pioneering role in theatre, arts and culture. Students may take courses in a wide variety of fields including arts and letters, sciences and engineering. Students are directly enrolled in the university and take courses alongside Irish students.
USC undergraduates may spend a year or spring semester at Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJ). The program begins with a three-week pre-semester period of intensive Hebrew language study. Study abroad students are based at HUJ's Rothberg International School (RIS), where the medium of instruction is English. USC students take courses at RIS in fields such as archaeology, art history, environmental studies, history, international relations, Jewish and religious studies, Middle East and Islamic studies, literature, political science, neuroscience and psychology. Students may also take Arabic. Although most regular HUJ courses are taught in Hebrew, there are well over a dozen regular HUJ courses offered in English. All USC students are required to take at least one regular HUJ course taught in English. Students live in campus dormitories. Students must have completed one semester of college-level Hebrew or the equivalent to participate in this program.
USC fine arts majors (BA or BFA) may participate in a semester-length intensive studio arts program in the Tuscan hill town of Cortona, Italy with the University of Georgia's Studies Abroad Program. Cortona is located on top of Mont S. Egidio and offers students a rich artistic and historical environment, which includes Etruscan, Roman, Medieval and Renaissance art and architecture. Students must have completed one semester of college-level Italian or the equivalent and several foundation courses in art before attending this program. In Cortona, students study painting, drawing, ceramics, printmaking and sculpture. Mandatory weekend excursions to places of historical and artistic interest in the surrounding area complement the studio classes. Accommodation is provided in a renovated 15th-century monastery in Cortona.
USC undergraduates have the opportunity to spend a semester or year in Florence studying Italian language and literature, art history, gender studies, history, international relations, political science and studio arts. Classes are taught mostly in English at Syracuse University's study center in Florence. Students with advanced proficiency in Italian may take courses at the University of Florence. Courses are complemented by field trips to cities such as Assisi, Rome and Venice. Students live in homestays with Italian hosts. Studio arts students may also choose to stay in an apartment with other program students. Students must have completed at least two semesters of college-level Italian to be eligible for this program.
Undergraduate majors in Animation and Digital Arts, Media Arts and Practice, and the Roski School of Art and Design may spend a semester abroad at Studio Arts Centers International (SACI) in Florence, Italy. Students must have completed a minimum of one semester of college-level Italian (two semesters strongly recommended) as well as the required preparatory foundation classes before attending this program. SACI houses students in apartments near the school in the historic center of Florence. While in Florence students participate in weekly open drawing sessions and field trips to sites throughout Italy, including day trips to Pisa, Siena and Lucca, and weekend trips to Rome, Venice and Naples.
Through the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES), undergraduates have the opportunity to spend a semester or year studying in Milan, the commercial and financial center of contemporary Italy. The IES Milan Center is located near the Università Cattolica, IES' main partner institution in Milan. USC students may participate in the Italy Today track. Beginning/intermediate students of Italian enroll in IES area studies taught in English in addition to Italian language courses. IES area studies courses are available in such disciplines as art history, cinema, environmental studies, theatre, history, literature, music, psychology, political science and sociology. Students with advanced Italian select from IES area studies courses taught in Italian and are encouraged to choose one or two courses from among a wide variety of offerings at several universities in Milan. Students are housed in apartments with American and Italian roommates, homestays, or at an international honors dorm. Students must have completed two semesters of college-level Italian to be eligible for this program.
Semester in Rome (Classics and Archaeology Majors Only)
USC classics and archaeology majors may study in Rome for a semester at the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies (ICCS), a program administered by Duke University. Students study ancient history and archaeology, intermediate and advanced Greek and Latin, basic Italian language, and Renaissance and Baroque art history. Field trips and extended study tours are essential components of the program. Students live and study at the ICCS Center, a three-story building located a few minutes by bus from the center of Rome.
A program of study is available at the Center for Japanese Studies at Nanzan University in Nagoya. The program for international students is well known for its strength in Japanese language training. Nagoya is two hours from Tokyo by bullet train and one hour from the ancient capital city of Kyoto. Courses are available in such disciplines as Japanese arts, business, culture, economics, history, international relations, linguistics, literature, religion and political science. Intensive language training is offered at all levels of proficiency. Students live in Japanese homes or dormitories.
Students may study for an academic year at Waseda University, one of Japan's foremost private institutions of higher learning. The university is located in the Shinjuku area of Tokyo. The academic program at Waseda's School of International Liberal Studies combines Japanese language courses and English-taught lecture courses on the history, culture, literature, arts, politics and economics of Japan and East Asia. The intensive Japanese language courses, offered at eight levels of proficiency, assist students in the development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Students live with Japanese families or in the university's international dormitory.
Students may spend the spring semester or full year at Sophia University in Tokyo through the Council on International Educational Exchange. Students can experience life in Tokyo and take courses alongside Japanese students and other international students. Sophia University is a top-ranked Japanese university and is conveniently located in west-central Tokyo. Students are enrolled in Sophia's Faculty of Liberal Arts, where they take Japanese language courses as well as English-taught courses in Asian Studies (anthropology, art history, comparative literature, economics, history, international relations, linguistics, literature, religion, philosophy, political science and sociology). Students highly proficient in Japanese can take courses in Japanese linguistics. Students live in Japanese homes or privately owned dormitories throughout the Tokyo area.
Founded in 1965, Tokyo International University is located in the city of Kawagoe, about 25 miles from central Tokyo. The university offers a program for international students through the Japanese Studies Program in the International Center. Students enroll in an 8-unit Japanese language course and select the remainder of their courses, taught in English, from anthropology, cinema, culture, economics, history, literature, philosophy and political science. In the spring semester, students with a very advanced level of Japanese may take some courses in Japanese alongside Japanese students. Students live in Japanese homes.
Students may study for a semester or year at the CIEE Study Center at the University of Jordan. This program provides a challenging academic course combined with in-country cultural experience and intensive Arabic study. Students gain a better understanding of the Middle East, with specific emphasis on the Jordanian perspective and experience. All participants take language courses in modern standard and colloquial Jordanian Arabic. In addition, students take two area studies courses taught in English. Fields of study include archaeology, economics, history, international relations, literature, religion, and sociology. Students choose to live with a Jordanian host family or in an apartment with other students. Two semesters of college-level Arabic or the equivalent are required to participate in this program.
This is an intensive Arabic program offered by CIEE at the University of Jordan. Students must have completed at least five semesters of Arabic with a 3.3 GPA or better to be eligible for this program. Students take 6 units of advanced Modern Standard Arabic and a 4-unit course called Advanced Topics in Arabic Conversation, which involves the use of colloquial Jordanian Arabic. Students also take Arabic Writing and Research for 3 units and one 3-unit elective taught entirely in Arabic. Electives include Business Communication, Contemporary Arab Media, Readings in Arabic Literature, Arabic Poetry, and Introduction to Islam. Students participate in a midsemester Arabic language rural retreat. Students live with a Jordanian host family.
Through the School for Field Studies, USC offers undergraduates the opportunity to study for half a semester in Kenya and half a semester in Tanzania. At both sites students live in close proximity to wildlife and local Masai communities on an African savanna. Through conducting research and fieldwork and attending lectures, students explore human-wildlife conflicts from the perspective of local ranchers, communities and park managers. The site in southwestern Kenya is near Amboseli National Park, and the site in northern Tanzania is near Lake Manyara National Park.
Students may spend a semester or year with the AMIDEAST Area & Arabic Language Studies program. Students' unique access to Moroccan culture provides them with insights into the country's varied and complex approach to the pressing social, religious and cultural issues of the Middle East and North Africa. In addition to studying both Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and colloquial Moroccan Arabic, students take two or three area studies courses taught in English from a variety of disciplines including Middle East and North Africa studies, political science, religion, sociology, gender studies and history. Classes are conducted at the AMIDEAST Center in the Agdal district of Rabat and instruct students from U.S. universities. Students live with a Moroccan host family. A minimum of two semesters of college-level Arabic is required to be eligible for this program.
The University of Amsterdam (UvA), founded in 1632 as the Athenaeum Illustre, is the largest and one of the most prestigious universities in the Netherlands and has a strong commitment to international education. Through the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), USC students enroll in 15 USC units in courses offered by CIEE and the University of Amsterdam. Students may earn USC units in communication and other disciplines such as art history, economics, natural sciences, philosophy, psychology, international relations, political science, gender studies and sociology. Students live in single rooms in dormitories or with local families in central Amsterdam. A minimum USC cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for this program. For further information, contact the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Room 140, (213) 821-1276, email ascintl@usc.edu, or visit annenberg.usc.edu/international.
USC Dornsife students may spend the semester or academic year studying at Maastricht University, the most international and fully bilingual (Dutch and English) university in the Netherlands. Students directly enroll in courses with local and international students and have access to hundreds of courses taught in English. Students will be enrolled in one of five academic clusters focused on Europe: Economics in Europe; European Politics, Law & International Relations; Public Health & Medicine in Europe. Psychology & Neuroscience in Europe; and European History, Culture and Arts. All students take a course in basic Dutch. Students must have a major in Dornsife and take course work for major credit in Maastricht to be eligible for this program.
Undergraduates have the opportunity to study for a semester or year at the University of Auckland. Auckland is a modern cosmopolitan city with a population of 1.5 million people, roughly one-third of New Zealand's entire population. The University of Auckland is highly ranked in the Asia-Pacific region. USC students enroll in regular university courses at the city center campus and study alongside local students in a wide variety of subjects. Courses are available in the humanities, social sciences, science, engineering and cinematic arts. Students live in university residence halls.
This spring semester program offers students the opportunity to travel to New Zealand and experience its liveliest city as well as its natural wonders. Students will study at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), located centrally in Auckland, the largest and most cosmopolitan city in New Zealand. Students take a variety of courses while taking in the sights and sounds of indigenous Maori culture and modern New Zealand. This program is open to all majors. A minimum USC cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for this program. For further information, contact the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Room 140, (213) 821-1276, email ascintl@usc.edu or visit annenberg.usc.edu/international.
Founded in 1869, the University of Otago is the oldest established university in New Zealand. It has an international reputation for the quality of its teaching and research. Study abroad students are able to take a broad range of subjects across the university's four academic divisions: commerce, health sciences, humanities and sciences. Students majoring in anthropology, English, theatre, cognitive science, psychology, and natural and environmental sciences will find strong programs offering a wide variety of courses. The university offers a true campus lifestyle and the city of Dunedin, in which the university is located, offers a rich cultural life as well as proximity to outdoor activities. Students live in university-affiliated apartments.
USC students may participate in the Rewriting Nicaragua: Literacies, Rights, and Social Change program run by the School for International Training (SIT). Through the interdisciplinary course work in this program, students will critically examine youth culture, advocacy, social change, and expression across generations, using the successful literacy campaigns of the Sandinista Revolution as a key reference point. The program includes both short site visits and longer excursions, including a trip to Cuba. An independent research project (ISP), conducted in the final month of the program, offers students the opportunity to conduct field research on a topic of their choice and serves as the capstone project for the program.
USC offers undergraduates a semester or yearlong opportunity to study at St. Petersburg State University through CIEE. Students with two or more semesters of Russian can participate in the Russian Area Studies Program, which is ideal for students of history, international relations and political science. The Russian Language Program is for students with four or more semesters of Russian and focuses on language, literature and Russian culture. Students have their own room with a Russian family in a private apartment. The program includes many day trips to important sites and overnight excursions to locations such as Moscow, Novgorod, the Pskov region and Tallinn (Estonia).
The University of Edinburgh was founded in 1583 and offers excellence in teaching and research over a wide range of disciplines. USC students are directly enrolled in courses with British students. Courses are available in more than 50 disciplines including archaeology, architecture, biological sciences, classics, computer science, ecology, economics, engineering, international relations, linguistics, mathematics, physics, psychology and religious studies. USC students live in university residence halls, student houses or university flats.
The University of Edinburgh offers qualified undergraduates the opportunity to serve as interns to Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs). During the first five weeks of the program, students enroll in courses that provide a background in British and Scottish politics and government. Following completion of the course work, students will be assigned to an MSP, under whose direction they complete a 10-week internship and research project. This program is highly competitive; strong candidates should have taken at least two political science or international relations courses and have internship experience, preferably in politics. Students can earn 13.5 USC units on this program.
Students may spend a semester or year studying at the University of Cape Town (UCT) through the Council on International Educational Exchange. All program participants are required to take at least one course with specific African content. Courses may be taken in all UCT faculties except health sciences and law. Students live with South African or other international students in residence halls, with other American students in apartments close to campus, or with a South African host family. Students must have at least junior standing at the start of the program.
USC students may participate in the Community Health and Social Policy program run by the School for International Training (SIT). Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal province, is a hub for health teaching, research and practice in both Western and traditional healing systems. Through extensive field visits, lectures and an independent research project, students examine the historical, political, economic, cultural and geographic forces that shape the history of public health interventions in South Africa. Students are introduced to field study methods and spend the last several weeks of the semester completing an independent study project. Students also enroll in intensive Zulu language study.
Students who have completed two semesters of college-level Korean have the opportunity to spend a semester or year at Yonsei University in Seoul. Students enroll in a Korean language course and two or three English-taught Asian studies courses available from the following areas: anthropology, art history, business, economics, history, international relations, literature, philosophy, politics, religion, and sociology. Students live in the international student dormitory on campus.
USC offers undergraduates the opportunity to study for either a semester or year at the University of Deusto, which was founded by Jesuits in 1886 and is among Spain's top universities. Bilbao is considered the financial and cultural center of the Basque country in northern Spain. Students with two to four semesters of Spanish focus on intensive language study and take additional course work in Spanish, Basque and European studies. Students may choose to live in dormitories or homestays.
USC students can study for a semester or year in the USC Madrid program. The program offers SPAN 260, SPAN 261, USC upper-division Spanish courses, and English-taught USC courses in international relations, political science and art history. Students may take one or more Spanish-taught or English-taught courses alongside Spanish university students at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. The program offers several excursions to different regions of Spain and day trips to sites near Madrid in addition to outings to cultural events in Madrid. Students live in a homestay with Spanish hosts.
USC students may spend a semester or year studying at National Chengchi University in Taipei, Taiwan, through the Council on International Educational Exchange. Students study Mandarin intensively and take one Englishtaught interdisciplinary core course about Taiwan or an additional Chinese course. Students live in dormitories with Chengchi University students or in a homestay. The program offers one of the best opportunities to understand the contemporary economic, political and cultural issues facing this dynamic Pacific Rim island.
Juniors and seniors may spend the spring semester or academic year at Boğaziçi University, an elite public university. English is the language of instruction. USC undergraduates studying abroad at Boğaziçi University are directly enrolled in courses alongside Turkish students, except for the Turkish for Foreigners course required for all USC students. Courses are offered in many disciplines including chemistry, biological sciences, engineering, mathematics, psychology, philosophy and English. Students in fields such as Middle East studies, history, international relations, political science and sociology will find courses that relate to Turkey and the region. To participate in this program, students must have both a USC cumulative GPA and a major GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students live in dormitories.
Units other than Dornsife that offer semester and year international study programs for undergraduates include the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, the School of Architecture, the Marshall School of Business and the Viterbi School of Engineering. These schools and Dornsife also offer short-term international programs. Dornsife, for example, offers Maymester courses, departmental summer programs and faculty-led Problems Without Passports researchbased courses abroad. More information on Dornsife Short-Term Programs can be found at dornsife.usc.edu/dgp/short-term-programs.
Students who wish to participate in a non-USC approved semester or year overseas study program and receive credit transferable to USC must initiate a Request for Exception to Residence in their academic department or school. Students who wish to earn credit in transfer from a non-USC overseas summer program must request pre-approval of transfer course work on the form available at usc.edu/transfercredit.
Return to: Graduate and Professional Education
Graduate students at USC benefit from federal financial aid programs administered by the Financial Aid Office and from scholarships, fellowships and assistantships administered by the Graduate School, the Office of the Provost, and various academic departments. Several federal agencies and private foundations offer support for students engaged in research in specific fields of study. In addition, many corporations provide fellowships or tuition reimbursements for their employees. USC also offers an interest-free monthly payment plan and participates in long-term loan programs. Students may apply for one or more kinds of aid, depending on eligibility.
Although international students are not eligible for federal financial aid, they may be eligible for scholarships, fellowships and graduate assistantships offered by their schools or departments. International students should contact their departments directly for information about existing opportunities. International students may also be eligible for private educational loans.
The Financial Aid Office may change these policies at any time to ensure continued compliance with changes in federal and state regulations governing student financial aid. As a result, students must refer to the current catalogue regulations. Unlike degree requirements, changes in regulations, policies and procedures are immediate and supersede those in any prior catalogue.
Prospective and continuing students seeking financial support will find opportunities to fund their graduate study through individual schools and departments and through the Graduate School. In general, fellowships and graduate assistantships are offered only to students pursuing the PhD degree.
USC subscribes to the following resolution of the Council of Graduate Schools in the United States regarding deadlines and acceptance of offers for graduate scholars, fellows, trainees and assistants:
Acceptance of an offer of financial assistance (such as graduate scholarship, fellowship, traineeship or assistantship) for the next academic year by an actual or prospective graduate student completes an agreement that both the student and the university are expected to honor. In those instances in which the student accepts the offer before April 15, and subsequently desires to withdraw, the student may submit in writing a resignation of the appointment at any time through April 15. An acceptance given or left in force after April 15, however, commits the student to not accept another offer without first obtaining written release from the institution to which a commitment has been made. Similarly, an offer by an institution after April 15 is conditional on presentation by the student of the written release from any previously accepted offer.
Teaching and research assistantships and graduate assistant lectureships are awarded each year by departments and programs of the university to PhD students on the basis of scholastic accomplishment, academic promise and competence. They fall under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Procedures and practices can be found in The Handbook for Teaching Assistants, Research Assistants, and Graduate Assistant Lecturers on the Graduate School Website. Only students in good academic standing with GPAs of 3.0, acceptable TOEFL or IELTS scores, and who are regularly enrolled in USC graduate degree programs are eligible for appointment as teaching and research assistants and graduate assistant lecturers and may be offered a semester-by-semester appointment up to a maximum of one year at a time. All teaching and research assistants and graduate assistant lecturers are under direct and assigned supervision of regular faculty members and report regularly on the conduct and performance of their responsibilities to the supervising faculty. Assistant lecturers may be appointed only with the approval of the dean of the school in which the student is earning the degree. The Handbook for Teaching Assistants, Research Assistants, and Graduate Assistant Lecturers can be found at usc.edu/schools/GraduateSchool/current_guidelines_forms.html.
Detailed information, application procedures and deadlines for federal financial aid are available online at usc.edu/financialaid. To be eligible for federal financial aid programs, students must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents or other eligible non-citizens; have a valid Social Security number; meet Selective Service registration requirements; enroll at least half-time; meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements; and meet all other eligibility requirements. Enrollment status will be calculated based only on those courses that are required for, or that can be applied as an eligible elective credit toward, a student's degree or certificate program. Students must also complete all application requirements by the relevant deadline(s). With certain exceptions, as noted below, students must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program or eligible certificate program at USC to be eligible for federal financial aid.
The Federal Work-Study program enables eligible students to earn funds through employment either on campus or with an approved off-campus employer. Only full-time (enrolled in 8 or more units) on-campus students with high financial need who meet all application deadlines are considered for this program.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are available to eligible students. Interest accrues from the date of disbursement. Repayment begins six months after students graduate or drop below half-time status.
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans are available to students who meet the credit criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education. Students who do not meet the credit criteria may apply with an endorser (coborrower) who does. There is no grace period on the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan. Repayment begins the day after the loan is fully disbursed; however, students can defer repayment while enrolled in school at least half time, and for an additional six months after they graduate or drop below half-time status.*
The Health Professions Student Loan program provides funds to students in pharmacy and dentistry. The federal government pays the interest while students are in school. Repayment begins 12 months after they graduate or drop below half-time status.*
Federal Perkins Loans may be awarded to eligible students who meet all application deadlines and demonstrate exceptional need and special circumstances. The federal government pays the interest while students are in school. Repayment begins nine months after they graduate or drop below half-time status.* For details about federal loan programs and application requirements, visit usc.edu/financialaid/loans.
*Enrollment status will be calculated based only on those courses that are required for, or that can be applied as an eligible elective credit toward, a student's degree or certificate program.
Private financing programs are available to help students meet the costs of education by providing long-term financing options. Students should exhaust all federal Title IV assistance available, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan and the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, before considering a private student loan program. The repayment terms of federal programs may be more favorable than the terms of private loan programs. Federal student loans are required by law to provide a range of flexible repayment options, including but not limited to, income-based repayment and income-contingent repayment plans, and loan forgiveness benefits, which other student loans are not required to provide. Federal Direct Loans are available to students regardless of income.
USC no longer participates in the TEACH program.
Progressive degree students are classified as undergraduate students until their undergraduate degree is conferred or they complete 144 units, whichever comes first. If a transfer student's course work is not accepted for credit toward the degree, he or she may appeal to request that those units not count toward the 144 units.
While classified as undergraduates, students are assessed the undergraduate tuition rate, and their enrollment status and financial aid eligibility are determined by undergraduate standards. Undergraduate-level progressive degree students maintain their eligibility for Federal Pell Grants, Federal SEOG Grants, Cal Grants, Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans and any applicable eligibility for USC Merit Scholarships or USC University Grants, as long as they are enrolled in courses that are required for, or that can be applied as an eligible elective credit toward, their undergraduate degree. The Registrar's Office determines when a student has completed his or her undergraduate degree and manages the process of posting degrees to a student's record. The Financial Aid Office relies on the Registrar's determination of the applicability of a course to a degree program and the completion of the undergraduate degree.
Once the undergraduate degree is conferred or the student has completed 144 units, a progressive degree student can no longer be considered an undergraduate for financial aid purposes. At that time, progressive degree students will be reclassified as graduate students. While classified as graduate students, they are assessed the graduate tuition rate, and their enrollment status and financial aid eligibility are determined by graduate standards. Graduate students are not eligible for federal, state or university need-based grants. Graduate-level progressive degree students are eligible to borrow Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans and Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans, up to the maximum yearly amounts established for graduate students.
Students who receive a research assistant or teaching assistant award before completing 144 units or their undergraduate degree are classified as graduate students and are not eligible to receive undergraduate financial aid.
Students enrolled at least half time in a graduate certificate program may be eligible for the Federal Direct Stafford Loan and Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan if the program has been determined to be eligible for federal financial aid. Contact your academic department or program or the Financial Aid Office for information about whether your program qualifies for financial aid.
Students not admitted to a degree-seeking program or eligible certificate program at USC who enroll as limitedstatus students are not eligible for federal financial aid, unless they meet the exception noted in the Preparatory Course Work section. Students who have completed their degree or certificate programs, but continue to enroll, will be considered limited-status students and are thereby ineligible for financial aid.
Students admitted to degree-seeking or eligible certificate programs at USC who enroll at another eligible institution in courses applicable to their USC degrees or certificates may have those courses considered in USC's determination of their eligibility for limited federal financial aid. The student's total USC and/or non-USC enrollment must be at least half-time and a Financial Aid Consortium Agreement must be completed. Financial Aid Consortium Agreements are contingent upon the host school agreeing to participate. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.
Students enrolled at least half-time in undergraduate courses required for admission to a degree program may be eligible for limited Federal Direct Stafford Loan funds. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office.
During the university's published drop/add period, students who drop or reduce their enrollment may be eligible for a 100 percent refund of tuition for classes dropped.
Financial aid recipients must immediately notify the Financial Aid Office in writing when a drop from one or more classes during the drop/add period results in an enrollment status different from the enrollment status on which their current financial aid eligibility was based. The same applies if one or more classes are canceled.
The Financial Aid Office will review the student's new enrollment and, if appropriate, revise the student's eligibility based on the new enrollment status.
If a financial aid recipient drops from all classes or drops to less than half-time status during the drop/add period, all financial aid awards must be returned to their respective programs. Students who drop from all classes or drop to less than half-time status during the drop/add period are considered never to have established eligibility for financial aid. If the student was given financial aid funds for other expenses, he or she will be expected to return those funds to the university.
Students who are recipients of Title IV federal student aid are also covered by federal Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) regulations. Title IV federal student aid is awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend for the entire period for which the assistance is provided and thereby "earn" the award. When a student ceases academic attendance prior to the end of that period, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of federal funds that the student was originally scheduled to receive.
If a Title IV aid recipient withdraws from all classes on or before the session is 60 percent complete, based on their last date of attendance, federal policy requires that any "unearned" Title IV federal financial aid be returned to the U.S. Treasury, even if the student is not entitled to a refund of tuition.
A student is required to immediately notify the Registrar when he or she stops attending classes. If the student fails to notify the Registrar's Office, it is possible that the 50 percent point in the term will be used to determine the student's last date of attendance, in accordance with federal regulations. If a student withdraws from all classes*, the Financial Aid Office will determine if that student's period of attendance resulted in the earning of all federal financial aid awarded for that term. If it is determined that not all the scheduled federal aid has in fact been earned, then the Financial Aid Office will calculate the amount to be returned to the federal financial aid programs. The Financial Aid Office will bill the student via his or her university account for the amount to be returned. It is the student's responsibility to contact the Cashier's Office to settle the bill.
*Note to students in modular programs: In a modular program, one or more of the student's enrolled courses do not span the length of the entire semester. Students in modular courses who withdraw from one or more courses, but are still registered for future courses within the term, will be required to confirm their future enrollment plans. For students who fail to confirm or fail to re-enroll, the Financial Aid Office will determine what portion of your financial aid has been earned based on your latest date of attendance. Refunds to the U.S. Treasury may be required. Students who have earned grades in early modular courses, but withdraw or fail to re-enroll for later courses, are still subject to these rules.
Any time a student withdraws from one or more courses, the student should consider the potential effect on his or her Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) status. Please review the SAP section for more information about SAP requirements.
Whenever a student's enrollment drops to less than half time or the student withdraws completely, or if a student takes a leave of absence, he or she must notify the lender, holder or servicer of any loans. Student borrowers of federal or university loans must also satisfy exit loan counseling requirements at studentloans.gov.
It is also the student's responsibility upon withdrawal from all classes to notify the Student Financial Services Office, the Housing Services Office, the Transportation Services Office and/or the USCard Office, if the student has charges from these offices on his or her student account. Students who have withdrawn from studies may be entitled to a prorated cancellation of charges from these offices.
Financial aid recipients considering a leave of absence should be aware of the financial aid implications. Although obtaining an approved leave of absence from their programs does allow students to re-enroll in the university without formal re-admission, it does not allow them to defer their loan repayment. The university reports student enrollment to the National Student Clearinghouse throughout the academic year. Lenders and federal loan service agencies subsequently query this database to determine if a student has maintained continuous half-time or greater enrollment.
If students are on a leave of absence from the university, their lender or federal loan service agency will move their loan from an "in-school" status to a grace or repayment status as required. While on a leave of absence, students may be able to postpone repayment by obtaining a deferment or forbearance from their loan servicer(s) as a result of unemployment or economic hardship. Students should contact their loan servicer(s) for more information about loan repayment. Students may review their federal loan history and determine their loan service agencies by visiting the National Student Loan Data System Website at nslds.ed.gov. Once they re-enroll at a half-time or greater basis, they may be able to request deferment for "in-school" status.
To complement its own refund policy, the university makes available to students Tuition Refund Insurance, an insurance policy designed to protect the investment students and their families make in education. The Financial Aid Office strongly encourages all financial aid recipients to take advantage of this plan. If a student formally withdraws from all classes after the end of the drop/add period and he or she is covered by Tuition Refund Insurance, the student may receive:
The Tuition Refund Insurance credit will be applied first to any outstanding charges on the student's university account, including any charges resulting from the required Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) to the federal student aid programs for the term. Recipients of university and/or federal financial aid will then receive a cash refund equal to the amount of cash payments made to the account for the term, plus any loan disbursements for the term still on the account (after all returns of Title IV aid have been made in accordance with federal policies, if applicable). The remainder of the insurance credit will be used to repay university financial aid grant or scholarship programs. At the student's written request, the financial aid office may use the student's cash refund to make a payment directly to the federal student loans programs to reduce the student's outstanding loan balance for that term. Please note, when the university makes the payment on your behalf, all accrued interest and fees will be canceled.
Brochures about Tuition Refund Insurance requirements and claim forms are available in the Cashier's Office and the Registrar's Office. All questions about the insurance plan should be directed to these offices.
Students are considered recipients of Title IV federal student aid if they have received funds from one or more of the following programs to meet educational expenses for the semester in question: Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Direct Stafford Loans (Subsidized or Unsubsidized), or Federal Direct Graduate or Parent PLUS Loans.
At USC, the periods of enrollment are generally measured using the session(s) in which the student enrolled on a semester basis, starting on the first day of classes and ending on the final day of examinations for a given term. For purposes of Title IV federal student aid, any scheduled break of five or more days will not be included in the measurement of the enrollment period. For programs offered in modules (sessions that do not span the entire length of the semester), breaks of more than five days between modules will not be included in the measurement of the enrollment period.
When a student withdraws from all classes, or withdraws from one or more classes while attending a modular program, the Financial Aid Office will calculate the percentage of earned Title IV federal student aid using the date of withdrawal. The earnings calculation is based on the number of days of enrollment, up to and including the day of withdrawal, divided by the total number of days in the enrollment period. In most cases, when a total withdrawal is determined to occur on or before the 60 percent point in a semester, some federal aid will need to be returned.
To satisfy federal regulation, returns to Title IV financial aid programs must be made in the following order:
The types of information covered by this policy include all documents and information submitted to apply for and/or receive need-based financial aid, scholarships, federal student and parent loans, and private financing funds. These documents and information include, but are not limited to, the following:
The integrity of the documents and the honesty of the information presented through them are critical to the financial aid process. Students should be aware that they will be held responsible for the integrity of any financial aid information submitted either by them or on their behalf.
If the university determines that a student or parent has provided falsified information, or has submitted forged documents or signatures, the following steps may be taken without prior notification to the student or parent:
To be eligible for federal financial aid, graduate and professional students are required by the U.S. Department of Education (34 CFR 668.34) to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress toward their degree objectives. USC has established this SAP policy to ensure student success and accountability and to promote timely advancement toward degree objectives.
The following guidelines provide academic progress criteria for all graduate and professional students receiving certain financial aid at USC. Although the requirements for students receiving such financial aid are somewhat more restrictive than for the general student population, they are based on reasonable expectations of academic progress toward a degree. Accordingly, these guidelines should not be a hindrance to any student in good academic standing.
Table 1
Programs Subject to Financial Aid SAP Policy
| Federal Programs | |
| Federal Work–Study | Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students |
| Federal Perkins Loans | Loans for Disadvantaged Students |
| Federal Direct Loans (Stafford and Graduate PLUS) | Health Professions Student Loans |
| Federal TEACH Grants | Primary Care Loans |
Table 2
Programs Not Subject to Financial Aid SAP Policy
| USC and Outside Programs* | |
| USC Merit Scholarships | USC Alumni Scholarships |
| USC Topping Scholarships | USC Departmental Awards |
| USC Assistantships | USC Employee Tuition Assistance Benefits |
| Sponsored Agency Awards (Including Department of Defense and Veterans Awards) | Outside Agency Scholarships |
*Recipients of these awards should contact the awarding agencies/departments for rules governing award retention.
At USC, to be eligible for financial aid as identified above, you must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined by all of the following three criteria:
Students who do not meet one or more of the above criteria will be considered to be SAP ineligible for financial aid without an approved, written SAP Appeal. The following will explain each of the three SAP evaluation criteria; SAP Ineligibility and Probation Periods; and the SAP Appeals process in detail.
To maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, graduate and professional students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. In some cases, the University Committee on Curriculum has approved different GPA requirements for professional schools as detailed in Table 3:
Table 3
Exceptional Grade Point Average Requirements for
Graduate/Professional Programs
| Degree Program | Program of Study | GPA Requirement |
| Doctor of Dental Surgery — DDS | 414 | 2.0 |
| Doctor of Dental Surgery — Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists — DDS | 428 | 2.0 |
| Doctor of Physical Therapy — DPT | 979 | 2.75 |
| Juris Doctor — JD | 379 | 2.7 |
| Master of Laws — LLM | 394 | 2.7 |
| Graduate Certificate in Financial Analysis and Valuation — GCRT | 1340 | 3.6 |
Students with No Graduate GPA
Students enrolled in progressive degree programs whose undergraduate degrees have not yet been conferred must maintain a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.0.
Students who have no GPA because all their course work has been taken as Credit (C)/No Credit (NC) or Pass (P)/No Pass (NP) are considered to have a sufficient GPA as long as they have no grades of NC or NP. A grade of In Progress (IP) is also considered a passing grade.
Refer to Tables 4 and 5 to understand how specific grades and course types affect students' cumulative grade point averages:
Table 4
Impact of Grades on Graduate Cumulative SAP GPA
| Grade Earned | Counted in Grade Point Average |
| A, B, C, D, F (+/-) | Yes |
| CR — Credit, P — Pass, IP — In Progress | No |
| NC — No Credit, NP — No Pass | No |
| IN — Incomplete | No |
| IX — Expired Incomplete | Yes |
| W — Withdrawal | No |
| UW — Unofficial Withdrawal | Yes |
| V — Audit | No |
| MG — Missing Grade | No |
Table 5
Impact of Course Type on Graduate Cumulative GPA
| Course Type | Counted in Grade Point Average |
| Preparatory course work (including all undergraduate course work regardless of course level) | Yes |
| Repeated course work (previous passing grade) | No |
| Repeated course work (previous failing grade) | Yes (both grades counted) |
| Transfer course work (pre- and post-matriculation) | No |
For more information about grading policy, visit the USC Department of Grades on the Registrar's Website at usc.edu/grades.
To maintain satisfactory progress, graduate students must complete a minimum number of units each semester (Pace) to ensure completion of the degree within the maximum time frame.
Pace of Progression is calculated by dividing the cumulative number of credits the student has successfully completed by the cumulative number of credits the student has attempted.
To be eligible to receive the federal, state and institutional financial assistance detailed in this section, a student is required to successfully complete a minimum of 67 percent of all attempted credits.
Pace of Progression ≥ 67% = SAP eligible for Pace
Review Tables 6 and 7 to understand how grades and course types will affect the Pace of Progression calculation:
Table 6
Impact of Grades on Pace of Progression and Maximum Time-Frame
Allowance
| Grade Earned | Pace of Progression | Counted Toward Maximum Time Frame | |
| Units Completed | Units Attempted | ||
| A, B, C, D (+/-) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CR, P, IP | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| F, UW, IX | No | Yes | Yes |
| NC, NP, W, MG, IN | No | Yes | Yes |
| V | No | No | No |
Table 7
Impact of Course Type on Pace of Progression and Maximum Time-Frame
Allowance
| Pace of Progression | Counted Toward Maximum | ||
| Course Type | Units Completed | Units Attempted | Time Frame |
| Graduate-level course work | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Preparatory and remedial course work (including all undergraduate course work regardless of course level, taken for credit or no-credit) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Repeated course work (previous passing grade) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Repeated course work (previous failing grade) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Transfer course work (pre- and post-matriculation) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
To demonstrate Satisfactory Academic Progress, students must complete their degree objective within a specified amount of time. The time frame will depend on the student's enrollment status and educational objective.
Each program of study has a maximum time frame established in both units and semesters attempted, based on the requirements of the degree program. Students are eligible to receive financial aid until the maximum units or maximum full-time semesters are reached, whichever comes first. All enrolled periods are considered regardless of whether the student has received financial aid.
Course work transferred to the university in partial fulfillment of the degree requirements will be subtracted from the maximum unit and semester allowance.
If students have been admitted to a graduate program of study with advanced standing (based on undergraduate or graduate course work successfully completed at USC or another university), their maximum time frame for financial aid will be reduced to reflect the lower number of units required for graduation under advanced standing admission.
Previous course work completed at USC as part of a successfully finished program of study will be excluded from the maximum unit and semester allowance. However, if such course work can also be accepted toward the new program of study, the course work will be subtracted from the maximum unit and semester allowance as pre-matriculation units.
Previous course work completed at USC as part of an unfinished prior program of study will be subtracted from the maximum unit and semester allowance for the new program of study.
Students in authorized dual-degree programs of generally longer duration than single-degree programs will be granted an increase in the unit and semester allowances commensurate with the additional program requirements.
Solely for the purpose of evaluating the SAP Maximum Time-Frame Allowance, the Financial Aid Office establishes the following guidelines on SAP semesters.
Each semester in which a doctoral student attempts 3 to 5 units is counted as a half (0.5) SAP semester. Each semester in which a doctoral student attempts 6 or more units is counted as a full (1.0) SAP semester. Semesters in which a doctoral student attempts fewer than 3 units that are not full-time exception courses are not counted as SAP semesters (see Table 8).
Each semester in which a master's degree or graduate certificate student attempts 4 to 7.5 units is counted as a half (0.5) SAP semester. Each semester in which a master's degree or a graduate certificate student attempts 8 or more units is counted as a full (1.0) SAP semester. Semesters in which a master's degree or a graduate certificate student attempts fewer than 4 units that are not full-time exception courses are not counted as SAP semesters (see Table 8).
Other than the number of units attempted, there are additional circumstances that confer full-time enrollment status. These include enrollment in 594 Master's Thesis, 794 Doctoral Dissertation, GRSC 800 Studies for the Qualifying Examination and GRSC 810 Studies for Master's Examination, as well as other courses and programs as determined by the Dean of Academic Records and Registrar. Any semester in which a student attempts a full-time exception course will be counted as 1.0 SAP semester, regardless of the number of units enrolled or concurrent course work.
Students pursuing graduate and professional degrees can apply for financial aid for up to the maximum number of units of course work required for the particular program of study, plus the equivalent units for one full-time semester course load (see Table 8).
Table 8
Full-Time Course Load for Determining Maximum SAP Units and
Semesters
| Program | Full-Time Course Load |
| Doctoral programs | 6 units or exception course |
| Master's degree programs and graduate certificates | 8 units or exception course |
For certain programs, the full-time course load may vary from 14 to 22 units, based on the average enrollment levels for the program. These programs generally enroll students at the flat rate for tuition.
To determine the maximum number of full-time semesters of aid available for a graduate or professional program of study, divide the number of units required for the particular program by the full-time semester course load for that program according to Table 8.
After rounding up to the nearest whole number, add one additional full-time semester to determine the maximum allowed for the program.
Review the examples to understand how the maximum SAP units and semesters are calculated.
Example 1
Maximum SAP Semester and Unit Calculation for a Doctoral
Degree
A doctoral program that requires 60 units for graduation:
Maximum SAP Semesters = 60 units/6 units+ 1 full-time
semester
Maximum SAP Semesters = 10 + 1 full-time semester
Maximum SAP Semesters = 11 full-time semesters
Example 2
Maximum SAP Semester and Unit Calculation for a Master's Degree or
Graduate Certificate
A master's or graduate certificate program that requires 28
units for graduation:
Maximum SAP Semesters = 28 units/8 units + 1 full-time
semester
Maximum SAP Semesters = 4* + 1 full-time semester
Maximum SAP Semesters = 5 full-time semesters
*rounded up from 3.5
The Financial Aid Office monitors the Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement, Pace of Progression and the Maximum Time-Frame Allowance.
The Financial Aid Office will monitor Satisfactory Academic Progress for graduate and professional financial aid applicants annually. The evaluation will occur after the end of the summer semester when the summer has been considered part of the prior academic year for financial aid purposes. Students who do not enroll in summer courses or whose summer is considered part of the upcoming academic year will be monitored at the end of the spring semester.
When a full-time graduate student can be expected to complete a program of study within one academic year (two semesters or fewer), the Financial Aid Office will evaluate SAP at the end of every enrolled semester. These programs generally include, but are not limited to, graduate certificate programs that can be completed in 16 units. Certain master's degree programs that require more than 16 units, but are designed to be completed within one academic year (two semesters), will also be evaluated after each enrolled semester.
Financial aid may not be disbursed to a student's account until SAP has been evaluated. The Financial Aid Office cannot complete the SAP evaluation until prior semester grades have been officially posted by the Office of Academic Records and Registrar. An otherwise eligible student may experience a delayed financial aid disbursement if grades are not made official before the beginning of the subsequent semester. No exceptions can be made to this process.
Students who have met Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements will not receive a SAP notification. The Financial Aid Office will notify any student who does not meet SAP requirements via email at the student's USC email address. Students who are notified that they are SAP ineligible for financial aid should consult their academic advisers.
There are no Financial Aid SAP Warning Periods for graduate/professional students who are evaluated annually.
Students who fail to meet GPA or Pace of Progression standards will be ineligible for financial aid without an approved, written SAP Appeal.
Students who exceed the maximum unit or semester allowance are ineligible for financial aid without an approved, written SAP Appeal.
Students who are academically disqualified from the university are ineligible for further financial aid without readmission to the university and an approved, written SAP Appeal. Students on financial aid SAP Probation who fail to meet the terms of their SAP Contracts are ineligible for financial aid without a second written and approved SAP Appeal.
Students who have lost financial aid eligibility as a result of insufficient GPA or Pace of Progression can be reinstated by a grade change if the grade change allows them to complete sufficient units and/or improve their GPA to meet stated requirements. The student must notify the Financial Aid Office in writing that the grade has been changed and requirements have been met.
Students who need additional time to complete their degrees must meet with their academic adviser to complete an SAP Appeal form. Students must also update their expected graduation date with the Office of Degree Progress. The Financial Aid Office may increase the maximum time frame for students who have changed programs, are adding a program or have experienced a one-time extenuating circumstance such as illness or injury that has since been resolved. Students requesting an extension of the maximum time frame as a result of a changed or added program of study, must submit the following with their appeal:
Students who are not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress GPA or Pace of Progression requirements may appeal to have their financial aid eligibility reinstated on a probationary basis. The following conditions can be considered in your appeal: extended illness, one-time extenuating circumstances that have since been resolved, and enrollment limitations due to academic advisement.
The student and adviser must submit a graduate and professional Satisfactory Academic Progress appeal form with complete supporting documentation to the Financial Aid Office. The SAP Appeal form must contain the specific academic plan for the student that the adviser has approved. For the appeal to be approved, the academic plan must lead to graduation within 150 percent of the published degree time. The student must also provide a written appeal letter that includes the following information/explanation: (a) What caused the work at USC to fall below acceptable standards? Students should think carefully and provide a specific explanation. (b) How have those conflicts been resolved? (c) How will the student maintain good academic standards and progress towards the degree if the appeal is granted?
Students may wait until they have been notified by the Financial Aid Office that they are ineligible for financial aid because of an SAP deficiency. SAP Appeals for Maximum Time-Frame Allowance may be submitted at any time, but students should first ensure that the Office of Degree Progress has updated their expected graduation term.
SAP Appeals must be submitted before the end of the semester for which the aid is sought. Financial aid cannot be reinstated retroactively for a past semester.
The Financial Aid Office will never increase the Maximum Time-Frame Allowance past 150 percent of the published degree requirements for one graduate/professional degree.
Students who are academically disqualified or otherwise prevented from registering for future semesters may submit SAP Appeals. However, those appeals will not be evaluated until the activity restrictions have been resolved.
SAP Appeals will be evaluated and the Financial Aid Office will notify the student of the decision via the student's USC email address.
Appeals for insufficient Pace of Progression and GPA are approved through the use of a semester-by-semester SAP Contract. Students placed on a SAP Contract are eligible for financial aid on a probationary basis, strictly according to the terms of the contract. While on SAP Probation, the Financial Aid Office will review a student's academic progress each semester to ensure they have met the specific terms of their contract.
The SAP contract is an agreement between the student, the academic adviser and the Financial Aid Office in which the student commits to following a specific academic plan that leads to graduation. Reinstated eligibility through a contract may alter the type and amount of the financial aid for which a student is eligible. Terms of the SAP Contract may be stricter than the standard SAP regulations cited in this section.
Acceptance of the approved SAP Contract supersedes all other SAP regulations. Any deviation by the student from the terms of the contract will result in the forfeiture of future financial aid eligibility.
Students on SAP Probation as a result of an approved appeal who fail to meet the terms of their accepted SAP Contract are ineligible for future financial aid. These students may submit a subsequent SAP Appeal. However, these appeals are granted on an exception basis. Students will be required to document specifically the exceptional circumstances that caused them to fail their SAP Contract and how those problems have been resolved.
Any student who is appealing his or her Satisfactory Academic Progress status must meet all financial aid application deadlines and other eligibility requirements. An SAP Appeal must be submitted before the end of the semester for which the aid is sought. Financial aid cannot be reinstated retroactively for a past semester. As with any type of financial aid appeal, Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals are funded on a funds-available basis.
Return to: Graduate and Professional Education
Admitted students receive a transfer credit report showing unit and subject credit granted for graduate courses.
For course work taken at universities within the United States, the Degree Progress Department will prepare the transfer credit report. For course work taken at universities outside the United States, the Graduate Admissions Office will review the academic credentials and the academic department or program will determine subject credit granted.
The University of Southern California affirms the practice of accreditation of American post-secondary academic institutions by the six regional accreditation agencies: the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Acceptance of course work and/or degrees completed by undergraduate and graduate students applying to the University of Southern California will generally be based on accreditation by these six agencies. Certain graduate schools, seminaries, conservatories and professional institutions of national renown that are not accredited by a regional agency may be considered for graduate transfer work by the Articulation Office in consultation with the USC department, program or professional school to which the student is applying.
Acceptance of course work and/or degrees from post-secondary institutions overseas will be based on the recognition and approval of the college or university as a degree-granting institution by the Ministry of Education within the respective country.
Students applying for graduate degrees conferred by the Graduate School must hold a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university comparable in standard to that awarded at USC. Students who have earned a master's degree from an accredited U.S. institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher may have the baccalaureate degree requirement waived after review. Diplomas granted for a preponderance of life experience, portfolio or equivalency examinations are not considered appropriate preparation for acceptance into USC's graduate degree programs and are not the equivalent of USC's undergraduate degrees. Verification of a completed undergraduate degree must be provided before enrollment in a second semester at USC.
The Degree Progress Department in the Office of Academic Records and Registrar determines whether course work taken elsewhere is available for transfer credit. Faculty of the student's degree program determine whether such credit is applicable toward a specific graduate degree, subject to approval by the dean of the degreeconferring unit. The faculty's decision should be made no later than the end of the first year in a master's program or the second year in a doctoral program.
Credit will only be allowed for courses (1) from an accredited graduate school, (2) of a quality of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale, (3) constituting a fair and reasonable equivalent to current USC course work at the graduate level and (4) logically fitting into the program for the degree. The university also evaluates courses completed through the armed services and may grant credit for such courses as detailed in the subsequent Credit for Military Education section (see below). Transfer course work is applied as credit (CR) toward the degree and is not included in the calculation of a minimum grade point average for graduation.
Graduate transfer credit will not be granted for life experience, credit by examination, extension courses not accepted toward a degree by the offering institution, correspondence courses or thesis supervision. Graduate transfer credit will not be granted for course work taken elsewhere after a student has been admitted and enrolled at USC unless the student receives prior written approval from the department. Students may not take courses elsewhere as a substitute for courses in which they have received grades that fail to meet departmental or university requirements.
Transfer work must have been completed within seven years of admission to a USC master's degree program (or 10 years for a doctoral program) to be applied toward that degree. Departments have the option of reevaluating transfer work when a student is readmitted to a USC graduate degree program. Requests for exceptions should be directed to the dean of the degree program for approval.
The faculty of a degree program may establish limits on the number of transfer credits stricter than those of the university, which follow:
The University Committee on Curriculum (UCOC) must approve policies and procedures for considering individual exceptions within any specific program of study. Program exceptions to the transfer of course work policies require the approval of the UCOC and are listed in the departmental sections of this catalogue. Departments establishing lower maximum limits may waive their own policy (within the university's limits) by approval of the dean of the degree-conferring unit.
Academic credit will be awarded for graduate level course work taken at a regionally accredited U.S. Military institute/college upon receipt of official transcripts.
The university will also evaluate course work/experience completed through the armed services and may award credit for such courses if they meet the following criteria:
USC will not grant credit for the following:
USC course work taken prior to matriculation to a current USC degree program must have been completed within seven years of admission or readmission to a master's degree program (or 10 years for a doctoral program) to be applied toward that degree. Exceptions require approval from the vice provost for graduate programs.
The purpose of the evaluation is to verify all previously earned degrees and may list graduate course work completed at other institutions which is available for consideration toward the USC degree. Students who intend to apply transfer course work toward a USC degree program can request a comprehensive credit evaluation through the Degree Progress Department. Only courses with a grade of B (3.0) and above are available for transfer. These courses do not apply toward a specific USC degree unless approved by the student's major department or program and school.
If a student in a graduate degree program is simultaneously enrolled elsewhere, he or she may not seek to transfer credits to USC for those studies without advance permission from the dean of the degree program (except for concurrent enrollment at UCLA. See the Academic Policies section for details). Failure to secure such permission will result in invalidation of course work taken during periods of unauthorized concurrent enrollment.
Return to: Graduate and Professional Education
In addition to degree requirements outlined below, undergraduate and graduate students are also subject to current catalogue regulations, policies and procedures. Examples include, but are not limited to, the policies on the grades of incomplete (IN), missing grade (MG) and continuous enrollment for graduate students. Unlike degree requirements, changes in regulations, policies and procedures are immediate and supersede those in any prior catalogue.
A student will be awarded the graduation date for the term in which degree requirements, including submission of supporting documents, have been met. Although course work may have been completed in a prior term, the degree will be awarded only for the term for which all academic and administrative requirements have been fulfilled. Application for the degree is a requirement for all graduate degrees. Students wishing to change the degree date from that indicated on the STARS Report should request an updated degree term at the Registrar One Stop Center, Trojan Hall 101 or onestop@usc.edu. Degrees are not awarded retroactively.
Students pursuing major programs that the university discontinues will be allowed to complete them within a specified time limit. The time limit will be specified at the point of discontinuance of a major program and begins at that point. It is determined according to the student's progress toward degree completion and will not exceed five years for any student.
The academic record of a student who has completed the program of study or ceased attendance is considered closed. Once a student's record is closed, no further additions or changes may be made. This includes, but is not limited to, such things as registering in additional course work, resolution of marks of incomplete (IN), missing grade (MG), etc.
All graduate students must meet both university degree requirements and those degree requirements specific to their program of study to receive an advanced degree. University degree requirements consist of grade point averages, unit, residence and time limit requirements. Degree requirements specific to a student's program of study consist of course, examination and research requirements. University degree requirements and degree requirements specific to the program of study are collectively defined as degree requirements. Graduate students may elect to follow (a) the degree requirements in the catalogue current for the semester of their admission to the degree program or (b) degree requirements in subsequent catalogues as long as they are continuously enrolled (see Continuous Enrollment). However, they may not mix catalogues. Graduate students who discontinue their enrollment without a leave of absence approved by the dean of the degree program (see Leave of Absence) will be subject to the degree requirements in effect for the semester of their readmission to the program. Students requesting exceptions to the catalogue year should petition the dean of the degree program.
Students must maintain satisfactory progress toward their stated degree objective at all times. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward a specified degree, and all requirements for that degree must be completed within a specified time. The maximum time limit allowed for each degree is considerably greater than what is needed to complete all requirements. Departments may set more stringent time limits than those specified in this section.
The time limit for completing the master's degree is five years. The time limit for completing the doctoral degree is eight years. For students who earned an applicable master's degree within five years prior to admission to the doctoral program, the time limit for completing the doctoral degree is six years from the date of admission to the doctoral program. An academic department or program may grant an extension of one semester at a time, up to a maximum of two years. For PhD students all extensions must also have the approval of the dean of the degree program.
In unusual cases, a student's committee and the department chair or program director may petition the Graduate School for further extensions.
Students who have exceeded the time limit for completing their degree program will not be permitted any further registrations. If granted an extension of time, the dean of the degree-conferring unit will permit registration for the specified period of extension. Approved leaves of absence (up to a total of two years or four semesters) are not counted in the time allowed for completion of degree requirements.
The time limits apply unless otherwise designated by the faculty and previously approved by the University Committee on Curriculum for a particular degree program.
Applicants for a progressive degree program must have completed 64 units of course work applicable to their undergraduate degree since graduating from high school. (AP units, IB units and course work taken prior to high school graduation are excluded.) Applicants must submit their application before completing 96 units of course work. Normally, the application is submitted in the fall semester of the third year of enrollment at USC. Applicants do not have to submit GRE scores but are expected to have at least a 3.0 GPA at the time of application.
The Application for Admission to a Progressive Master's Program must be approved by the deans of the bachelor's and the master's degree-granting schools at USC and submitted to the Degree Progress Department. An approved course plan proposal and letters of recommendation from two USC faculty members must be submitted with the application, with at least one of the recommendations coming from a faculty member in the student's bachelor's degree major department.
Progressive degree program students must fulfill all the requirements for both the bachelor's degree and the master's degree. The total number of units for the master's degree, however, may be reduced by a maximum of one-third. A minimum of two-thirds of the units required for the master's degree must be at or above the 500 level. Students will be subject to undergraduate academic progress standards while in undergraduate status and master's academic progress standards while in graduate status. The degrees may be awarded separately, but the master's degree will not be awarded before the undergraduate degree. The time limit for completing a progressive degree program is 12 semesters.
In most cases, students will be classified as undergraduate students for the first eight semesters of college enrollment. In the ninth semester, students will be changed to graduate status. While classified as an undergraduate, students will be assessed the undergraduate tuition rate and the enrollment status will be determined by undergraduate standards. While classified as graduate students, students will be assessed the graduate tuition rate appropriate for their master's degree program and the enrollment status will be determined by graduate standards.
Students are immediately classified as graduate students and are ineligible for undergraduate financial aid once the undergraduate degree posts, even if they have completed fewer than eight semesters. Financial aid applicants may wish to postpone the posting of the undergraduate degree until they have exhausted their undergraduate financial aid eligibility.
Students who receive a research assistant or a teaching assistant award before completing eight semesters will be changed to graduate status and will be ineligible to receive undergraduate financial aid. Students must have completed 128 units to be eligible for a research assistant or teaching assistant award. (AP, IB and transfer units may be used in the 128 unit total.)
Detailed information about specific progressive degree programs is listed in the corresponding school section.
Dual degree programs offer graduate students the opportunity to concurrently complete requirements for two degrees. Students enrolled in dual degree programs must complete all requirements for the dual degree program and then will be awarded both diplomas at the same time. The academic units that offer these programs frequently adjust the requirements for each degree to take into account the correlations between required course work. Students who have completed all the requirements for one of the degree programs and who decide to withdraw from the dual degree program may receive the appropriate single diploma. Students who have withdrawn from the dual degree program to receive the appropriate single diploma and later decide to complete the second degree must apply for admission, be admitted and then fulfill all requirements for the second degree. Detailed information regarding dual degree programs is listed in the appropriate school section.
At no time should the overall GPA drop below 3.0. A minimum grade of C (2.0) is required in a course to receive graduate credit. Work graded C- or below is not acceptable for subject or unit credit toward any master's or doctoral program. An overall grade point average of at least 3.0 on all units attempted at USC while a graduate student is required for graduation, whether or not all such units are applied toward the degree. In some cases, the University Committee on Curriculum has approved different GPA requirements for professional schools. The university will not deviate from policies governing the calculation of the grade point average through inclusion or exclusion of course work.
The course of study for the master's degree must include at least 24 units in required and elective courses. In addition, students in a program requiring a thesis must register for four units of 594ab Master's Thesis. The minimum unit requirement for a master's degree is established at the time the program is approved and may not be waived. At least 20 of these units must be completed at USC. The minimum number of units for a doctoral degree is 60, at least 24 of which (exclusive of Doctoral Dissertation 794) must be completed at USC. In addition, at least one-half of the total number of units applied toward a graduate degree must be completed at USC. The minimum number of units for a doctoral degree with Advanced Standing upon entrance is 36. No exceptions are allowed.
A department or school which has a graduate program approved by the university requiring a higher minimum may not waive that requirement. The unit requirement for a dual degree program is established at the time the program is approved by the university and may not be waived.
Regardless of the number of units specified in the university catalogue as required for a graduate degree, at least two-thirds of the units applied toward the degree (including transfer work and not including 594 or 794) must be at the 500 level or higher. Students with Advanced Standing in doctoral programs may not apply additional 400-level course work toward that degree; individual exceptions will not be allowed. Some degree programs, where designated by the faculty and approved by the University Committee on Curriculum, permit a higher maximum number of 400-level units.
Unit credit indicates the number of semester units earned in the course; these units may or may not be applicable to the degree. Degree credit indicates the units are applicable to the degree.
A minimum of 20 graduate units at USC is required for the master's degree; 24 units for the doctoral degree.
Residence for a graduate degree program at USC is a period of intensive study completed on the University Park Campus, the Health Sciences Campus and/or at one of the approved off-campus study centers. Each degree-conferring unit may establish a school residence policy. School residence requirements as presented in the USC Catalogue are approved by the University Committee on Curriculum and are to be interpreted consistent with university policies on continuous enrollment, leaves of absence, transfer of credit and time limits for completion of graduate degrees. Individual exceptions must be approved by the vice provost for graduate programs.
Graduate students may elect to enroll in courses on a pass/no pass basis with department or program approval. Course work taken on a pass/no pass basis cannot be applied toward a graduate degree. If a student later requires the course for a degree program (because of a change in degree objective or a decision to obtain an additional degree), the degree-granting unit can decide to allow subject credit for the course and require a substitute course for the unit credit. Individual departments may have placed further restrictions on whether a course taken on a pass/no pass basis can be used to fulfill specific requirements.
All students should consult their academic advisers before enrolling in any course on a pass/no pass basis.
Students admitted to graduate degree programs are expected to complete the degree requirements listed in the USC Catalogue. A maximum of 25 percent of the stated degree course requirements (exclusive of 594 Master's Thesis and 794 Doctoral Dissertation) may be approved for waiver or substitution by other USC course work, directed research or transfer course work. Substitution of courses with the same prefix are exempted from this limit, as are transfer courses in the same discipline and graduate degree programs with three or fewer specified required courses as part of the entire degree program.
Individual academic programs/departments may approve substitutions and waivers within this limit for their programs. In rare instances, the program or department can request approval of additional substitutions from the dean of the degree program. Waivers or substitutions of over 25 percent should be very rare and will be periodically reviewed by the vice provost for graduate programs.
The very exceptional case of waivers or substitutions over 50 percent must be approved by the vice provost for graduate programs.
Programs establishing a lower maximum substitution limit may waive their own policy by approval of the dean of the academic school. Waiver or substitution of course requirements does not reduce the minimum number of units required for the degree.
A "second master's degree" is any master's degree pursued after a first master's degree is earned at USC. The maximum number of units which may be applied toward the second master's degree for course work taken from a first master's degree at USC is: 4 units toward degree programs requiring 24–32 units; 8 units toward programs requiring 33–40 units; 12 units toward programs requiring 41 or more units. Second master's degrees are not allowed in the same program of study for students who earned their first master's degree at USC.
For students who earned their first master's degree at another institution, no course work may be repeated from the first program of study and no unit credit from the first program of study may be counted toward the second master's degree. Subject credit could be awarded if approved through a petition process to the dean of the degree program. Program exceptions require approval of the University Committee on Curriculum and are listed in the departmental sections of this catalogue. No individual exceptions are allowed.
To be considered full time, a master's level student must be enrolled in a minimum of eight units of 400- and 500-level course work, and a doctoral level student must be enrolled in a minimum of six units of 500-level and above course work. All graduate assistants are classified as full-time students during the semester(s) of their appointments as long as they are enrolled for the minimum units required for their assistantship. In order to make normal progress toward the timely completion of course work for a graduate degree, most students will be enrolled for 12 units; 16 units will constitute a maximum load. Students wishing to carry more than 16 units must have prior permission from the degree-conferring unit; such permission will be granted only in exceptional circumstances.
A student who has completed all course work for the master's degree will be considered full time when properly enrolled in either 594 Master's Thesis or GRSC 810 Studies for Master's Examination.
A student who has completed all course work for the doctoral degree (except dissertation registration) will be considered full time during the semester in which the student is preparing for the doctoral qualifying examination, provided the Appointment or Change of Qualifying Exam or Dissertation Committee form has been submitted and approved for that semester and the student is enrolled in the course GRSC 800 Studies for the Qualifying Examination. Students should not enroll in more than three semesters of GRSC 800. Doctoral students who have been advanced to candidacy, that is, who have completed all course work and have passed the qualifying examination, will be considered full time when properly enrolled in 794 Doctoral Dissertation. In addition to GRSC 800/GRSC 810 and 594 Master's Thesis and 794 Doctoral Dissertation, there are several other courses and programs as determined by the Dean of Academic Records and Registrar for which enrollment confers full-time status. Students should consult their academic unit for this information.
International students on student visas must be enrolled as full-time students or must receive authorization from the Office of International Services to enroll in fewer than the minimum units. Such students are not eligible to be considered students without formal registration and are in violation of immigration laws when not properly enrolled. Any international student having questions about his or her registration should consult the Office for International Services.
Students are considered to be pursuing advanced degrees only when they are formally enrolled. Students admitted to a graduate degree objective are required to be enrolled at USC for fall and spring semesters each year until all degree requirements have been satisfactorily completed within the time limit. Enrollment in graduate-level course work is necessary to meet this requirement. Graduate students who fail to register are no longer considered to be enrolled in a graduate degree program. After an unauthorized absence, formal readmission is required. Students who have been granted a leave of absence do not need to apply for readmission following the approved leave. Where appropriate to the design of a given academic program, the faculty of the program may obtain the permission of the University Committee on Curriculum for a different definition of continuous enrollment.
A master's candidate who is writing a thesis and has completed all course work for the degree must enroll in the appropriate thesis registration until the thesis has been approved. A doctoral candidate who has passed the qualifying examination must enroll each fall and spring semester in 794 Doctoral Dissertation until the dissertation has been approved. It is expected that students will enroll in no more than eight semesters of 794 Doctoral Dissertation. Please note that some courses with no academic credit require payment of tuition. Most classes with course numbers ending in z (e.g., 594z and 794z) require payment of 2 units of tuition.
Exceptions to continuous enrollment are subject to policies governing leaves of absence and readmission.
Interruptions of enrollment can cause problems in the continuity of course work within a student's graduate program and, therefore, leaves of absence are generally discouraged.
A student in good standing and making satisfactory progress toward a degree who must interrupt studies for compelling reasons (e.g., approved study abroad, sustained ill health) may petition for a leave for a stated period, usually one semester. Students who find it necessary to be excused from registration must request a leave of absence by the last day to drop or add courses. The request should include a plan for academic progress upon return. A leave must be requested before the drop-add deadline and approved by the dean of the degree program, the committee chair and the department chair or program director, if applicable. During the period of leave, a student is not entitled to assistance from the faculty or use of university facilities. If granted, the leave is recorded on the student's transcript and the period of leave is not counted in the time allowed for the completion of degree requirements. Within the degree time limit, a leave of absence may be allowed for one semester at a time, up to a maximum of four semesters. A student who does not return to enrolled status at the end of an approved period of leave is no longer considered to be pursuing an advanced degree. Students who fail to apply for a leave of absence or for whom a leave has been denied (or has expired) are subject to policies governing continuous enrollment and readmission.
Financial aid recipients considering a leave of absence should be aware of the financial aid implications. For more information, refer to the Withdrawal Implications for Recipients of Financial Aid section in Financial Aid for Graduate Students.
A student who leaves the university without obtaining a formal leave of absence from graduate study is not automatically readmitted. A student wishing to apply for readmission to a graduate degree program must first get the recommendation of the department chair or program director and submit an Application for Readmission to the dean of the degree program. However, if the cumulative GPA is below 3.0, or if readmission is sought after more than two years of an unapproved absence, the Application for Readmission must be sent to the Graduate School for approval. The readmission approval process must be completed by the first day of classes for the term in which resumption of graduate studies is sought. Approvals are to be based on the academic merits of the student's request. If readmitted, the student will be subject to all of the current University Catalogue requirements for the degree in effect at the time of readmission. Individual exceptions to the Catalogue year require the approval of the dean of the degree program. Students seeking readmission after an absence of more than 10 years may be required to re-apply to the university.
A student may not be readmitted into a program of study that has been terminated. The student must either be subject to retroactive enrollment or admission to the new program of study with the corresponding catalogue requirements.
In graduate degree programs that require a comprehensive examination and for all doctoral qualifying examinations, a student who fails the examination may be permitted, at the discretion of the faculty, to take it a second time. For time limits on retaking the comprehensive examinations, consult the individual school's policy. For more information on the PhD qualifying examination, consult The Graduate School section of the Catalogue.
Requests for exception must be approved by the department chair or program director.
A student may not take the comprehensive or qualifying examination more than twice and must be appropriately enrolled at USC during the semester in which any such examination is taken or retaken. A student who fails the comprehensive or qualifying examination a second time may not continue in the degree program after the end of the semester in which the second examination was taken. No exceptions are allowed.
Application for the degree is required for all graduate degrees. Application for the master's degree should be made in the student's academic unit in the semester preceding the one in which the student hopes to graduate and prior to enrolling in 594a. Application for the PhD should be made when the student has passed the qualifying exam and been admitted to candidacy. At least one semester prior to expected graduation, the student must contact his or her academic adviser and have the application submitted online. When the application is received by the Degree Progress office, a STARS report will be issued to the student. The degree cannot be conferred if no application has been submitted.
See the Theses and Dissertation section in The Graduate School section.
Return to: Graduate and Professional Education
The Graduate School provides referral to information sources about nationally competitive fellowships, grants, awards, and opportunities for graduate study abroad.
Any non-USC administered overseas study programs or any courses taken abroad by currently enrolled USC students must be reviewed and pre-approved by the Office of Admission and Degree Progress prior to enrollment.
Many schools and departments offer international study opportunities and internships. Refer to the school sections of the Catalogue for specific information.
Return to: Graduate and Professional Education
Center for Excellence in
Teaching
Grace Ford Salvatori, Suite 211
(213) 740-9040
FAX: (213) 821-2474
Email: usccet@usc.edu
usc.edu/cet
Director: Edward Finegan, PhD
Program Manager: Dana Coyle
Faculty Fellows: Tatiana Akishina, Slavic Languages and Literature; Gail Peter Borden, Arichitecture; Ruth Chung, Rossier; Edward Finegan, Linguistics and Law; Thomas Goodnight, Communication; Gillian Hadfield, Law and Economics; Dinah Lenney, Master of Professional Writing Program; Oliver Mayer, Dramatic Arts; Erin Moore, Anthropology; Krishna Nayak, Electrical Engineering; Mark Redekopp, Electrical Engineering; Wendy Smith, Social Work; Rachel Walker, Linguistics; Travis Williams, Chemistry; Michael Wincor, Pharmacy
Distinguished Faculty Fellows: Sarah Banet-Weiser, Communication; Nelson Eugene (Gene) Bickers, Physics; Eyal Ben-Issac, Clinical Pediatrics; Sharon M. Carnicke, Theatre; Steven Chen, Pharmacy; Frank Corsetti, Earth Sciences; Gerald C. Davison, Psychology; William Deverell, History; Donna Elliott, Pediatrics-Keck; Steven Finkel, Molecular Biology; Judy Garner, Cell and Neurobiology; Wayne Glass, International Relations; Brenda Goodman, Cinematic Arts; Stephan Haas, Physics and Astronomy; Jack Halberstam, American Studies and Ethnicity, Gender Studies and Comparative Literature; Heather James, English; Mark E. Kann, Political Science; James Kincaid, English; Paul W. Knoll, History; Steven L. Lamy, International Relations; Nancy Lutkehaus, Anthropology; Debbie MacInnis, Business; Frank Manis, Psychology; Win May, Medical Education; Doe Mayer, Cinematic Arts; William O. McClure, Biological Sciences; Charles McKenna, Chemistry; Tara McPherson, Cinematic Arts; Najm Meshkati, Civil and Environmental Engineering; Beth Meyerowitz, Psychology; Geoffrey Middlebrook, Writing Program; Danielle Mihram, French and Italian; Sally Pratt, Slavic Languages and Literature; Michael W. Quick, Biological Sciences; Nandini Rajagopalan, Management and Organization; Alison Dundes Renteln, Political Science; Margaret Rosenthal, French and Italian; Steven Ross, History; Sam Safadi, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering; Steven B. Sample, Honorary Distinguished Faculty Fellow; Joel E. Schechter, Cell and Neurobiology; Geoffrey Spedding, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering; Craig B. Stanford, Anthropology; Peter Starr, French and Comparative Literature; Karen Sternheimer, Sociology; Katherine Sullivan, Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy; Armand R. Tanguay, Jr., Engineering; S. Mark Young, Accounting; John Walsh, Gerontology; Theresa Woehrle, Family Medicine; Bruce E. Zuckerman, Religion
Committed to the development and advancement of learner-centered education, CET's mission is to provide shared vision, support and leadership across the University of Southern California. Dedicated to the advancement of teaching in a learner-centered environment, the center encourages discovery and promulgation of the most effective pedagogies among faculty and students. Its mentoring and other structured programs foster development among junior and senior faculty and doctoral students aspiring to academic careers. Unique among centers with similar purposes at major U.S. colleges and universities, CET's programs are conceived and implemented by faculty fellows, teaching assistant fellows and undergraduate fellows, who together comprise an interdisciplinary community of practice across the curriculum inside and outside the classroom.
CET strives to encourage the full integration of the university's research mission into teaching, both in and outside of the classroom. Excellence in research requires commitment to the development of superior communication and instructional skills in all fields, as well as in the training of our students for their future in academia. The scholarly activities of the faculty may lead directly to opportunities to foster university-wide discourse on the commitment to excellence in teaching.
The objectives of CET's Fellows are to:
Faculty fellows serve students directly via mentoring and indirectly as evangelists for teaching excellence throughout the university, by sharing ideas in workshops and offering advisement on effective teaching methods to junior faculty. In addition, the fellows collectively seek to provide an intellectual resource on instructional theory and policy evaluation for university administrators tasked with responding to challenges posed by the changing national educational environment.
The Teaching Assistant Fellows (TAF) program for outstanding USC teaching assistants (TAs) primarily produces teaching assistant (TA) training materials and offers programs to enhance TA instruction across the university and beyond. The TAFs work collaboratively combining their personal teaching expertise with research on best practices to create cutting-edge materials. The TAF-created wiki exemplifies the work of the TAFs. The USC TA wiki provides information by TAs for TAs. The TAF-created wiki can be found at uscta.wikidot.com.
Secondarily, the TAF program provides professional development for the TAFs. TAFs receive advanced training in the modern theory and practice of pedagogy as well as mentoring from CET Fellows and other USC experts.
The CET Undergraduate Fellows program is designed to support CET's mission by establishing a group of undergraduates committed to improving USC's undergraduate educational experience. The CET Undergraduate Fellows program provides students with a way to provide input and support for the betterment of the undergraduate academic experience. Undergraduate fellows also receive mentoring from faculty fellows.
CET trains new teaching assistants at the beginning of each semester and assists in the creation and operation of teaching assistant training programs within each school. The center is also asked to develop better ways to evaluate teaching effectiveness and student learning. In its capacity as principal advocate for and promoter of an excellent teaching and learning environment on campus, CET provides recognition and awards for excellent teachers and mentors nominated and selected by faculty and students.
Each year CET solicits nominations for and selects the winners of several university-wide awards and grants for teaching excellence: The Associates Award for Excellence in Teaching is the highest honor the university faculty can bestow on its members for outstanding teaching. It recognizes career achievements in teaching with emphasis on concrete accomplishments and proven results; it is not intended as a "teacher of the year" award. A maximum of two awards of $3,500 each are presented each year at the Academic Honors Convocation in April to emphasize the university's recognition of the significant role that teaching plays in its mission.
The University Outstanding Teaching Assistant Awards of $1,000 are presented each year at the Academic Honors Convocation to three graduate teaching assistants who have exhibited consistent excellence in the classroom and symbolizes the university's dedication to the education of scholar-teachers.
CET also arranges consultations, symposia, institutes, conferences, demonstrations and other kinds of programmatic activities to support excellence in teaching and learning on behalf of the university.
Office of Postdoctoral
Affairs
Grace Ford Salvatori Hall (GFS) 304
3601 Watt Way
Los Angeles, CA 90089-1695
Email: postdocs@usc.edu
postdocs.usc.edu
Associate Provost and Director: Mark Todd, PhD
Associate Director: Dan Carino
The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs is the central postdoctoral scholar resource on campus. It serves as a liaison between the Office of the Provost, postdoctoral scholars, faculty and staff to disseminate university initiatives and policies. The office works closely with academic units to help recruit and train a diverse cadre of the best junior scholars to the university, preparing postdoctoral scholars for careers as independent researchers, academics and leaders of their chosen fields.
The office manages the following Provost's signature programs for postdoctoral scholars: Provost's Postdoctoral Scholars in the Humanities, Provost's Postdoctoral Scholars Program for Clinical Residents and Fellows, the Provost's Postdoctoral Scholars Program for Faculty Diversity in Informatics and Digital Knowledge, and the Provost's Postdoctoral Scholar Research Grants.
The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs facilitates the full integration of postdoctoral scholars at USC, encouraging all postdocs to take advantage of the many opportunities to engage and connect with other members of the Trojan Family.
More details can be found on the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs Website at postdocs.usc.edu.
Return to: Graduate and Professional Education
The following list of graduate degrees provides a guide to the organization of graduate study at USC. The index includes all degrees offered, and the school which administers the degree.
The basic graduate degrees are the Master of Arts, Master of Science, the Doctor of Philosophy and the professional doctoral degree.
The Master of Arts degree is normally given for study in the humanities and social sciences. The Master of Science degree is normally given for study in the natural sciences and engineering. Other master's degrees are granted by USC for proficiency in professional fields. Master's degree programs are subject to the policies of the Graduate School.
All Doctor of Philosophy degrees must meet the standards of scholarship and other regulations established by the Graduate School. With the exception of Doctor of Dental Surgery, Juris Doctor, and Doctor of Medicine, all professional doctoral programs are subject to the policies of the Graduate School.
In addition to the degree programs listed in the index, the university also offers a number of graduate certificate programs. Graduate credit certificate programs must be approved by the University Committee on Curriculum and meet the following requirements: (1) a minimum of 12 units is required; the maximum number of units may vary; (2) for certificate programs of 16 units or fewer, all course work must be at the 500 level or above. For programs of more than 16 units, not more than 25 percent of the total units for the program may be at the 400 level; (3) for completion, a minimum cumulative USC grade point average of 3.0 must be achieved on all course work applied to the certificate; (4) all course work must be earned at USC, except for programs of more than 16 units, in which case not more than 25 percent of the course work may be transfer credit.
An Area of Emphasis is a specific focus within a major that has been formally approved. Areas of Emphasis are listed within parentheses following the appropriate majors and do not appear on diplomas but are indicated on transcripts.
A dual degree program joins two distinct graduate degree programs under a single, new program and POST (program of study) code. (Applicants to dual degree programs must apply separately to each degree and be admitted to both programs. After admission to both degree programs, the student is assigned the single, dual degree POST code.) Upon completion of the dual degree program, two degrees (and two diplomas) are awarded. Both degrees in a dual degree program must be awarded with the same conferral date.
A progressive degree program enables a USC undergraduate to begin work on a master's degree while completing requirements for the bachelor's degree. The degree may be in the same or different departments but should be in a similar field of study. Students in a progressive degree program must fulfill all requirements for both the bachelor's degree and the master's degree except for the combined total number of units for the degrees. The master's degree may be awarded simultaneously with but not before the bachelor's degree is awarded.
The university does not distinguish online programs and courses from those offered on campus. Requests to provide information about which programs and courses are offered online will be denied.
The USC Graduate School is responsible for those academic and professional affairs of the university that relate to the degree programs offered through the Graduate School. The Graduate School also participates in general university affairs relating to graduate and professional education and research.
Sarah Pratt, PhD, Vice Provost for Graduate Programs
Meredith Drake-Reitan, PhD, Associate Dean
Shayna Kessel, PhD, Associate Dean
Laura Yoneda, Associate Dean
Graduate studies had their formal beginnings at the University of Southern California in 1910, and 1923 marked the official constitution of the Graduate School of the university.
The Graduate School values the contribution of every graduate student. Its mission is to promote a distinguished PhD educational experience, to support and celebrate all graduate student achievements and to provide leadership in the establishment and communication of policies, standards and processes related to graduate education. The Graduate School partners excellent students with excellent faculty across the spectrum of disciplines and awards fellowships to incoming students who show outstanding promise for academic careers in research and teaching, and who serve to increase the representation of under-represented groups in their disciplines. Incoming PhD students are eligible for Provost's Fellowships, Annenberg Fellowships, Rose Hills Fellowships and Global Fellowships. Advanced PhD students are eligible for Endowed Fellowships, Research Enhancement Fellowships and Dissertation Completion Fellowships.
The vice provost for graduate programs has academic oversight responsibility for all graduate programs at the university. Excellence in graduate and professional education is critically dependent on the exchange of scholarly ideas among an increasingly diverse community of faculty and students. The values that characterize these interactions include dedication to excellence, mutual respect, fairness, collegiality, honesty and integrity.
The Graduate School, which confers all the university's PhD degrees, several professional doctorates and many master's degrees, adheres to that vision and those values. Graduate students at USC are key members of the university's community of scholars, contributing diverse viewpoints and fresh insights that are poised to make their mark on the theories, systems, innovations, public policy and creative work of the 21st century.
Common threads in all Graduate School activities are: promoting academic excellence; advocating on behalf of graduate students; and the fostering of the sense of community (composed of students, faculty, staff, alumni and administrators) that characterizes graduate education at USC as a place for students of all backgrounds. Facilitating the participation of under-represented groups in all areas of research and graduate studies is critical to the mission.
Admission to degree or certificate programs in the Graduate School is processed through the USC Office of Graduate Admission, which receives and processes all applications, evaluates credentials and issues notification letters. Only a letter from the office of Graduate Admission grants official admission to a graduate degree objective in the university. The Graduate School establishes and monitors the standards under which students are admitted for study in degree programs under its jurisdiction. The following are the basic requirements: (1) a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university, comparable in standard to that awarded at USC; (2) satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE); (3) for international applicants, a valid score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Pearson Test of English (PTE), or International English Language Testing System (IELTS); (4) intellectual promise, including evaluation of grade point averages (GPA) that indicates an ability to do acceptable graduate work; (5) and strong personal qualifications, including good moral character. Credentials for admission must include a complete record of all previous college or university work. Admission to the university, under the standards of the Graduate School, is determined by the appropriate academic department or program.
It must be stressed that while every student must be qualified for admission to the Graduate School, the fact of qualification does not guarantee admission.
Admission documents are reviewed by the applicant's prospective department or program. Applicants are advised that individual departments and programs may establish additional admission standards, such as requiring the submission of the appropriate GRE Subject Test or the submission of academic letters of recommendation directly to the department or program at USC. The applicant should contact the department or program of interest for information on additional required supplementary documents. See the departmental sections of this catalogue or visit the department or program Website.
As a supplement to other evidence of an applicant's preparation for successful graduate study, the General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is an integral part of the admission procedure. Individual departments and programs may also require the appropriate Subject Test.
The analytical portion of the GRE now requires a writing sample. The results are conveyed to any institution requesting an applicant's test results. Applicants should take the package of General Interest measures containing the Mathematical Reasoning or Quantitative Reasoning Test as appropriate for their intended program.
Test scores on the GRE that are more than five years old at the start of the intended first term at USC are not accepted. Students are advised to repeat the GRE if they have not taken the test within five years.
The ability to communicate effectively in English — to read, write and speak the language fluently — is vital to the success of all USC students. Therefore, graduate applicants at all levels are expected to demonstrate their English proficiency as part of the application process. All international graduate applicants are required to submit scores from either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), PTE (Pearson Test of English), or IELTS (International English Language Testing System). There are no minimum TOEFL, PTE or IELTS scores required for admission. Official scores must be received from the testing service, dated no earlier than two years (24 months) prior to the start of the student's first term at USC.
The completed application for admission and all required supporting documents should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admission based on the published deadline for the program of interest. In the case of a student enrolled in the last semester of the baccalaureate program, all credentials, including evidence of work in progress, should be submitted.
Some departments and programs only admit graduate students to begin study in the fall semester. Departmental and program deadlines are listed on the department or program Websites. Unless an academic program advertises a different deadline, priority consideration for PhD student funding will be given to those applicants who submit all application materials by December 1. The university will continue to accept and consider applications submitted after December 1.
Only a letter from the Office of Graduate Admission grants official admission to a degree objective in the university. Correspondence with department chairpersons, program directors or individual faculty members does not constitute admission.
Students will be admitted with a specified degree objective. Admission to a degree objective and permission to enroll does not imply that the student is or will be automatically guaranteed the right to continue in a degree program or to be a candidate for an advanced degree.
Students who have been accepted for admission, have met all the basic admission requirements and filed all relevant documents with the Office of Graduate Admission are considered admitted to full graduate standing. Occasionally, applicants for admission may lack one of the qualifications listed above or may have difficulty producing appropriate documentation; such students may be conditionally admitted.
Conditional admission is a status for those students who have not yet met all requirements for admission to full graduate status or who have not filed all relevant documents with the office of graduate admission. See the Graduate and Professional Education section for policies governing enrollment as a conditionally admitted student. Full graduate student standing is not granted until all conditions have been met within the time limit given.
Some students may wish to enroll in graduate-level courses for personal satisfaction or professional enhancement without currently seeking a graduate degree. Students may be permitted to enroll with permission from the department or program. Such students should obtain a special Limited Status form from the Office of Academic Records and Registrar at the time of registration. This will permit them to register in the classification limited status. See the Academic Policies section for policies governing limited status enrollment. Limited status enrollment is not to be construed as admission.
Students can be admitted with Advanced Standing (entry with an appropriate completed graduate degree from an accredited institution) to all programs in which the PhD degree is conferred by the Graduate School at USC with approval from the vice provost for graduate programs. See the Graduate and Professional Education section under "Transfer of Course Work" for more information.
Admission to graduate study does not imply advancement to candidacy for an advanced degree and gives no right or claim to be so admitted. Candidacy is determined after the student has demonstrated the ability to do graduate work with originality, excellence and independence at USC.
The foundation for the master's degree or for the PhD degree is a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent comparable in standard to that awarded at USC from a regionally accredited college or university. Many doctoral students, of course, will already have received a master's degree.
University policies governing unit, grade point average and time limit requirements are stated in the Academic Policies section of this catalogue. Graduate students should also consult this section for policies on transfer of credit, concurrent enrollment, continuous enrollment, leaves of absence, readmission, and waiver and substitution of course requirements.
The course of study for the master's degree must include at least 24 units in required and elective courses. In addition, students in a program requiring a thesis must register for four units of 594ab Master's Thesis.
A minimum of 60 units of course work beyond the baccalaureate is required for the PhD degree, including research courses and four units of 794ab Doctoral Dissertation. No more than 8 units of 794 may be received or applied toward the degree.
A minimum of 36 units of course work beyond the first graduate degree, exclusive of 794 Doctoral Dissertation, is required for doctoral degree students admitted with Advanced Standing. Additional course work may be required if deemed necessary by the student's faculty.
Residence is a period of intensive study completed at USC. For the master's degree a minimum of 20 units of course work applicable toward the degree must be completed on the University Park and/or Health Sciences Campuses and/or at one of the university's approved off-campus study centers.
For the PhD degree a minimum of 24 units applicable toward the degree, exclusive of 794 Doctoral Dissertation, must be completed on the University Park and/or Health Sciences Campuses. Internships, fieldwork and other off-campus experiences do not count toward residency.
It is not intended that the PhD degree be conferred as a certificate of residence, however faithful or extended, or as a certificate of the satisfaction of unit requirements, which are to be regarded as largely preliminary. It has been found that the scholastic requirements for the degree cannot be completed in less than the equivalent of three full years of work devoted wholly to graduate study and research with appropriate facilities and under university supervision.
Exceptions to certain policies and procedures governing Graduate School degree programs will be considered by the vice provost for graduate programs upon the submission of a specific request supported by adequate reasons, information and documentation, if needed. The signatures and recommendation of the faculty adviser or committee chair, the department chair or program director, and, in some cases, the dean of the degree program, are required. Requests must be initiated and submitted on behalf of the student by the department's or program's staff adviser. After training on the Graduate School's online request system, advisers may access the necessary forms through the Graduate School's Website.
A progressive degree program enables a USC undergraduate to begin work on a master's degree while completing requirements for the bachelor's degree. The degree may be in the same or different department or program but should be in a similar field of study. See the Graduate and Professional Education section for detailed information.
The requirements and regulations set forth in this portion of the catalogue are to be construed only as minimal requirements established by the Graduate School. In addition, the student is obligated to meet all the requirements established by the individual department or program as described in the departmental sections.
Academic advisement of entering graduate students will be provided by a designated faculty member in the student's home department or program. Ideally, during the first semester of graduate enrollment a formal program of study should be developed and agreed upon in writing. This academic plan should include: (1) the sequence of required and elective courses, with a diversity of faculty instruction and a reasonable balance between course work and directed research appropriate for the degree; (2) evaluation of available transfer credit for application toward the degree; and (3) the schedule and procedures for departmental or program evaluation of the student. The program of study should be on file in the student's department or program and may be modified in keeping with the student's progress toward the degree objective. This should become the responsibility of the student's qualifying exam committee when it has been established.
Although the Graduate School does not require a foreign language examination, some departments and programs do have specific language requirements for their graduate programs.
The foreign language requirement is determined by the individual departments, programs or schools, subject to approval by the University Committee on Curriculum. For the PhD student, these requirements should be met well in advance of the qualifying examination.
When proficiency in a foreign language or a research tool is required, the evidence attesting to proficiency may not be more than five years old. This regulation applies regardless of the form of the evidence.
For specific information, see Foreign Language/Research Tool Requirement under the appropriate department and program sections of this catalogue.
Faculty advisers and departments and programs take factors other than satisfactory grades and adequate GPAs into consideration in determining a student's qualifications for an advanced degree. A student's overall academic performance, specific skills and aptitudes, and faculty evaluations will be considered in departmental or program decisions regarding a student's continuation in a master's or doctoral degree program.
Satisfactory progress toward an advanced degree as determined by the faculty is required at all times. Students who fail to make satisfactory progress will be so informed by their department chair, program director, committee chair or school dean. The faculty has the right to recommend at any time after written warning that a student be dismissed from a graduate program for academic reasons or that a student be denied readmission.
Required documentation is electronically submitted to the Graduate School by the deadline date and time. It is then reviewed by the thesis coordinator. When the documentation is determined to be complete, the candidate is cleared to electronically submit the dissertation manuscript.
Required documentation for doctoral students includes the Approval to Submit Defended and Final Copy of Doctoral Work form, the most recent Appointment or Change of Qualifying Exam or Dissertation Committee form, and for PhD students only, the electronic receipt confirming completion of the Survey of Earned Doctorates. For master's students, required documentation includes the Approval to Submit Final Copy of Master's Thesis form and the most recent Appointment or Change of Master's Committee form. All of these documents are submitted as PDFs.
Manuscripts are reviewed and required documentation is processed in the order received. Students have three months from the date the committee chair signs the Approval to Submit form to complete the necessary corrections to the formatting of the manuscript.
Early Submission Option: Students who submit the necessary documentation a week or more before the add/drop deadline and who also upload the manuscript to the Graduate School by the add/drop deadline in a given term are exempted from the requirement to register in 594 or 794 in that semester. Otherwise, students register for 594, 794 or the equivalent in order to maintain continuous enrollment. International students considering the Early Submission Option should check with the Office of International Services to be sure the lack of course registration will not affect their visa status.
The university must accept all theses and dissertations in an approved, final, and electronic form before the degree can be conferred. The student's committee must have approved all documents before submission to the Graduate School. The student remains in contact with the Graduate School during the corrections process.
At the time of submission, all manuscripts should be formatted and edited according to the style determined by the student's department or program. The thesis coordinator does not function as a proofreader or copy editor.
If the formatting of the manuscript requires corrections, the student makes the corrections and uploads a new PDF of the manuscript in the time allotted by the thesis coordinator. A manuscript that has been electronically submitted for further review is also processed in the order in which it is received.
After a manuscript has been approved by the thesis coordinator, the student uploads an identical copy of the final PDF of the manuscript to the USC Libraries.
The Graduate School provides a schedule of specific dates for completing the thesis or dissertation submission for the student to qualify for graduation in the corresponding semester. These dates are published on the Graduate School's Website. Regardless of the date of submission, students must submit complete documentation and finish all corrections to the manuscript before the degree can be conferred. Upon completion of all requirements, the official USC transcript will serve as evidence of the degree until the diploma is received.
All theses and dissertations will be made available via the USC Libraries.
The doctoral candidate's fee of $115 covers USC Libraries and Graduate School processing fees. The master's candidate's fee of $105 covers USC Libraries and Graduate School processing fees. The fees are assessed by the thesis coordinator after the required documentation has been submitted, and the charges appear on the student's account.
The Graduate School confers the master's degree upon the satisfactory completion of a carefully planned curriculum. A comprehensive examination or summative experience may replace a thesis in certain departments and programs. A student must enroll in GRSC 810 during the semester in which the comprehensive examination is to be taken if not otherwise enrolled. Consult the appropriate departmental section of this catalogue for specific course requirements.
For those master's degrees not conferred by the Graduate School, the degree-conferring school determines if a thesis, comprehensive exam or other summative experience is required.
When the summative experience is not a thesis or comprehensive examination, the nature of the summative experience needs to be explicitly defined including the method by which the student's performance will be assessed and how the results of that assessment will be recorded. The summative experience requirement will often be satisfied by passing a course designed specifically for this purpose.
See Transfer of Course Work for the maximum number of units of transferred course work that may be applied toward a master's degree. Except in formally designated dual degree programs, this same policy regulates the number of credits that may be applied toward a master's degree from an advanced degree previously completed at USC.
The student's master's committee directs the student's program of study and thesis and/or comprehensive examination. The master's committee consists of at least three and no more than five members. The committee chair and at least one additional member must have an appointment in the student's program. At least one member of the committee must be tenured or tenure-track, or a research professor at the associate or full professor level. Faculty eligible to serve as committee chairs and members include tenured and tenure-track faculty, and non-tenure-track faculty (including research faculty) of outstanding stature who have a documented record of exceptional expertise and superior achievement in a field relevant to the exam and have been approved by the dean of the school.
At least one semester preceding the one in which the student expects to receive the degree and prior to registration in 594a Master's Thesis, the student should ask the academic department or program to request an online degree check from Degree Progress. Application is made online by the academic department or program and then transmitted to the Degree Progress Department following approval of the program of studies by the student's home department. Degree Progress will prepare a Degree Audit Report (STARS Report) reflecting course work and requirements completed and those remaining to be met. A copy of the Credit Summary is sent to the student and the home department or program.
A student who fails the master's examination may be permitted, at the discretion of the faculty, to take it a second time. The retaking of a failed master's examination must be completed before the end of the second consecutive semester (excluding summer session) following the first examination. Requests for exception must be approved by the department chair or program director. A student may not take the master's examination more than twice and must be appropriately enrolled at USC during the semester in which such an examination is taken or retaken. A student who fails the master's examination a second time may not continue in the degree program after the end of the semester in which the second examination was taken. No exceptions are allowed.
The thesis is supervised throughout its preparation by the student's master's committee. It is desirable for the student to have a conference with each committee member promptly following the approval of the topic. Thereafter, thesis work is normally under the immediate supervision of the committee chair: Final acceptance is based upon the unanimous recommendation of all members of the committee.
A student who is required to write a thesis must submit a satisfactory outline and comprehensive bibliography for the proposed thesis and demonstrate a mastery of the subject satisfactory to the master's committee. The student's thesis or master's committee is responsible for the content and bibliographical consistency of the thesis.
During the five-year time limit allowed for completion of the degree and following the completion of all course work, the student must enroll in 594 Master's Thesis for two consecutive semesters and for each semester thereafter, until the thesis has been approved and the approval of the master's thesis form has been signed by the student's master's committee. Registration for the thesis in two semesters is the minimum requirement entitling the student to thesis supervision by the master's committee. No more than four units of credit in 594 may be received regardless of the number of semesters the student may be required to be enrolled. Students may not register for more than two units of 594 during a given semester; individual exceptions require the approval of the dean of the degree program.
Students who find it necessary to be excused from registration in 594 for a semester must request a leave of absence by petition to the dean of the degree program prior to the beginning of the semester. See Leave of Absence. Approval of the committee chair, department chair or program director, and dean of the degree program are required. During a leave of absence students will not be entitled to assistance from the master's committee or to the use of university facilities. Considerations for approving a leave of absence include the student's progress to date in meeting the time schedules for the completion of degree requirements.
If a thesis defense is required: After the thesis defense has been completed and after the committee determines that no further changes are required of the thesis manuscript, each committee member electronically certifies on the Approval to Submit Defended and Final Copy of Doctoral Dissertation form that: (1) the defense was appropriately rigorous; (2) the student's thesis is original and represents advanced scholarly work in keeping with the standards of the given field; and (3) the thesis defense process was fair and in keeping with USC's academic and ethical standards. No changes can be made to the manuscript's content after the Approval to Submit form is complete. The Approval to Submit form is electronically available through Thesis Center, the Graduate School's online thesis and dissertation processing system.
Please refer to the Theses and Dissertations section for information on the submission process.
Qualified students will be received as applicants for candidacy for the Doctor of Philosophy degree with a major in departments and programs which are adequately equipped with staff, library and laboratory facilities to furnish the necessary training and opportunities for original research.
A screening examination or other procedure designated by the department or program is to be administered before the student has taken more than 24 units (including research courses). Passing this procedure is prerequisite to continuation in the doctoral program. Students who fail the screening procedure will be advised that they are not recommended to continue in the PhD program and that any additional work may not be counted toward the degree. Failure to undertake the screening procedure before completion of 24 units of course work may jeopardize additional units. Ideally, a faculty member will be appointed to serve as the student's administrative adviser until the student establishes an approved qualifying exam committee.
The subject or field of concentration is called a major. The major is usually a departmental major, although several interdepartmental majors have been authorized.
Undergraduate prerequisite and graduate course work will be required in accordance with the regulations of the major department or program and the recommendation of the student's qualifying exam committee. Consult the appropriate departmental section of this catalogue for specific course requirements.
The qualifying exam committee is responsible for supervising the student's preparation for the exam and for the fair and timely administration and evaluation of the written and oral parts of the examination. The Appointment or Change of Qualifying Exam or Dissertation Committee form, available on the Graduate School Website, is used to establish the qualifying exam committee. The form requires the signature of each member of the committee, the department chair or program director, and the dean or dean's designate. The completed form is filed in the student's home department or program.
The qualifying exam committee is composed of five members. The committee chair and at least two additional members must have an appointment in the student's program. The committee chair and at least two additional members must be affiliated with the student's program. Faculty eligible to serve as committee chairs and members include tenured and tenure-track faculty, and non-tenure-track faculty of outstanding stature who have a documented record of exceptional expertise and superior achievement in a field relevant to the exam and have been approved by the dean of the school. At least three members of the committee must be tenured or tenure track. Visiting faculty may not serve on qualifying exam committees. The vice provost for graduate programs is an ex officio member of all qualifying exam committees.
Individual schools and programs may require the inclusion on the qualifying exam committee of a member from outside the student's program. If an outside member is required, it must be specified in the departments', programs' or schools' sections in the Catalogue.
The Appointment or Change of Qualifying Exam or Dissertation Committee form, available on the Graduate School Website, must be completed whenever a change is made in a qualifying exam committee. All such changes must be made in advance of the qualifying examinations. Informal substitutions for either the written or oral parts of the qualifying examination are not permitted. Changes in a qualifying exam committee are not permitted between the written and oral portions of the examination. The examinations must be scheduled at times when it is possible for all members of the committee, including the outside member, to participate. Changes made without the prior approval of the dean of the degree program are not recognized and may result in the invalidation of the examination.
A student may not change committee members after failing the qualifying examination the first time. The student must be reexamined by the same faculty on the same subject matter. If a faculty member is unable to serve on the committee (for example, due to serious illness, retirement, or transfer to another institution), the dean of the degree program must be notified in writing in advance of the rescheduled exam in order to approve the change. The faculty replacement must be approved by the dean of the degree program and the student must file a change of committee form well in advance of the exam.
The examination qualifying a student for candidacy for the PhD degree is designed to test the student's fitness to undertake independent research. It is comprehensive in nature and includes both written and oral parts.
Prior to taking the qualifying examination, the student must have met all of the university's and program's requirements for the Ph.D. degree, except the dissertation and successful qualifying exam. The student must have a GPA of at least 3.0 on all USC course work available for graduate credit and the approval of his or her qualifying exam committee to proceed to the exam. Students with a master's degree in the same or similar field may be approved to take the qualifying examination after the completion of 12 units and successful passage through the screening process. The GPA and qualifying exam committee approval requirements are the same as for students without a prior master's degree in the field of study. If not otherwise enrolled, a student must enroll in GRSC 800 during the semester in which the qualifying examination is to be taken. Students are allowed to enroll in GRSC 800 a maximum of three times before approval from the university is needed.
The oral portion of the examination must be completed within 60 days of the written portion. The written examination will be prepared and read by the qualifying exam committee on campus. If the student's written examination is satisfactory, the student may proceed to the oral portion of the exam. When the student's written examination is satisfactory, an oral examination is given on the topics discussed in the written examination and/or touching upon additional material. If additional material is to be covered in the oral portion, the student should be notified of the content expectations in advance. The oral examination is also administered on campus. Remote participation of a committee member requires approval from the vice provost for graduate programs in advance of the exam date.
There are three possible results of a qualifying exam:
If the committee concludes that the written portion of the exam is so weak that the oral portion cannot counterbalance the poor performance, the student does not proceed to the oral and the exam is failed. The committee may provide the option of a retake, but is not required to do so. If the committee decides that a retake is not warranted, the student is dismissed from the program.
A student who fails the qualifying exam a second time is automatically dismissed from the program.
At the conclusion of the qualifying exam, each member of the committee is asked to certify on the Report on the PhD Qualifying Examination that: (1) the exam was appropriately rigorous; (2) the student's performance on the exam was at the doctoral level; and (3) the entire qualifying examination process was fair and in keeping with USC's academic and ethical standards. The Report on the PhD Qualifying Examination is available to graduate advisers on the Graduate School Website.
Graduate students are officially advanced to candidacy for the PhD degree when they have completed the residency requirement and passed the written and oral portions of the PhD qualifying examination upon the favorable recommendation of the qualifying exam committee to the Graduate School. All PhD candidates are required to engage in original research.
After being advanced to candidacy, students must contact their academic department or program to initiate an online degree check that is transmitted to the Degree Progress Department. Degree Progress counselors prepare a Degree Audit Report (STARS Report) for each student listing any remaining requirements. The requirements will not be checked or the degree conferred if the student has not applied.
The dissertation committee is appointed as soon as possible after the examination has been passed and a dissertation topic approved. The committee should be appointed at least one month before the dissertation defense. The Appointment or Change of Qualifying Exam or Dissertation Committee form, available on the Graduate School Website, is used to establish the dissertation committee. The form requires the signatures of each member of the committee, the department chair or program director, and dean or dean's designate. The completed form is filed in the student's home department or program.
The dissertation committee is composed of at least three and no more than five members. The committee chair and at least one additional member must have an appointment in the student's program. Two committee members must be from the home program, at least one of whom must be tenured. Faculty eligible to serve as committee chairs and members include tenured and tenure track faculty, and non-tenure track faculty of outstanding stature who have a documented record of exceptional expertise and superior achievement in a field relevant to the dissertation and have been approved by the dean of the school. At least two members of the committee must be tenured or tenure track. Visiting faculty may not serve on dissertation committees. The vice provost for graduate programs is an ex officio member of all dissertation committees.
Individual schools and programs may require the inclusion on the dissertation committee of a member from outside the student's program. If an outside member is required, it must be specified in the departments' or programs' and schools' sections in the Catalogue.
After the dissertation defense has been completed and after the committee determines that no further changes are required of the dissertation manuscript, each member electronically certifies on the Approval to Submit Defended and Final Copy of Doctoral Dissertation that: (1) the defense was appropriately rigorous; (2) the student's dissertation makes an original and substantial contribution to its field of study; and (3) the defense process was fair and in keeping with USC's academic and ethical standards. No changes can be made to the manuscript's content after the Approval to Submit form is complete. The Approval to Submit form is electronically available through Thesis Center, the Graduate School's online thesis and dissertation processing system.
The committee must unanimously agree in order for the student to pass the defense.
A dissertation is an original contribution to current knowledge in the field and a demonstration that the PhD candidate has achieved sufficient mastery in the field to pursue independent research and scholarship. A dissertation represents the individual candidate's research and writing. In fields where collaborative research has become the norm, the candidate is the sole author of the dissertation and specifies his or her contribution to the research and also delineates colleagues' contributions.
Dissertations are expected to be written in English. Exceptions require the approval of the vice provost for graduate programs or her nominee prior to beginning the work and will be granted only when there is strong scholarly justification.
The student is expected to be enrolled in 794 Doctoral Dissertation each semester, except summer sessions, after admission to candidacy until all degree requirements are completed. Registration for 794 for the two semesters (excluding summer sessions) immediately following admission to candidacy is the minimum requirement entitling the candidate to dissertation supervision by the dissertation committee. Enrollment in 794 prior to admission to candidacy is not permitted and such registration is invalid. If the dissertation is not completed and accepted within two semesters the candidate must continue to register for 794 each semester thereafter until the dissertation has been approved and the approval of the Ph.D. dissertation has been signed by the dissertation committee. Students are expected to complete and defend their dissertation before they have enrolled in no more than five semesters of 794. Students may enroll in 794 during one summer session but may not register for more than two units of 794 during a given semester; individual exceptions require the approval of the dean of the degree program. No more than eight units of credit in 794 may be received, regardless of the number of semesters in which the candidate may be required to enroll. Department or program approval is required for registration in 794.
A candidate who finds it necessary to be excused from registration in 794 for a semester must request a leave of absence by petition to the dean of the program of study prior to the beginning of the semester. See Leave of Absence. Endorsements from the dissertation committee chair and department chair or program director are required. During a leave of absence the candidate will not be entitled to assistance from the dissertation committee or to the use of university facilities. Considerations for approving a leave of absence include the student's progress to date in meeting the time schedules for the completion of degree requirements.
After passing all required courses and the qualifying examination, and after meeting all other requirements, the candidate must write and defend the dissertation. The doctoral dissertation must be an original contribution to scholarship or scientific knowledge and must exemplify the high degree of scholarly advancement and power of investigation demanded by the university for final recommendation to the doctorate. The dissertation defense is the culminating activity in the assessment of whether this standard has been met.
While the oral examination is open to the general university community, only the members of the dissertation committee have the authority to recommend acceptance of the dissertation. During the oral defense, all members of the dissertation committee must be present and must give a judgment on the student's defense. The recommendation must be unanimous.
If the defense is satisfactory, the committee then signs the Approval to Submit Defended and Final Copy of Dissertation form. If additional work is required, the form must be signed only on full completion. Departments and programs differ concerning the time of the defense of the dissertation. The student's dissertation committee is responsible for the content and bibliographical consistency of the dissertation.
Refer to the Theses and Dissertations section for more information on the submission process.
The USC Diploma in Innovation is a signature six-month program designed to enable current USC STEM PhD students to collaborate in translating their academic interests into innovative projects with tangible benefits to society. This selective program is offered free of charge to current USC STEM PhD students in good standing, whose proposals are accepted by a faculty committee.
All USC STEM PhD students admitted to the Diploma in Innovation program will be required to register in GRSC 791 Directed Research in Academic Innovation. In addition to satisfactory completion of this course, students will present their final projects to a faculty committee, which will determine whether the students receive the Diploma in Innovation.
Academic success at USC is strongly dependent upon the ability to communicate in English. Listening, speaking, reading and writing proficiency must be well developed in order to assimilate large amounts of difficult material under limited time conditions with full comprehension. Such proficiency is much greater than that required for ordinary everyday living. Therefore, every effort should be made to acquire English proficiency prior to entering the university.
Admitted international students whose first language is not English are normally required to take the International Student English Examination (ISE Exam) at the beginning of the first term of study. The examination results determine whether students must take additional English for academic purposes course work.
International students who meet one of the following conditions may be exempt from taking the ISE Exam:
All new teaching assistants (TAs) for whom English is a second language must demonstrate their competence in spoken English before assuming classroom or laboratory duties. Normally, new international teaching assistants (ITAs) demonstrate their English proficiency by taking the ITA Exam, administered by the American Language Institute (ALI) located on the USC campus.
The exam must be taken before assuming classroom or laboratory duties and no later than the first day of classes. The ITA exam is graded on a scale of 1 to 7. Those who achieve a score of 6 or higher are cleared for classroom duties and have no English oral skills requirement. Those who score 5 or 5.5 are cleared for classroom duties, but are required to enroll in an English language course through the ALI while performing their ITA responsibilities. Those who score below 5 on the exam are not cleared for classroom duties. These students are normally required to enroll in an English language course offered by ALI until adequate English proficiency is obtained. For more information, call (213) 740-0079 or visit ALI's Website at ali.usc.edu.
Those ITAs denied clearance for teaching duties may have their offer of graduate assistantship withdrawn. An ITA who is denied clearance to teach should immediately seek assistance from the chair of his/her home department or program director.
Any student not demonstrating adequate English proficiency will be required to enroll in courses at the American Language Institute (ALI) at USC. The ALI provides courses designed to improve an international student's oral and written communication skills in English. The extent to which a student may be required to take courses at the ALI is determined by his or her performance on the International Student English Examination (ISE Exam).
ALI tuition units are charged at the regular university rate. Entering students who need English language classes should be aware that the ALI course requirements will likely increase the overall cost of their degree program. ALI classes can normally be taken concurrently with a student's other university classes and must be completed at the earliest opportunity.
The USC International Academy offers four avenues of study to prepare international students for admission to USC and other U.S. universities through intensive English instruction, test preparation, and maximum academic support. Qualified students may also apply for conditional admission to select USC master's programs through the academy's Pre-Master's Program. For further information about admissions, courses and program dates, visit the USC International Academy's Website at international.usc.edu or email info-international@usc.edu.
Return to: Office of the Provost
PSD 106
(213) 740-0079
FAX: (213) 740-8549
Email: aliusc@usc.edu
usc.edu/ali
Director: James Valentine, PhD
Assistant Professors (Teaching): Lucienne Aarsen, MA; Reka Clausen, MA; Zsuzsu Londe, PhD; James Polk, PhD
Master Lecturers: Barry Griner, MA; Eric H. Roth, MA; Anastassia Tzoytzoyrakos, MA
Senior Lecturers: Kimberley Briesch-Sumner, MA; Victoria Byczkiewicz, MA; Nina Kang, EdD, MLS; Juli Ann Kirkpatrick, MA; Mary Ann Murphy, MA
Lecturers: Tracy Levin, Ph.D.; Olivia Martinez, MA
The American Language Institute provides instruction in English as a Second Language for international students who need or desire to improve their English language skills in order to participate successfully in their degree programs. Before beginning studies with ALI, all students must be admitted to the university in a degree program. The institute also provides student advisement.
Most international students entering USC must take the International Student English Examination (ISE Exam). The examination is offered immediately prior to the beginning of classes each semester. The purpose of this examination is to evaluate the level of a student's proficiency in English and to determine how well prepared the student is to undertake his or her degree studies in English. On the basis of the scores achieved, students are placed at the appropriate levels of instruction or are exempted from having to receive English language instruction.
Undergraduates may earn up to 12 units of credit toward their degree for ALI courses numbered 100 or above. Some departmental restrictions may apply.
International students placed into ALI classes must commence their ALI course work in their first semester at USC and must register in ALI courses each fall and spring semester until their ALI requirements are satisfied. Students must successfully complete their ALI required courses within four semesters in order to remain academically eligible to pursue a degree program. Students who receive a final grade of "No Credit" more than once in any of their ALI required classes will not be allowed to continue to complete their ALI requirement.
Students not meeting the ALI requirement will not be allowed to continue at USC. The Committee on Academic Policies and Procedures will consider appeals if submitted within 10 working days of being dropped from ALI. Contact the Academic Review Department at acadrev@usc.edu for details.
Return to: Office of the Provost
Director: Pat Levitt, PhD
Coordinator: Pat Levitt, PhD
The MS degree program in Neuroscience is a terminal degree for students admitted into the Neuroscience PhD program who cannot complete the PhD program for personal or medical reasons. Enrollment of graduate students as master's degree candidates is not encouraged and is reserved for special circumstances that must be approved by the Executive Committee of the Neuroscience Graduate Program. The master's curriculum includes all course work required of PhD students for a minimum of 24 units and successful completion of both the written and oral portions of the qualifying examination. Students may opt for a thesis or non-thesis master's degree. The thesis master's degree requires presentation of a written thesis based on original research to a Neuroscience thesis committee and submission of the thesis to the Graduate School for publication. The nonthesis master's degree requires a formal research paper that is approved by three members of the Neuroscience Graduate Program faculty. The qualifying examination will serve as the comprehensive master's examination for non-thesis master's degrees. Students must also satisfy residency and other requirements of the Graduate School.
Coordinator: Pat Levitt, PhD
Application deadline: December 15
Breadth of interests and training are major features of the graduate program in neuroscience. Wide and varied skills in many research areas characterize the faculty of the program. Close contact between faculty and students is considered of major importance in this highly interdisciplinary field.
Training is given in several areas of specialization: behavioral and systems neuroscience, cellular and molecular neurobiology, cognitive neuroscience, computational neuroscience, neuroengineering and neuroscience of aging and development.
Applicants should normally have defined an interest in one or two specializations. A final choice of the specialization will be made during the first year.
A baccalaureate degree in a field relevant to the student's graduate goals is required.
Appropriate fields would include neuroscience, biology, chemistry, computer science, linguistics, psychology and many areas of engineering. Undergraduate study should provide evidence of proficiency in mathematics, including statistics. Students planning to enter the specialization in computational and mathematical neuroscience should have taken course work in calculus and, where possible, linear algebra and computer programming. Applicants who are accepted with minor deficiencies are expected to correct these during the first year.
These degrees are awarded under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and The Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
The student will be advised during the first year by the Graduate Advisement Committee. As soon as the student has selected a specialization, an Advisory Committee of appropriate faculty will be appointed. This committee will be chaired by the thesis adviser, when chosen. The purpose of the Advisory Committee is to help the student in the selection of courses and research; to monitor the student's progress; to insure preparation for the qualifying examination; and to administer that examination.
A minimum of 60 units is required, consisting of formal courses, seminars and research credits. At least 24 of the 60 units are to be formal graduate course work (lecture or seminar courses). During the first year the student is expected to complete the core courses in neuroscience (NSCI 524 and NSCI 525), one key course, INTD 500 Responsible Conduct of Research, and two semesters of NSCI 539. Other courses in the area of specialization may also be taken in the first year and will be taken in subsequent years.
Core Courses: NSCI 524 and NSCI 525 Advanced Overview of Neuroscience (8 units), will be taken by all students in the fall and spring of their first year to provide an integrated multilevel view of neuroscience. To take the core course, students should have mastered the material currently taught in BISC 421. (Students will be expected to review a detailed syllabus and reading list for BISC 421 to identify their level of knowledge prior to their arrival at USC and will receive advice at Orientation on whether to take BISC 421 or read recommended material to remedy their deficiencies.)
Key Courses: All students will be required to complement their thesis-directed studies with a "breadth with depth" requirement by taking two key courses, one each from two different tracks listed below. Each key course will be for 3 or 4 units. (At least one of these courses will serve to advance thesis-related study as well.)
CELLULAR, MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROSCIENCE
TRACK
COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE TRACK
COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROENGINEERING TRACK
SYSTEMS AND BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE TRACK
All students are required to take INTD 500 Responsible Conduct of Research (1 unit), as well as a 4-unit approved statistics course (PM 510, PSYC 501 or equivalent).
Students may request permission to have non-NSCI advanced courses satisfy the track requirements.
It is required that all neuroscience PhD students demonstrate competence in statistics in fulfillment of their PhD requirements.
The qualifying examination concentrates on the student's ability to demonstrate a grasp of the major area of interest chosen and its relation to other areas of training offered in the program. The examination is partly written and partly oral and is designed to test the student's ability to meet the demands of the profession.
An acceptable dissertation based on completion of an original investigation is required. The candidate must defend an approved draft of the dissertation in an oral examination.
The USC School of Architecture is committed to offering its undergraduate and graduate students an immersive and diverse set of experiences throughout all stages of the curriculum. Students explore the latest technologies used in the design process, spanning digital software, fabrication techniques and robotics, each of which went into the development of the project shown in the photograph. Photo by USC School of Architecture.
The USC School of Architecture offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral education in architecture and architectural studies, landscape architecture, heritage conservation and building science. Its faculty is active in professional practice, in design research, in the supervision of programs at the Gamble House and Freeman House and in extended professional education.
Work in the school is conducted in an intellectual climate, which promotes inquiry, introduces principles and values and teaches the disciplines necessary to work in collaboration with other professionals to develop design and research excellence.
The school is located in the center of Los Angeles, the second largest urban region in the country, which offers a unique understanding of 21st century growth and change. In such an environment the possibilities for teaching and learning are extraordinary.
The school is highly selective in its admissions and enjoys the strong support of alumni and the professions it serves. The opportunity exists for students to have close contact with faculty, other students and practicing architects.
An architecture curriculum was initiated at USC in 1914. In 1919, a Department of Architecture was created and a separate School of Architecture was organized in 1925. The school shares Watt and Harris Halls with the USC Roski School of Art and Design and the Fisher Museum of Art.
USC School of Architecture
Watt Hall 204
(213) 740-2723
FAX: (213) 740-8884
arch.usc.edu
Qingyun Ma, MArch, Dean
Gail Peter Borden, MArch, Associate Dean, Discipline Head of Architecture Programs, Director, Graduate Architecture Programs
Douglas E. Noble, PhD, Chair, PhD Program, Discipline Head, Chase L. Leavitt Graduate Program of Building Science
Trudi Sandmeier, MA, Discipline Head of Heritage Conservation Programs
Kelly Shannon, PhD, Discipline Head of Landscape Architecture Programs
Hadrian Predock, MArch, Director, Undergraduate Architecture Programs
Edward R. Bosley, MBA, James N. Gamble Director of the Gamble House
Della and Harry MacDonald Dean's Chair in Architecture: Qingyun Ma, MArch
Jon Adams Jerde, FAIA Chair in Architecture: Thomas Phifer, FAIA, FAAR, MArch
MacDonald and Diane Rusling Becket Professor of Community Design: Charles A. Lagreco, MFA (Arch)
Judge Widney Professor of Architecture: Frank O. Gehry, FAIA, MArch
Nancy M. and Edward D. Fox Urban Design Critic: Wendell Burnette, FAIA
Professors: Kim Coleman, M.Arch.; Diane Ghirardo, PhD; John V. Mutlow, MArch (UD); Victor Regnier, M.Arch.*; Goetz Schierle, PhD; Marc Schiler, MS, ArchSci.; Kelly Shannon, PhD; James Steele, PhD; John Wilson, PhD
Associate Professors: Gail Peter Borden, MArch; Charles Lagreco, MFA (Arch); Graeme M. Morland, DiplArch; Amy Murphy, MFA; Douglas E. Noble, PhD
Assistant Professors: Rachel Berney, PhD; Kenneth Breisch, PhD; Anders Carlson, PhD; Joon-Ho Choi, PhD; Vittoria di Palma, PhD; David Gerber, D.Des.; Alison Hirsch, PhD; Alvin Huang, MArch; Victor Jones, MArch; Karen M. Kensek, MArch; Kyle Konis, PhD; Alex Robinson, MLArch; José Sanchez, MArch; Doris Sung, MArch.
Professor of the Practice of Architecture: Wesley Jones, MArch.
Associate Professors of the Practice of Architecture: Alice Kimm, MArch; Lee Olvera, MArch; Hadrian Predock, MArch; Trudi Sandmeier, MA; Selwyn Ting, MArch
Assistant Professor of the Practice of Architecture: Lauren Matchison, MA
Adjunct Professors: Mark Cigolle, MArch.; Peyton Hall, MED; David C. Martin, MArch; Lorcan O'Herlihy, MArch; Robert Perry, MLA; Lawrence Scarpa, MArch; Patrick Tighe, MArch; Dimitry Vergun, MS
Adjunct Associate Professors: T. Jeff Guh, PhD; Yo-ichiro Hakomori, PhD; Michael Hricak, MArch; Andrew Liang, MArch; Travis Longcore, PhD; Jennifer Siegal, MArch; Warren Techentin, MArch; Olivier Touraine, Dipl Ing (Arch); Edwin Woll, PhD
Adjunct Assistant Professors: Valery Augustin, MArch; Tigran Ayrapetyan, MS; Mario Cipresso, MArch; Janek Dombrowa, BS (Arch); Eric Haas, MArch; Aaron Neubert, MArch
Senior Lecturers: Michael Arden, MA; Miller Fong, BAArch; Sophia Gruzdys, MArch; Gary Paige, BArch; Susanna Seierup, MArch
Lecturers: Carlo Aiello, MS (Arch); Marwan Al-Sayed, MArch; Charles Anderson, MLA; Victoria Turkel-Behner, PhD; Leigh Ann Belloli, BS (LArch); Rob Berry, MArch; Vinayak Bharne, MArch; Biayna Bogosian, MS (Arch); Justin Brechtel, MS (Arch); Laurel Broughton, MArch; Nefeli Chatzimina, MS (Arch); Tina Chee, MLA; Mina Mei-Szu Chow, MArch; Victoria Coaloa, M.Arch.; Tony Cocea, MS; Lauren Dandridge Gaines, BS; Stephen Deters, MArch; Ian Dickenson, BS (Arch); John Dutton, MArch; Steven Ehrlich, MArch; Maria Esnaola, MArch; Liz Falletta, MArch; John Frane, MArch; Emily Gabel-Luddy, MLA; Aroussiak Gabrielian, MLA, MArch; Richard Gooding, MArch; Ryan Gutierrez, MLA; Katherine Harvey, MLA; Jerry Hastings, BS; Kathryn Horak, MHP; Ying-Yu Hung, MLArch; Karen Janosky, MLA; Erin Kasimow, MArch; Jason Kerwin, MArch; Jeffrey Kim, MS; Tim Kohut, MArch; Andy Ku, MArch; Manyan Lam, MArch; Jeffrey Landreth, MS; John Lesak, MArch; Lisa Little, MArch; David Maestres, MArch; Esther Margulies, MLArch; Scott Mitchell, MArch; Eric Nulman, MArch; Jay Platt, MS; Mary Ringhoff, MA; Michele Saee, MA (Arch); Marcos Sánchez, MArch; Lee Schneider; Brendan Shea, MArch; Colin Sieburgh, MArch; Takako Tajima, MLA; Brian Tichenor, MLArch; David Ulin, MFA; John Uniack, BArch; Scott Uriu, BArch; Elizabeth Valmont, MBS; Geoffrey von Oeyen, MArch; Roland Wahlroos-Ritter, DiplIng; Andrew Watkins, MLA; Takashi Yanai, MArch
Emeritus Professors: James Ambrose, MS; Frank Dimster, MArch; Robert S. Harris, MFA (Arch); Samuel T. Hurst, MArch; Ralph Knowles, MArch*; Roger Sherwood, MSArch, MCRP
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
The School of Architecture offers curricula leading to the following degrees.
Bachelor of Architecture: a five-year undergraduate accredited professional degree program.
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies: a four-year undergraduate non-professional architectural studies degree program providing specialization in related fields and an alternative path to graduate studies in architecture and other design fields.
Minor in Architecture: provides the flexibility of complementing a student's major with an area of specialization. Not available for architecture majors.
Minor in Landscape Architecture: provides students with the ability to integrate the natural and cultural profession of landscape architecture into their course of study. Not available for architecture majors.
Master of Advanced Architectural Studies: a 48-unit, three-semester program for students who hold a first professional degree from an accredited school of architecture.
Master of Architecture: a 102-unit, three-year accredited degree for students who have completed a bachelor's degree with a major other than one of the design professions; a 64-unit, two-year accredited degree for students holding a pre-professional degree with a major in architecture.
Master of Heritage Conservation: a 48-unit program designed to prepare individuals for work in heritage conservation and its allied disciplines, including architecture, urban planning, cultural resource management, real estate development, construction and materials conservation.
Master of Landscape Architecture: a 96-unit, six-semester curriculum for students with no prior degree in architecture, landscape architecture or environmental design; a 64-unit, four-semester curriculum for students who hold a first non-accredited degree in architecture, landscape architecture or environmental design; a 48-unit, three-semester curriculum for students who hold an accredited Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree or the equivalent.
Master of Building Science: a 48-unit, two-year program for applicants who hold an architecture, engineering or science-related degree (e.g., Bachelor of Architecture, Bachelor of Architectural Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Environmental Studies, Physics or Mathematics). Students with five-year professional degrees in architecture and a minimum of five years of experience may be given advanced standing.
Dual Degree in Architecture and Planning: a 72-unit program leading to the post-professional Master of Architecture and the Master of Planning degrees. Admission to both degree programs is required.
Dual Degree in Heritage Conservation and Planning: a 60-unit program leading to the Master of Heritage Conservation and Master of Planning degrees. Admission to both degree programs is required.
Dual Degree in Landscape Architecture and Planning: a 66-, 82- or 108-unit program leading to the Master of Landscape Architecture and Master of Planning degrees. Admission to both degree programs is required.
Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture: This program is designed to prepare individuals for university level teaching and professional research and for leadership positions in industry and professional architectural practice.
Certificate in Architecture: The focus of this program is on understanding the broad and complex role of architecture within the urban and cultural context. Studies focus on cities and architecture throughout the world where conditions of increasing density, environmental challenges and cultural complexity require design initiatives that support amenity, sustainability and cultural meaning. The certificate is open to graduate students not pursuing a Master of Architecture degree.
Certificate in Building Science: This program is intended as a supplementary credential for students enrolled in graduate course work in architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, urban planning or related disciplines, and also for practicing design and planning professionals with undergraduate or graduate degrees and related experience.
Certificate in Heritage Conservation: This program is for those who wish to augment their current work in heritage conservation, and for graduate students who wish to obtain a complementary specialization in conjunction with their degree.
Certificate in Landscape Architecture: This program provides an opportunity for professionals and graduate students to develop understandings and skills related to the basic subjects inherent in the field of landscape architecture.
Certificate in Sustainable Design: This certificate provides students with the tools necessary to understand and quantify sources of energy use in buildings and landscapes and to use design of natural and man-made systems to reduce their energy use. Environmental, economic and socially responsible solutions will be explored through the course work.
In the United States, most registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit professional degree programs in architecture offered by institutions with U.S. regional accreditation, recognizes three types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture and the Doctor of Architecture. A program may be granted an eight-year, three-year or two-year term of accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established educational standards.
Doctor of Architecture and Master of Architecture degree programs may require a pre-professional undergraduate degree in architecture for admission. However, the pre-professional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.
The University of Southern California School of Architecture offers the following NAAB-accredited degree programs:
Bachelor of Architecture (160 undergraduate credits)
Master of Architecture (pre-professional degree + 64 graduate credits)
Master of Architecture (non-professional degree + 102 graduate credits)
Next accreditation visit for all programs: 2022
The USC Master of Landscape Architecture first professional curricula (three-year and two-year curricula) are accredited by the American Society of Landscape Architects Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB). The LAAB conditions of accreditation (including the student performance criteria) are posted on the ASLA Website, asla.org/AccreditationLAAB.aspx.
Each year, a set of different global programs are offered to our fourth-year undergraduate students during their topic studio semesters. There are typically one to two programs offered each semester (fall, spring and summer), with recent locations being in Italy, China, France and Spain.
Each offering consists of a coordinated 17-unit, full semester program which includes a studio course in design and required seminars in history and theory; technology; and cultural studies. Students must be in good academic standing to be considered and to participate.
Some examples of recent programs include:
For many years, selected students have been able to participate in the Anthony A. Marnell II Italian Architecture Studies Program, located in Milan, a city at the forefront of Italian modern architecture and the center of Italian design. Students are housed and have classroom and studio space in Como, a small and pleasant lakeside town about 30 miles from Milan. The Milan-Como Program is one of only two U.S. school of architecture programs in this part of Italy. Strong relationships are fostered with the place, its people and its culture. Visits are planned within Italy and throughout Europe to expose the students to the full range of historical and contemporary architecture.
The School of Architecture's study abroad program in Barcelona provides a place for fourth year architecture students in a course of study in urbanism and architecture of the city. The goal is to provide a broad overview of that city's major urban and architectural sites, topography and systems of urban organization. Students will be immersed in the issues of urban design and architecture that have shaped the city, and will develop critical thinking and methodologies of analysis by designing in the urban context. The course of study will examine this fascinating culture that is committed to design and architectural practices that engage and challenge European traditional and modernist orthodoxies.
Barcelona is both a modern and historical site, beginning as a small Roman colony from the time of Augustus, and surviving Visigothic, Moorish and Frankish invasions. Its political and economic history has shaped the city, with the most forceful expression of its national aspiration occurring in the 19th century, the time most associated with the architect Antonio Gaudí. It is city committed to a culture of visual design that has realized many ambitious urban plans, growing from its commitment to representing national pride. It is a dynamic site for the study of ancient and contemporary urbanism as it has achieved word-class status among cities as a locus for new world architecture. The program will combine field work, precedent analysis and discussions with the broader design community in Barcelona.
Examples of public space and architecture from antiquity to the 21st century will be studied as part of the context of a city that has successfully projected its future without neglecting its past and present. Visits are planned within Spain and throughout Europe to expose students to the full range of historical and contemporary architecture.
The Asian Architecture and Landscape Urbanism program provides participating students the opportunity to engage and comprehend the full depth and global ramifications of the rapid changes that are taking place in China and other cities in Asia. The complex and multiple factors that inform urbanism and define the built environment will be explored and analyzed both in terms of historical cultural source and contemporary manifestation. Participants in these academic engagements will include regional as well as international professionals, academics, historians, economists and local inhabitants through direct engagements required of the course curriculum. Students will bring this knowledge and point of view back to the school after their semester away to expand the discussion of urbanism to the larger community of students and faculty at the School of Architecture.
The School of Architecture offers a summer program based at the Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado (FAAP), which includes travel throughout Mexico, Argentina and Peru before arriving at São Paolo at the midterm point. USC students work on a studio project in collaboration with students from the FAAP and the Universidad Iberoamericana.
The purpose of this program is to offer students the opportunity to:
The School of Architecture offers programs for summer graduate study abroad. The purpose of the programs is to offer graduate architecture students the opportunity to study the built fabric of another culture firsthand and engage in a focused urban studies problem in that culture. The programs also strive to expand appreciation of the importance of development in the current world market and show practitioners USC graduates' ability to engage in and contribute to international development.
Throughout the year, selected students are given the opportunity to show work in organized exhibitions, as well as to be included in our ongoing student work publication INDEX. The school seeks multiple formats and opportunities to have student work shown in the community at large and at cultural institutions throughout the city and the world, with recent exhibits in Shanghai, France, Italy and Washington, DC.
Many field trips are organized each year in support of various aspects of the academic program. During the past several years, students have made trips to locations in the larger California region (such as San Francisco, La Jolla to see the Salk Institute) as well as throughout the United States, including New Orleans and other important cities. In addition, students regularly visit the many sites of significance in the local Los Angeles area on an almost weekly basis for their general course work and personal interest.
The school provides significant service to the community and profession through public programs, and the participation of faculty members in community and professional activities. With the support and cooperation of the Architectural Guild, the school generates a vigorous program of lectures, exhibitions and tours.
Some of the world's most distinguished and emerging architects, landscape architects and designers have lectured at USC. These include Frank Gehry, Mario Botta, Yona Friedman, Peter Cook,Yung Ho Chang, Thom Mayne, Michael Maltzan, Hitoshi Abe, Mia Lehrer, Fumihiko Maki, Jean Nouvel, Will Bruder, Francois Roche, Enrique Norten, Adriaan Geuze, Kazuyo Sejima, Ai Wei Wei, Rem Koolhaas, Shigeru Ban, Hans Hollein, Charles Waldhem, Nader Tehrani, Cesar Pelli, Javier Sanchez, Laurie Olin, Eric Owen Moss and Pei Zhu.
The school also provides the Helen Lindhurst Architecture Gallery for major architectural exhibitions. Recent shows have included important international architects such as Christoph Kapeller, Renzo Piano, Santiago Calatrava, Herman Hertzberger and Alvaro Siza, as well as USC faculty, students and alumni.
The School of Architecture offers two- and four-week programs for high school students (must have completed ninth grade by the start of the program) who have no previous experience but are interested in architecture. The program, which began in 1983, is particularly rewarding for students who are contemplating a career in architecture. However, all students find the exposure to the unique problem-solving methodologies of architecture a benefit regardless of their final career choice. Living on campus in a USC residence hall, high school students experience what it is like to be a university student. They participate in studio classes with professional critics and present their ideas in reviews attended by parents and friends.
The program also exposes them, through case studies, sketching exercises and field trips, to some of the most dramatic and impressive historical and modern architecture of Los Angeles. International students have especially appreciated the opportunity to pursue this summer program of study that is not highly dependent on English language skills. Limited financial assistance is available.
Obtain program details by visiting the School of Architecture Website or by calling (800) 281-8616.
This program offers three weeks of classes with noted experts from Southern California and the United States. Taken together the courses act as a general introduction to the field of heritage conservation. In addition to examining the history and philosophy of the conservation movement as it has evolved during the past century, lectures and field trips to historic sites throughout the Los Angeles area will introduce students to a broad range of legal, economic, aesthetic and technical issues associated with the documentation, conservation and interpretation of historic structures, landscapes and communities.
For more information, call (213) 821-2168.
The Sonny Astani Department of Civil Engineering offers an undergraduate program leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, with an emphasis in building science. The curriculum includes most of the work which is required for the major in structures, plus 30 units in architectural studies offered by the School of Architecture. See the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, Civil Engineering section of this catalogue for further information.
The school offers interrelated graduate programs in architecture, landscape architecture, building science and historic preservation as well as two dual degree programs with the USC Price School of Public Policy.
Credentials for admission must include a complete record of all previous college or university work. The applicant must request the registrar of each college or university attended to forward official transcripts of record directly to the Office of Admission.
Following are the basic requirements for admission to the graduate programs: (1) the appropriate degree from an accredited college or university; (2) satisfactory scores on the verbal, analytical and quantitative portions of the aptitude test of the Graduate Record Examinations; (3) intellectual promise and clear study intentions that indicate an ability to do acceptable graduate work; (4) a portfolio of design work*; (5) strong personal qualifications.
All students must speak and write English. Foreign students must demonstrate such ability by taking the TOEFL or IELTS test before leaving their home countries, and, if necessary, by further tests upon arrival on campus.
International students may be required to enroll in American Language Institute (ALI) English courses, based on scores on the English Placement Tests. The cost of these additional courses is the responsibility of the student. In addition, international students should be aware that they may have to defer enrollment in some major courses because of the ALI courses, extending the number of semesters required to complete the program and increasing the overall tuition expense. International students are urged to read with care all information sent to them about English requirements and to take as many English language courses as possible prior to coming to the United States.
*The Master of Building Science and Master of Heritage Conservation programs accept computer programs, papers and other work as portfolio work.
Correspondence with the dean or individual faculty members does not constitute admission to the Graduate School or to the School of Architecture. Only a letter from the Director of Admissions grants official admission.
Graduate students are expected to complete between 12 and 16 units per semester, spring and fall, depending on the program in which they are enrolled.
A minimum grade of C (2.0) is required in a course to receive graduate credit. A grade point average of at least B (3.0) on all units attempted at USC toward a graduate degree is required for graduation. A total grade point average of at least a B (3.0) in all courses applied toward completion of a certificate is required prior to being awarded a particular certificate. Course work taken on a pass/no pass basis cannot be applied toward a graduate degree or a certificate. If a student does not meet these minimum grades the faculty member should meet with the student to provide timely advisory reviews.
Failure to complete program course work on schedule will result in the loss of financial awards from the School of Architecture and/or may result in suspension from the program upon recommendation from the program director and approval by the Dean of the School of Architecture and the Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Programs. Additional semesters may be taken to complete the thesis or directed design research when appropriate.
All appeals will be reviewed initially by the director(s) of the appropriate graduate program and then by a committee consisting of all graduate program directors (with the exception that design courses will be reviewed by the design review committee). Their recommendation(s) will be forwarded to the dean for consideration and action, and then forwarded to the Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Programs. All communications must be in writing.
In the School of Architecture's master's programs, thesis committees must include a minimum of three members. The chair will be a full-time faculty member in the student's discipline in architecture. The second member must be a full- or part-time USC faculty member, not necessarily from the School of Architecture. The third member may be either a USC faculty member or a practitioner with a special expertise in the field; she or he may be full-time or part-time, tenure track, non-tenure track, or a non-academic practitioner. Thesis committees are ultimately subject to approval by the school dean.
The Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies program begins intensively with architectural studies in the first two years and provides a mix of architectural and general university studies throughout the program. The curriculum includes a core program in the first two years identical to the Bachelor of Architecture professional degree program. The last two years provide the opportunity to explore many aspects of architecture and related fields and to develop individual strengths and interests. Students take an introductory course in specialization in the second year, which provides an introduction to related fields and alternative degree options. Students can elect to move into the four-year non-professional BS in Architectural Studies program with a degree plan identifying electives fulfilling an area of concentration. The program is concluded with a seminar with all degree candidates, allowing for collaborative work on areas of common interest.
All applicants to the School of Architecture must complete the university application and submit it to the USC Office of Admission along with Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or other test scores. All applicants, including international students, must submit a portfolio.
It is possible, in selected instances, that a transfer student from an accredited community college or other university may be eligible for advanced placement at the second-year level if previous work includes a minimum of 32 semester units of acceptable academic credit in a pre-architecture program. The academic credit must include 8 semester units in architectural design or environmental design. Students accepted for advanced placement must still comply with all requirements for the degree.
Advanced placement applicants are required to submit a design portfolio to the School of Architecture.
A summer design studio allows highly qualified students transferring from community college or other university programs to be evaluated for advanced placement in the fall semester. Applicants must submit a university application and portfolio by February 1 for consideration. During the summer studio, transfer students must demonstrate significant design and drawing skill to justify advanced placement. Transfer students who are admitted with fewer than 32 units of college level work and who have only limited drawing or design skills may be considered for placement in the first year of the four-year program. Previous academic work may in part be applied toward required and elective courses for the four-year BS in Architectural Studies program. For more information about this program, contact the school at (213) 740-2420.
The School of Architecture maintains student advisers for the benefit of all students in the school. Soon after being accepted, new students are advised to make an appointment for pre-registration advisement. A complete record is kept of the progress for each student while in attendance. Appointments with an adviser may be scheduled at any time during the academic year.
Less than average work in design studio is not considered sufficient for a continuation in the design studio sequence. Students must receive a grade of C (2.0) or above in each semester of design in order to continue in the design sequence. Students in the first two years of the program are required to repeat the course until such a grade is achieved.
Architecture students are permitted to take a maximum of 24 units of non-architecture electives, exclusive of the writing requirements, MATH 108 and the PHYS 125 requirement, on a pass/no pass option. No more than 4 units of pass/no pass courses may be applied to general education requirements; no more than 4 units may be taken in one semester. Students who have taken non-architecture courses pass/no pass in the past (i.e., before admission to architecture) may count such pass/no pass courses toward, but not in addition to, the maximum of 24 units.
While there are no specific time limits for completing the BS in Architectural Studies degree (except in the case of discontinued programs) the School of Architecture may require additional course work of students who remain in the degree program beyond six years.
*All students must enroll in WRIT 150 in the fall except those who are required to take MATH 108. These students must take WRIT 130 the following spring.
**PHYS 125 fulfills the General Education requirement in Category III. The PHYS 125 requirement can also be fulfilled by PHYS 135a, PHYS 135b; 4 units will be applied toward the BS and 4 will count as electives.
***Students who take WRIT 130 are advised to
fulfill their sixth General Education requirement concurrently with
the Diversity requirement or with a Professional Architecture
elective, or with their free electives.
A total of 25 units of professional electives, including ARCH 470 Capstone Seminar, are required in an area of specialization, which must be selected from the accepted professional elective offerings in the School of Architecture or with consultation and approval of the program adviser. This is in addition to the core, elective and general education requirements of the Bachelor of Architecture degree, which are identical for the first two years of the Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies.
In the third and fourth year of the program, the requirements for the Bachelor of Architecture design studios, ARCH 302a, ARCH 302b, and ARCH 402a, ARCH 402b — 24 units — are changed to the professional electives requirement. The full degree requirements are described above.
Students must complete the following core courses as a prelude to the upper division professional electives and degree requirements: ARCH 102a, ARCH 102b, ARCH 105, ARCH 114, ARCH 202a, ARCH 202b, ARCH 211, ARCH 213a, ARCH 213b, ARCH 214a, ARCH 214b, and ARCH 370, MATH 108, PHYS 125, and WRIT 150 or WRIT 130.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program requires six courses, in different categories, plus writing and diversity requirements, which together comprise the USC Core. See The USC Core and the General Education Program for more information. Students who are required to take MATH 108 during the freshman year may take their Social Issues course in the fall and WRIT 130 separately in the spring. Others will take WRIT 150 in the fall and will take Social Issues with it.
The bachelor's degree program begins intensively with architectural studies in the first year and provides for a mix of architectural and general university studies throughout the program. The curriculum includes two cycles of development. The first cycle of six semesters provides a foundation in understanding architecture, concluding with integrative studies after two years of introductory work. The second cycle, four semesters, provides the opportunity to explore many aspects of architecture and to develop individual strengths and interests. During this period, a comprehensive design studio project is undertaken in the fall of the fifth year. The spring of the fifth (and final) year culminates in the development of that comprehensive building project in the context of a professional practice course, coupled with a research design studio taken along the lines of the students' own interests.
All applicants to the School of Architecture must complete the university application and submit it to the USC Office of Admission along with Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or other test scores. All applicants, including international students, must submit a portfolio.
It is possible, in selected instances, that a transfer student from an accredited community college or other university may be eligible for advanced placement at the second-year level if previous work includes a minimum of 32 semester units of acceptable academic credit in a pre-architecture program. The academic credit must include 8 semester units in architectural design or environmental design. Students accepted for advanced placement must still comply with all requirements for the degree.
Advanced placement applicants are required to submit a design portfolio to the School of Architecture.
A summer design studio and drawing course allows highly qualified students transferring from community college or other university programs to be evaluated for advanced placement in the fall semester. Applicants must submit a university application and portfolio by February 1 for consideration. During the summer transfer courses, students must demonstrate significant design and drawing skills to justify advanced placement. Successfully completing these summer transfer courses allows students to reduce the required 10-semester design sequence by two semesters, reducing USC residency to four years. This either provides for advanced placement into the second year or gives credit for ARCH 102a, ARCH 102b and ARCH 105 if these courses are passed with grades of B or above. For more information, contact the school at (213) 740-2420.
Transfer students who are admitted with fewer than 32 units of college level work and who have only limited drawing or design skills may be considered for placement in the first year of the five-year design sequence. Previous academic work may in part be applied toward required and elective courses for the five-year Bachelor of Architecture program.
The School of Architecture maintains student advisers for the benefit of all students in the school. Soon after being accepted, new students are advised to make an appointment for pre-registration advisement. A complete record is kept of the progress for each student while in attendance. An individual appointment with an adviser may be scheduled at any time during the academic year. In addition, students are strongly encouraged to attend a university orientation session.
Accredited degree programs awarding the BArch degree must require a minimum of 150 semester credit hours or the quarter-hour equivalent, in academic course work in general studies, professional studies and electives. The curriculum leading to the architecture degree must include at least 45 credit hours, or the quarter-hour equivalent, outside of architectural studies either as general studies or as electives with content other than architectural.
Less than average work in design is not considered sufficient for a professional degree. Students must receive a grade of C (2.0) or above in each semester of design (ARCH 102a, ARCH 102b, ARCH 202a, ARCH 202b, ARCH 302a, ARCH 302b, ARCH 402a, ARCH 402b, ARCH 500a, ARCH 502a) in order to continue in the design sequence and to graduate. Students will be required to repeat the course until such a grade is achieved.
School of Architecture majors enrolling for a semester of study off campus are limited to the transfer of only one design studio course within the ARCH 402a, ARCH 402b sequence. Approval of transfer credit will be dependent upon portfolio review by an appointed faculty review committee.
Architecture students are permitted to take a maximum of 24 units of non-architecture electives, exclusive of the writing requirements, MATH 108 and the PHYS 125L requirement, on a pass/no pass basis. No more than 4 units of pass/no pass courses may be applied to general education requirements; no more than 4 units may be taken in one semester. Students who have taken non-architecture courses pass/no pass in the past (i.e., before admission to architecture) may count such pass/no pass courses toward, but not in addition to, the maximum of 24 units.
Students in upper division (ARCH 402a, ARCH 402b) may substitute any fall or spring semester by completing degree requirements, including design studio, by enrolling during summer session. This substitution does not provide for acceleration of the degree but does allow for make up so that students may get back on schedule for the five-year degree.
While there are no specific time limits for completing the bachelor's degree (except in the case of discontinued programs) the School of Architecture may require additional course work of students who remain in the degree program beyond six years.
*All students must enroll in WRIT 150 in the fall except those who are required to take MATH 108. These students must take WRIT 130 the following spring.
**PHYS 125 fulfills the General Education requirement in Category III. The PHYS 125 requirement may also be fulfilled by PHYS 135a, PHYS 135b; 4 units will be applied toward the BArch and 4 will count as electives.
In order to take advantage of elective opportunities in the advanced program, students must complete the following courses before the end of the special integrative semester (third year, first semester): ARCH 102a, ARCH 102b, ARCH 105,ARCH 114, ARCH 202a, ARCH 202b, ARCH 211, ARCH 213a, ARCH 213b, ARCH 214a, ARCH 214b, ARCH 215; MATH 108; PHYS 125; and WRIT 150 or WRIT 130.
A total of 20 units of electives and a 4-unit diversity course is included toward completion of the 160 units for the degree.
A minimum of 12 units in architecture is required.
An additional 12 units in any category of professional courses, humanities, social sciences and communication and natural sciences. Natural sciences include astronomy, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, geological sciences, mathematics (excluding MATH 108) and physics (excluding PHYS 125 or PHYS 135a, PHYS 135b). One of these courses must satisfy the diversity requirement.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program requires six courses in different categories, plus writing and diversity requirements, which together comprise the USC Core. See The USC Core and the General Education Program for more information.
Students who are required to take MATH 108 during the freshman year may take their Social Issues course in the fall and WRIT 130 separately in the spring.
The minor in architecture provides the flexibility of complementing a student's major with an area of specialization. Taking a minor in architecture is a unique opportunity for a student to stimulate his or her imagination and learn creative approaches to problem solving.
Students in good academic standing who have completed the freshman year are eligible.
The requirements for the minor include three required courses (8 units) and a minimum of 12 units of upper division courses.
Students may elect to take the upper division courses in an area of specialization, such as architectural history and theory, historic preservation, computers and design, visual communication, landscape architecture, public places — urban spaces, housing or practice management. This minor is not available to architecture majors.
The minor provides students with the ability to integrate the ecological and cultural dimensions of landscape architecture into their course of study. Studies are about repairing and sustaining natural systems in cities, about the history of human settlements, places, and gardens in urban landscapes, and about the cultural and aesthetic meanings of landscape architecture design. This is an excellent emphasis for students in environmental studies, civil engineering, planning and anthropology. This minor is not available to architecture majors.
Students in good academic standing who have completed the freshman year are eligible.
The minor in landscape architecture consists of three required courses (11 units) and a minimum of 10 units of upper division courses.
Non-architecture students must obtain written approval from their academic unit in order to take a 500-level course. For more information, contact an architecture advisor, archadvs@usc.edu.
This program is dedicated to cutting edge research and experimentation, and seeks to explore in a highly innovative fashion the cultural and technological landscapes of Los Angeles. Through its range of experimental 'Labs', the program is structured under three distinct veins of inquiry [1] architectural urban studies using Los Angeles as a laboratory to engage global issues; [2] advanced computation/fabrication technologies and material processes; and [3] performative architecture with an emphasis on sustainable systems. These specific design and research directions are diversely initiated by our faculty and fully supported by additional resources from the University of Southern California and the city of Los Angeles.
The Master of Advanced Architectural Studies is a three-semester advanced degree program. Consisting of two option-based topic studios followed by an in-depth Directed Design Research project [DDR], and coordinated seminar courses each for the first two semesters, the degree is focused on advanced and emerging topics in architecture. The design and research directions are diversely initiated by our faculty and fully supported by additional resources from the University at-large and the city of Los Angeles.
Candidates for admission must have a five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree or its equivalent. Completion of the degree requires 48 units, including 28 units of required studio and seminar courses, [including 8 units Directed Design Research or Thesis], and 20 units of approved electives, over three semesters of residency.
or
*ARCH 606 and ARCH 607 will be taken the first half of the semester and ARCH 608 and ARCH 609 in the latter half of the semester.
The USC School of Architecture offers two distinct master's programs related to the study of architecture: the Master of Architecture professional degree (MArch) and the Master of Advanced Architectural Studies postprofessional degree (MAAS) for students who already hold a professional degree in architecture or its equivalent.
The school's Master of Architecture is a NAAB accredited professional degree program in the area of architectural design. It is intended for individuals who have completed a bachelor's degree with a major other than one of the design professions, (typically requiring three years of residency); or, with advanced standing, for those individuals with a pre-professional undergraduate degree in architectural studies (typically requiring two years of residency).
This degree fully prepares graduates for the present and future professional activities in the ever-evolving field of architecture. As an accredited professional degree, it provides a solid intellectual base of knowledge in history, technology, professional practice and theory. Particular emphasis is put on each of the six-semester design studio sequences, where students learn to synthesize the social, environmental and tectonic thinking through informed design practice. The studios culminate in an option-based studio and directed design research sequence, pursuing exploration of advanced and emerging topics. Exploring the many elective opportunities within the school, students are encouraged to develop a tailored curriculum, and if possible, to complete one of the several graduate certificates offered by the school or within the university.
A minimum one-semester college-level course in physics or calculus is required.
In order for the MArch degree to be conferred, students must complete 102 credit units of both required professional and elective course work during three years of residency, or for students admitted with advanced standing, a minimum of 64 units of both required professional and elective course work during two years of residency. Students must also continually meet the established standards for graduate study at USC.
To meet NAAB accreditation requirements, all students must complete (before graduation) a combined total of 168 credit hours of study at the undergraduate and graduate level, of which at least 30 semester credit hours must be at the graduate level as well as a minimum of 45 units of non-architectural content.
Students seeking advanced standing must have a four-year architectural studies degree from: a U.S. school with an accredited professional architecture program; a U.S. school that is accredited by a regional accrediting body, without an accredited professional architecture program; or an international program that is deemed equivalent.
All students who meet the pre-professional undergraduate degree requirement and wish to be considered for advanced standing must undergo a course-by-course review. Students must provide significant evidence from the course work completed at the undergraduate level in order for waivers to be considered or granted for USC MArch required Basic Studies courses. This review is conducted after admission to the program, during the summer prior to starting course work.
Basic Studies courses include: ARCH 511 L Building Systems: Materials and Construction, ARCH 514a Global History of Architecture, ARCH 514b Global History of Architecture, ARCH 523a L Structural Design and Analysis, ARCH 523b L Structural Design and Analysis, ARCH 575a Systems, ARCH 575b Systems, ARCH 611 Advanced Building Systems Integration.
MArch students with advanced standing are required to complete a minimum two year residency, or 4 semester units of study at USC.
A robust curriculum is available during the summer semester between the fourth and fifth semesters [of the full sequence; between the second and third of the advanced standing]. A combination of internationally based studios, field studies and the full first semester sequence of the MAAS is available to provide students diverse and advanced opportunities that can expand their degree offerings.
Students admitted with no previous professional education must complete 102 units, including 74 units of specified courses, 20 units of electives and 8 units of Directed Design Research or Thesis. Electives must be part of a curricular plan approved by the program director.
or
*ARCH 409 and ARCH 410 will be taken as a fall semester special session prior to the first day of classes.
Advanced standing students must complete 64 units, including 34
units of specified courses, 22 units of electives or basic studies
requirements and 8 units of Directed Design Research or Thesis.
Electives and basic studies courses must be part of a curricular
plan approved by the program director.
Elective or Basic Studies Units: 9
Completion of this degree requires 48 units and includes 16 units of specified courses to include three core seminars and one research seminar; 17 units of elective courses; and 15 units of thesis and thesis preparation.
Electives Units: 4
Applicants who have completed a five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree and at least five years of teaching or practice (may be combined), may be qualified for advanced standing. Each student will be considered individually. In such cases, the degree requirements are 36 units, including 8 units of specified courses, 15 units of thesis and thesis preparation and 13 units of electives. Students with advanced standing will typically be able to complete the degree program in three regular semesters. Admission with advanced standing is determined at the time of review for admission to the program.
Completion of this degree requires 48 units and includes 17 units of specified courses, 8 units of thesis preparation and thesis, and 23 units of elective courses as approved by the program director.
Students must have one of the following: an accredited graduate certificate in historic preservation or heritage conservation; professional degree or professional registration in architecture or engineering; graduate degree in a related field, such as architectural history, planning or history; and at least five years of teaching or practice (may be combined). Each student will be considered individually. Qualified students will be admitted to a threesemester program at the time of review of admission. Students with advanced standing must complete 36 units.
USC offers an international laboratory for the study of place in an extraordinary natural landscape, at the center of an unparalleled multicultural region, within the context of a great urban university. Thus, the study of landscape architecture at USC has a particular focus on urban place-making in relation to three principles.
First, the programs are intended for students who already have earned a first degree or the equivalent in landscape architecture or architecture, as well as students entering design studies after obtaining a degree in another field. The emphasis is on truly advanced study based on the knowledge and skills to engage complex issues and to undertake ambitious explorations. Graduates are prepared for leadership opportunities in professional practice as well as in higher education.
A second emphasis is on urban landscapes, and on the responsibility of design professions to create the qualities and meanings of our urban futures and to make critical contributions to the reclamation of degraded natural systems and places.
Third, place-making is a collaborative responsibility that requires leadership from professionals across the entire domain of planning and design. This requires seamless relationships between programs, students and faculty engaged in architecture, landscape architecture, heritage conservation, building science and planning studies.
Individuals who have completed a four-year Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, or its equivalent, with no prior degree in landscape architecture, architecture or environmental design, are eligible for admission to the program. Preference for admission is given to those who have completed a balanced undergraduate education that includes study in the arts, sciences and humanities. Applicants must document successful completion of a college-level course in the natural sciences. Preparation in the visual arts is strongly encouraged. A minimum of a one-semester, college-level course in the visual arts, such as drawing, sculpture, graphics and/or basic design, is required before beginning the first semester of study. Courses in the humanities, ecology, history of art, landscape architecture and architecture are strongly encouraged, although not required.
Students admitted with no previous professional education must complete 96 units, including 68 units of specified courses, 18 units of electives of which a minimum of 14 must be from the School of Architecture, and 10 units of Thesis Option I or II. Electives must be part of a curricular plan approved by the program director.
Applicants who have completed a non-accredited, pre-professional undergraduate degree in architecture, landscape architecture or environmental design may be granted advanced placement of one or two semesters, subject to the review of the admission committee. Applicants granted advanced placement may be able to waive certain course requirements for the MLA program by demonstrating equivalencies in any of the required courses. The program director and faculty in charge of the specific curriculum areas will determine the studio and professional course requirements for each MLA student admitted with advanced placement. The following courses are prerequisites to be completed prior to matriculation or, on specific notice, in the first year of the program: history of landscape architecture (ARCH 565 or equivalent), landscape architecture construction (ARCH 534, ARCH 535 or equivalent), plant materials (ARCH 537, ARCH 538 or equivalent), media (ARCH 548 or equivalent).
Advanced placement students must complete 64 units, including 37 units of specified courses, 17 units of electives of which a minimum of 12 must be from the School of Architecture, and 10 units of Thesis Option I or II. Electives must be part of a curricular plan approved by the program director.
Students who hold an accredited Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree or the equivalent may be granted advanced standing in a post-professional 48-unit, three-semester sequence of studies.
Advanced standing students must complete 48 units, including 19 units of specified courses, 19 units of electives of which a minimum of 12 must be from the School of Architecture, and 10 units of Thesis Option I or II. Electives must be part of a curricular plan approved by the program director.
In addition to the opportunity to initiate an independent written thesis, students are provided the option to undertake independent design research on important urban issues and projects already in progress within the School of Architecture. Whichever option is taken, students are supported in their work by a faculty advisory team including a principal critic.
The focus of this program is on understanding the broad and complex role of architecture within the urban context. Studies focus on cities throughout the world where conditions of increasing density, environmental challenges and cultural complexity require design initiatives that support amenity, sustainability and cultural meaning. The certificate is open to graduate students not pursuing a Master of Architecture or Master of Advanced Architectural Studies degree.
Completion of the certificate program requires a minimum of 16 units.
(or as approved by the program faculty adviser or director)
*Students in the Master of Heritage Conservation Program should substitute core class ARCH 553 with another elective.
Building science at USC recognizes that exemplary architecture requires a creative response to natural forces, based on informed good judgment in the areas of architectural technology. The Certificate in Building Science is intended as a supplement for students enrolled in graduate course work in architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, urban planning or related disciplines.
Completion of the certificate requires a minimum of 16 units. Students must take three core courses. Electives in building science may be taken to complete the program requirements.
Choose three of the following six courses:
(or as approved by the program faculty adviser or director)
Required courses for this certificate cannot also be required courses in the student's major in the School of Architecture.
This program is directed at professionals who wish to augment their academic credential for their involvement in heritage conservation projects and at graduate students who wish to complement a degree in architecture, landscape architecture, planning, public art administration, geography, anthropology or other related disciplines.
(or as approved by the program faculty adviser or director)
*Students from outside the School of Architecture are required to take ARCH 543 Research Methods (1) as one of their 16 units.
This program is intended to introduce at the graduate level the basic subjects inherent to the field of landscape architecture: plant materials suitable to urban conditions; urban utility and transportation systems in relation to topography, natural drainage and pathways; plant and wildlife communities; as well as inquiries about landscape infrastructure and ecology, and the history of human settlement in the evolution of urban landscapes. Southern California and Los Angeles provide an exceptionally valuable natural and socio-cultural laboratory for landscape architecture studies.
Completion of the certificate program requires a minimum of 16 units. Students must take four core courses and select 3 units of electives from the approved list approved by the director of the graduate landscape architecture program.
(or as approved by the program faculty adviser or director)
*Students from outside the School of Architecture are required to take ARCH 543 Research Methods (1) as one of their 16 units.
The Sustainable Design Graduate Certificate is a multidisciplinary program open to USC students pursuing graduate degrees in many disciplines that may be interested in the sustainability of the built environment.
Sustainability is an imperative for our planet as climate change, population growth and dwindling oil supplies are all reminders that our resources are finite and we need a new paradigm to adjust to these global changes. The built environment represents the majority of our energy use and design can help reduce both the embodied and operational energy of our buildings and urban landscape.
This certificate provides students with the tools necessary to understand and quantify sources of energy use in buildings and landscapes and to use design of natural and man-made systems to reduce their energy use. This certificate will give students the background to help them make sustainable design choices through informed decision-making that considers the performance of the built environment related to the energy required to make it, the energy it absorbs or releases, the energy required to maintain it, and the energy required to replace it. Environmental, economic and socially responsible solutions will be explored through the course work.
Applicants for the Certificate in Sustainable Design who are currently enrolled in a program at USC and are in good standing with a 3.0 GPA only need to submit the appropriate paperwork for adding the certificate program, which may be obtained from the student services adviser.
Applicants for the Certificate in Sustainable Design who are not matriculated in a master's-level program at USC must submit a formal application for admission to the certificate program, provide transcripts of all college work, a resume and one letter of recommendation.
Completion of the certificate program requires a minimum of 16 units.
(or as approved by the program faculty adviser or director)
** Electives for the certificate may not include courses required by the student's other degree programs.
*** When approved by the director of the Chase L. Leavitt Graduate Program of Building Science
(or as approved by the program faculty adviser or director)
*If not used as a required course for MBS degree
**If not used as a required course for MBS degree and not used as a core course above
*** When approved by the director of the Chase L.
Leavitt Graduate Program of Building Science
Each academic unit, department or program will determine the number
of units completed that may be applied to the student's master or
doctoral degree.
The Master of Planning/Master of Advanced Architectural Studies dual degree program facilitates highly related cross-disciplinary studies in architecture and in planning at the master's level. This program offers students interested in developing a career in urban design an opportunity to make more substantial commitments in both disciplines and to achieve a more coherent and extensive knowledge in the design of built environments and public policy. This dual degree program normally requires five semesters in residence.
Qualified students who are admitted to the graduate programs in both the School of Architecture and the USC Price School of Public Policy may complete both degrees in a highly integrated five-semester program. Such students must already possess a five-year professional degree in architecture.
Requirements for completion of the dual degree program are 72 units, including 36 units in architecture and 36 units in planning, as follows:
*5 units of electives taken within the School of Architecture.
2-unit courses may be offered in seven-and-a-half week blocks.
Concentration Methodology: A 4-unit course selected from the concentration list shown in the Master of Planning program.
Planning Studios: PPD 531L (4, 4) to total 8 units. Students must complete 8 units of domestic or international planning studies under PPD 531L (4) to satisfy this requirement. A maximum of 12 units may be taken.
Electives: A total of 8 units of electives taken within the USC Price School of Public Policy.
Dual degree students, like all other MPl students, must take a comprehensive examination and fulfill the internship requirement.
The Master of Heritage Conservation/Master of Planning dual degree program facilitates highly related crossdisciplinary studies in heritage conservation and in urban planning at the master's level. The primary objective of the dual degree curriculum is to impart to students a basic familiarity with the origins and development of the philosophies, theories, and practices of planning and heritage conservation. This curriculum has been developed so that students will graduate from this program with a broad practical knowledge of the laws, regulations, and policies that apply to planning and conservation practice in the United States and internationally. This expertise will include knowledge of urban design, public policy, and architectural and planning history and theory. Students will be expected to understand the critical methodological tools necessary for a professional engaged in the investigation, interpretation, and evaluation of the urban built environment.
Qualified students who are admitted to the graduate programs in both the School of Architecture and the USC Price School of Public Policy may complete both degrees in a highly integrated five-semester program.
Requirements for completion of the dual degree program are 60 units, including 30 units in heritage conservation and 30 units in planning, as follows:
Concentration Methodology: Students in this program will be required to select a concentration for the Master of Planning program.
Electives: Electives must be taken within the USC School of Architecture or the Price School of Public Policy.
Degree Completion Requirements: Dual degree students, like all other MPL students, must take a comprehensive examination and fulfill the internship requirement. In addition, like all other MHC students, dual degree students will be expected to complete a thesis.
Qualified students who are admitted to the Master of Landscape Architecture program in the School of Architecture and to the graduate program in the USC Price School of Public Policy may complete both degrees in a highly integrated five-seven semester program.
Completion of the dual degree requires 24 units of courses in urban planning, 10 units of thesis option I or II and either 32 units of landscape architecture (for those students admitted with advanced standing); 48 units of landscape architecture (for those students admitted with advanced placement); or 74 units of landscape architecture (for those students admitted to the three-year curriculum).
Qualified students with a professional degree in landscape architecture who are admitted to the graduate program in the School of Architecture with advanced standing and to the USC Price School of Public Policy may complete both degrees in a highly integrated five-semester program.
Completion of the dual degree requires 66 units, including 32 units of courses in landscape architecture, 24 units of courses in urban planning, and 10 units of thesis option I or II.
13 units of elective courses taken in the School of Architecture.
*Electives must be 400-level and above.
8 units of elective courses taken within the USC Price School of Public Policy.
Dual degree students, like all other MPl students, must take a comprehensive examination and fulfill the internship requirement.
Qualified students who have completed a pre-professional undergraduate degree in landscape architecture or environmental design, or a professional degree in architecture and are admitted to the graduate program in the School of Architecture with advanced placement and to the USC Price School of Public Policy may complete both degrees in a highly integrated six-semester program.
Completion of the dual degree requires 82 units, including 48 units of courses in landscape architecture, 24 units of courses in urban planning, and 10 units of thesis option I or II.
11 units of elective courses taken in the School of Architecture.
*Electives must be 400-level and above.
8 units of elective courses taken within the USC Price School of Public Policy.
Dual degree students, like all other MPl students, must take a comprehensive examination and fulfill the internship requirement.
Qualified students admitted to the Master of Landscape Architecture three-year curriculum in the School of Architecture and to the USC Price School of Public Policy may complete both degrees in a highly integrated seven-semester program.
Completion of the dual degree requires 108 units, including 74 units of courses in landscape architecture, 24 units of courses in urban planning, and 10 units of thesis option I or II.
6 units of elective courses taken in the School of Architecture.
*Electives must be 400-level and above.
8 units of elective courses taken within the USC Price School of Public Policy.
Dual degree students, like all other MPl students, must take a comprehensive examination and fulfill the internship requirement.
The School of Architecture offers the PhD in Architecture, designed to prepare individuals for university level teaching and professional research and for leadership positions in industry and professional architectural practice. Doctoral students must consult the Graduate School section for regulations and requirements pertaining to its degrees. Students should also consult the Academic Policies section for additional information.
Completion of degree requirements is assumed to take a minimum of three years of approved graduate study and research beyond the bachelor's degree in a related field or a bachelor's degree and related practical experience. For the PhD student without Advanced Standing, a minimum of 48 graduate units completed in residence on the University Park Campus in Los Angeles is required. Full-time study is represented by enrollment in six units during the semester. Usually, the school and the student's qualifying exam committee insist on a clear and mutually understood commitment of time and energy by the student to ensure significant involvement in the doctoral learning experience.
Admission to the PhD is granted by the Dean of the School of Architecture. However, only a letter from the Office of Graduate Admission constitutes an official offer of admission; correspondence with department chairs or individual faculty members does not constitute admission.
Priority consideration for PhD student funding will be given to those applicants who submit all application materials by December 1. The university will continue to accept and consider applications submitted after December 1. Those who wish to submit applications after the deadline should check with the School of Architecture. Applications for admission to the PhD program are made once each year for fall semester admission.
The admission decision is made using criteria which include verification that the applicant has a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, has maintained a high grade point average in the last 60 units of undergraduate work and has earned a competitive score on the verbal and quantitative portions of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Other elements of the applicant's educational and experiential background are also evaluated, including performance in other advanced degrees.
Each applicant should submit the following: (1) one copy of official transcripts of all previous college and university work (be sure that these official transcripts show an awarded degree where appropriate); (2) one copy of GRE scores; (3) copy of TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students whose first language is not English; (4) a 1000-word essay discussing the applicant's background; reasons for wanting to pursue a doctoral degree; and identifying his or her personal, educational and professional goals; (5) an up-to-date resume, including academic and professional accomplishments; (6) three letters of recommendation, at least two from previous instructors, others from instructors or from professional supervisors or colleagues (the letters should indicate the applicant's academic and professional accomplishments and potential); (7) a completed USC Graduate Admission Application, along with the nonrefundable application fee; and (8) samples of work such as a portfolio, publications, software programs, etc. The program is intended for people with considerable intellectual interests. Additional requirements for international students are listed under Admission of International Students.
Upon admission to the program, each student will be assigned a faculty adviser who will oversee his or her program.
Students entering with a Master of Architecture degree or Master of Building Science degree (or their equivalent) from USC or another university may be admitted with Advanced Standing. A minimum of 36 units of course work beyond the first graduate degree, exclusive of 794 Doctoral Dissertation preparation, is required for doctoral degree students with a USC Master of Building Science degree admitted with Advanced Standing. For those students entering with a Master of Architecture degree or Master of Building Science degree (or their equivalent) from another university and admitted with Advanced Standing, a minimum of 40 units of course work beyond the first graduate degree is required. Additional course work may be required if deemed necessary by the student's faculty. See Doctoral Admission with Advanced Standing in the Graduate School section.
The application of any available transfer credits toward a graduate degree at USC will be determined by the School of Architecture, based on the semester units available for transfer as shown in the Transfer Credit Statement. Work experience in architecture or closely related activities should be of benefit to the students involved, but will not be considered equivalent to academic education. A maximum of 6 units of transfer credit may be applied toward a doctoral degree for those admitted with Advanced Standing. Admission with Advanced Standing is based upon a completed master's degree. The only course work available for transfer credit is course work taken after completion of that degree. No exceptions are allowed.
Students entering the doctoral program with a master's degree or graduate course work in a field other than architecture work may receive up to 12 units of transfer credit toward the PhD
Admission to the university is granted for a specified semester, and it is expected that students will begin their programs during that semester. The school will normally allow students to defer their enrollment up to one year from the admission semester. Students who wish to defer enrollment should notify the school in writing no more than 60 days before the beginning of the semester of admission or they may be required to reapply for admission. Please note that more stringent regulations apply to international students. See the Graduate Admission section for further information.
Acceptance to graduate standing does not in itself imply that the student is admitted or will be admitted to candidacy for an advanced degree. Application for admission as a candidate for an advanced degree is a separate and subsequent step. See the Graduate School section for further information.
PhD students are required to pass a screening procedure before the student has taken more than 24 units (including research courses). Passing this procedure is prerequisite to continuation in the doctoral program. This is designed to ensure that only those students who have demonstrated intellectual and scholarly potential continue in the program. Students who fail the screening procedure will be advised that they have not been recommended to continue in the PhD program and that any additional work may not be counted toward the degree.
Prior to screening, each student prepares a résumé and a preliminary statement describing the fields of specialization. After passing the written screening examination, the student meets with the committee to discuss the proposal for course work, fields of specialization and research interests. The committee chair serves as the student's principal adviser in preparing for the qualifying examination.
Each student selects a qualifying exam committee, which officially oversees the student's academic program through the qualifying examination. The qualifying exam committee should be established at least one semester prior to taking the qualifying examination. This should be accomplished by the beginning of the second year, following successful screening. An appointment of committee form, which can be obtained from the Graduate School Website (usc.edu/schools/GraduateSchool), should be used to establish the qualifying exam committee. Students initiate the paperwork and submit the signed form to the dean's office.
Five committee members are designated to provide guidance in the field developed by the student. A minimum of three members, including at least one tenured member, must be from among the faculty participating in the PhD in Architecture degree program, and at least one member must be from outside the School of Architecture. This committee bears responsibility for recommending the student for admission to candidacy. After approval of the student's program and time schedule, the program is submitted in writing to the doctoral director. Students will formalize their relationship with their committees through the development of a study plan which specifies all courses completed, date of screening decision, the area of concentration, and which courses will be taken and when, in order to prepare for the qualifying examination. This study plan will be signed by the student, the members of the qualifying exam committee and the faculty doctoral director. It will be filed in the doctoral office.
Students must complete at least 24 units of course work in the doctoral program with a GPA of at least 3.0 before attempting the qualifying exam.
The qualifying exam committee prepares a comprehensive written examination covering the field of study. The exact format for the written portion is determined by each committee in advance. Answers to the questions in the written portion are graded by all committee members. Following completion of the written portion, the entire committee conducts an oral examination of the student, focusing on material both complementary and supplementary to the written examination but relevant to the field and overall program selected by the student. Upon passing both portions of the qualifying examination, the student becomes a candidate for the PhD degree.
The objective of the qualifying examination is to evaluate the student's knowledge and to serve as an instrument to demonstrate competence in the student's chosen field of concentration in preparation for candidacy. Qualifying examinations are scheduled once each year during August. The oral phase of the examination must be completed within 60 days following the written segment. Both parts of the examination must be passed in order to qualify. Failure on one of the two parts of the examination does not require retaking both parts. Only the part failed must be redone.
The examination will be collaboratively designed by the instructors of the core courses and oriented toward testing students' ability to integrate material from these courses. A portion of this examination will focus on methodological issues. The written portion of the examination will be administered during a full-day session.
The process of grading examinations will be accomplished in two ways. For the written examination, the grading will be done by a committee comprising the core course instructors and the doctoral director. For the oral examination, grading will stay with the qualifying exam committee. Upon passing both the core and oral portions of the examination, the student will be expected to reduce the qualifying exam committee to a dissertation committee. See General Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree.
Once students pass the qualifying examination, the qualifying exam committee recommends the student for candidacy and a dissertation topic is approved, a dissertation committee must be formed as soon as possible. The size may range from three to five members, one member of which must be from outside the school.
After the successful completion of the qualifying examination, the doctoral student will be required to present a complete research proposal for the dissertation. The proposal will be circulated for review and evaluation by the dissertation committee. This proposal should include the methodology, research design, literature review and instrumentation (if applicable). After this step has been completed, further work leading to the completion of the dissertation is authorized.
Oral defense of the dissertation before the dissertation committee is usually made on a preliminary draft. After the dissertation committee has approved the dissertation in substance, the candidate must defend it before the committee and other interested doctoral program faculty and colleagues. Successful completion of the oral defense marks the ultimate step for the candidate within the School of Architecture. The candidate must be certain that the dissertation also meets specific university requirements before acceptance by the Graduate School. See the Graduate School section for further information.
All theses and dissertations submitted in fulfillment of requirements for graduate degrees must conform to university regulations with regard to format and method of preparation.
The PhD degree in Architecture requires a minimum of 72 units (including a minimum of 4 units of ARCH 794a, ARCH 794b, or ARCH 794z) of graduate level course work, and has a minimum residency requirement of three years. Students must maintain a 3.0 average GPA and complete all required course work within five years. The maximum time for the completion of all requirements for the doctoral degree is eight years.
A leave of absence can be granted upon approval of the guidance or dissertation committees. There is no automatic readmission if the student fails to maintain continuous registration or fails to meet academic standards.
Year 1: Basic and professional studies
Acquire at a minimum the knowledge that is characteristic of the master's degree students or equivalent and define the research program.
Year 2: Advanced studies
Year 3: Research and dissertation
While a Master of Architecture or related degree is not a prerequisite for admission, those students entering the doctoral program without a master's degree in architecture or related field will be required to complete a core curriculum.
Return to: USC School of Architecture
The USC School of Architecture is committed to offering its undergraduate and graduate students an immersive and diverse set of experiences throughout all stages of the curriculum. Students explore the latest technologies used in the design process, spanning digital software, fabrication techniques and robotics, each of which went into the development of the project shown in the photograph. Photo by USC School of Architecture.
The USC School of Architecture offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral education in architecture and architectural studies, landscape architecture, heritage conservation and building science. Its faculty is active in professional practice, in design research, in the supervision of programs at the Gamble House and Freeman House and in extended professional education.
Work in the school is conducted in an intellectual climate, which promotes inquiry, introduces principles and values and teaches the disciplines necessary to work in collaboration with other professionals to develop design and research excellence.
The school is located in the center of Los Angeles, the second largest urban region in the country, which offers a unique understanding of 21st century growth and change. In such an environment the possibilities for teaching and learning are extraordinary.
The school is highly selective in its admissions and enjoys the strong support of alumni and the professions it serves. The opportunity exists for students to have close contact with faculty, other students and practicing architects.
An architecture curriculum was initiated at USC in 1914. In 1919, a Department of Architecture was created and a separate School of Architecture was organized in 1925. The school shares Watt and Harris Halls with the USC Roski School of Art and Design and the Fisher Museum of Art.
USC School of Architecture
Watt Hall 204
(213) 740-2723
FAX: (213) 740-8884
arch.usc.edu
Qingyun Ma, MArch, Dean
Gail Peter Borden, MArch, Associate Dean, Discipline Head of Architecture Programs, Director, Graduate Architecture Programs
Douglas E. Noble, PhD, Chair, PhD Program, Discipline Head, Chase L. Leavitt Graduate Program of Building Science
Trudi Sandmeier, MA, Discipline Head of Heritage Conservation Programs
Kelly Shannon, PhD, Discipline Head of Landscape Architecture Programs
Hadrian Predock, MArch, Director, Undergraduate Architecture Programs
Edward R. Bosley, MBA, James N. Gamble Director of the Gamble House
Della and Harry MacDonald Dean's Chair in Architecture: Qingyun Ma, MArch
Jon Adams Jerde, FAIA Chair in Architecture: Thomas Phifer, FAIA, FAAR, MArch
MacDonald and Diane Rusling Becket Professor of Community Design: Charles A. Lagreco, MFA (Arch)
Judge Widney Professor of Architecture: Frank O. Gehry, FAIA, MArch
Nancy M. and Edward D. Fox Urban Design Critic: Wendell Burnette, FAIA
Professors: Kim Coleman, M.Arch.; Diane Ghirardo, PhD; John V. Mutlow, MArch (UD); Victor Regnier, M.Arch.*; Goetz Schierle, PhD; Marc Schiler, MS, ArchSci.; Kelly Shannon, PhD; James Steele, PhD; John Wilson, PhD
Associate Professors: Gail Peter Borden, MArch; Charles Lagreco, MFA (Arch); Graeme M. Morland, DiplArch; Amy Murphy, MFA; Douglas E. Noble, PhD
Assistant Professors: Rachel Berney, PhD; Kenneth Breisch, PhD; Anders Carlson, PhD; Joon-Ho Choi, PhD; Vittoria di Palma, PhD; David Gerber, D.Des.; Alison Hirsch, PhD; Alvin Huang, MArch; Victor Jones, MArch; Karen M. Kensek, MArch; Kyle Konis, PhD; Alex Robinson, MLArch; José Sanchez, MArch; Doris Sung, MArch.
Professor of the Practice of Architecture: Wesley Jones, MArch.
Associate Professors of the Practice of Architecture: Alice Kimm, MArch; Lee Olvera, MArch; Hadrian Predock, MArch; Trudi Sandmeier, MA; Selwyn Ting, MArch
Assistant Professor of the Practice of Architecture: Lauren Matchison, MA
Adjunct Professors: Mark Cigolle, MArch.; Peyton Hall, MED; David C. Martin, MArch; Lorcan O'Herlihy, MArch; Robert Perry, MLA; Lawrence Scarpa, MArch; Patrick Tighe, MArch; Dimitry Vergun, MS
Adjunct Associate Professors: T. Jeff Guh, PhD; Yo-ichiro Hakomori, PhD; Michael Hricak, MArch; Andrew Liang, MArch; Travis Longcore, PhD; Jennifer Siegal, MArch; Warren Techentin, MArch; Olivier Touraine, Dipl Ing (Arch); Edwin Woll, PhD
Adjunct Assistant Professors: Valery Augustin, MArch; Tigran Ayrapetyan, MS; Mario Cipresso, MArch; Janek Dombrowa, BS (Arch); Eric Haas, MArch; Aaron Neubert, MArch
Senior Lecturers: Michael Arden, MA; Miller Fong, BAArch; Sophia Gruzdys, MArch; Gary Paige, BArch; Susanna Seierup, MArch
Lecturers: Carlo Aiello, MS (Arch); Marwan Al-Sayed, MArch; Charles Anderson, MLA; Victoria Turkel-Behner, PhD; Leigh Ann Belloli, BS (LArch); Rob Berry, MArch; Vinayak Bharne, MArch; Biayna Bogosian, MS (Arch); Justin Brechtel, MS (Arch); Laurel Broughton, MArch; Nefeli Chatzimina, MS (Arch); Tina Chee, MLA; Mina Mei-Szu Chow, MArch; Victoria Coaloa, M.Arch.; Tony Cocea, MS; Lauren Dandridge Gaines, BS; Stephen Deters, MArch; Ian Dickenson, BS (Arch); John Dutton, MArch; Steven Ehrlich, MArch; Maria Esnaola, MArch; Liz Falletta, MArch; John Frane, MArch; Emily Gabel-Luddy, MLA; Aroussiak Gabrielian, MLA, MArch; Richard Gooding, MArch; Ryan Gutierrez, MLA; Katherine Harvey, MLA; Jerry Hastings, BS; Kathryn Horak, MHP; Ying-Yu Hung, MLArch; Karen Janosky, MLA; Erin Kasimow, MArch; Jason Kerwin, MArch; Jeffrey Kim, MS; Tim Kohut, MArch; Andy Ku, MArch; Manyan Lam, MArch; Jeffrey Landreth, MS; John Lesak, MArch; Lisa Little, MArch; David Maestres, MArch; Esther Margulies, MLArch; Scott Mitchell, MArch; Eric Nulman, MArch; Jay Platt, MS; Mary Ringhoff, MA; Michele Saee, MA (Arch); Marcos Sánchez, MArch; Lee Schneider; Brendan Shea, MArch; Colin Sieburgh, MArch; Takako Tajima, MLA; Brian Tichenor, MLArch; David Ulin, MFA; John Uniack, BArch; Scott Uriu, BArch; Elizabeth Valmont, MBS; Geoffrey von Oeyen, MArch; Roland Wahlroos-Ritter, DiplIng; Andrew Watkins, MLA; Takashi Yanai, MArch
Emeritus Professors: James Ambrose, MS; Frank Dimster, MArch; Robert S. Harris, MFA (Arch); Samuel T. Hurst, MArch; Ralph Knowles, MArch*; Roger Sherwood, MSArch, MCRP
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
The School of Architecture offers curricula leading to the following degrees.
Bachelor of Architecture: a five-year undergraduate accredited professional degree program.
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies: a four-year undergraduate non-professional architectural studies degree program providing specialization in related fields and an alternative path to graduate studies in architecture and other design fields.
Minor in Architecture: provides the flexibility of complementing a student's major with an area of specialization. Not available for architecture majors.
Minor in Landscape Architecture: provides students with the ability to integrate the natural and cultural profession of landscape architecture into their course of study. Not available for architecture majors.
Master of Advanced Architectural Studies: a 48-unit, three-semester program for students who hold a first professional degree from an accredited school of architecture.
Master of Architecture: a 102-unit, three-year accredited degree for students who have completed a bachelor's degree with a major other than one of the design professions; a 64-unit, two-year accredited degree for students holding a pre-professional degree with a major in architecture.
Master of Heritage Conservation: a 48-unit program designed to prepare individuals for work in heritage conservation and its allied disciplines, including architecture, urban planning, cultural resource management, real estate development, construction and materials conservation.
Master of Landscape Architecture: a 96-unit, six-semester curriculum for students with no prior degree in architecture, landscape architecture or environmental design; a 64-unit, four-semester curriculum for students who hold a first non-accredited degree in architecture, landscape architecture or environmental design; a 48-unit, three-semester curriculum for students who hold an accredited Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree or the equivalent.
Master of Building Science: a 48-unit, two-year program for applicants who hold an architecture, engineering or science-related degree (e.g., Bachelor of Architecture, Bachelor of Architectural Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Environmental Studies, Physics or Mathematics). Students with five-year professional degrees in architecture and a minimum of five years of experience may be given advanced standing.
Dual Degree in Architecture and Planning: a 72-unit program leading to the post-professional Master of Architecture and the Master of Planning degrees. Admission to both degree programs is required.
Dual Degree in Heritage Conservation and Planning: a 60-unit program leading to the Master of Heritage Conservation and Master of Planning degrees. Admission to both degree programs is required.
Dual Degree in Landscape Architecture and Planning: a 66-, 82- or 108-unit program leading to the Master of Landscape Architecture and Master of Planning degrees. Admission to both degree programs is required.
Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture: This program is designed to prepare individuals for university level teaching and professional research and for leadership positions in industry and professional architectural practice.
Certificate in Architecture: The focus of this program is on understanding the broad and complex role of architecture within the urban and cultural context. Studies focus on cities and architecture throughout the world where conditions of increasing density, environmental challenges and cultural complexity require design initiatives that support amenity, sustainability and cultural meaning. The certificate is open to graduate students not pursuing a Master of Architecture degree.
Certificate in Building Science: This program is intended as a supplementary credential for students enrolled in graduate course work in architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, urban planning or related disciplines, and also for practicing design and planning professionals with undergraduate or graduate degrees and related experience.
Certificate in Heritage Conservation: This program is for those who wish to augment their current work in heritage conservation, and for graduate students who wish to obtain a complementary specialization in conjunction with their degree.
Certificate in Landscape Architecture: This program provides an opportunity for professionals and graduate students to develop understandings and skills related to the basic subjects inherent in the field of landscape architecture.
Certificate in Sustainable Design: This certificate provides students with the tools necessary to understand and quantify sources of energy use in buildings and landscapes and to use design of natural and man-made systems to reduce their energy use. Environmental, economic and socially responsible solutions will be explored through the course work.
In the United States, most registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit professional degree programs in architecture offered by institutions with U.S. regional accreditation, recognizes three types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture and the Doctor of Architecture. A program may be granted an eight-year, three-year or two-year term of accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established educational standards.
Doctor of Architecture and Master of Architecture degree programs may require a pre-professional undergraduate degree in architecture for admission. However, the pre-professional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.
The University of Southern California School of Architecture offers the following NAAB-accredited degree programs:
Bachelor of Architecture (160 undergraduate credits)
Master of Architecture (pre-professional degree + 64 graduate credits)
Master of Architecture (non-professional degree + 102 graduate credits)
Next accreditation visit for all programs: 2022
The USC Master of Landscape Architecture first professional curricula (three-year and two-year curricula) are accredited by the American Society of Landscape Architects Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB). The LAAB conditions of accreditation (including the student performance criteria) are posted on the ASLA Website, asla.org/AccreditationLAAB.aspx.
Each year, a set of different global programs are offered to our fourth-year undergraduate students during their topic studio semesters. There are typically one to two programs offered each semester (fall, spring and summer), with recent locations being in Italy, China, France and Spain.
Each offering consists of a coordinated 17-unit, full semester program which includes a studio course in design and required seminars in history and theory; technology; and cultural studies. Students must be in good academic standing to be considered and to participate.
Some examples of recent programs include:
For many years, selected students have been able to participate in the Anthony A. Marnell II Italian Architecture Studies Program, located in Milan, a city at the forefront of Italian modern architecture and the center of Italian design. Students are housed and have classroom and studio space in Como, a small and pleasant lakeside town about 30 miles from Milan. The Milan-Como Program is one of only two U.S. school of architecture programs in this part of Italy. Strong relationships are fostered with the place, its people and its culture. Visits are planned within Italy and throughout Europe to expose the students to the full range of historical and contemporary architecture.
The School of Architecture's study abroad program in Barcelona provides a place for fourth year architecture students in a course of study in urbanism and architecture of the city. The goal is to provide a broad overview of that city's major urban and architectural sites, topography and systems of urban organization. Students will be immersed in the issues of urban design and architecture that have shaped the city, and will develop critical thinking and methodologies of analysis by designing in the urban context. The course of study will examine this fascinating culture that is committed to design and architectural practices that engage and challenge European traditional and modernist orthodoxies.
Barcelona is both a modern and historical site, beginning as a small Roman colony from the time of Augustus, and surviving Visigothic, Moorish and Frankish invasions. Its political and economic history has shaped the city, with the most forceful expression of its national aspiration occurring in the 19th century, the time most associated with the architect Antonio Gaudí. It is city committed to a culture of visual design that has realized many ambitious urban plans, growing from its commitment to representing national pride. It is a dynamic site for the study of ancient and contemporary urbanism as it has achieved word-class status among cities as a locus for new world architecture. The program will combine field work, precedent analysis and discussions with the broader design community in Barcelona.
Examples of public space and architecture from antiquity to the 21st century will be studied as part of the context of a city that has successfully projected its future without neglecting its past and present. Visits are planned within Spain and throughout Europe to expose students to the full range of historical and contemporary architecture.
The Asian Architecture and Landscape Urbanism program provides participating students the opportunity to engage and comprehend the full depth and global ramifications of the rapid changes that are taking place in China and other cities in Asia. The complex and multiple factors that inform urbanism and define the built environment will be explored and analyzed both in terms of historical cultural source and contemporary manifestation. Participants in these academic engagements will include regional as well as international professionals, academics, historians, economists and local inhabitants through direct engagements required of the course curriculum. Students will bring this knowledge and point of view back to the school after their semester away to expand the discussion of urbanism to the larger community of students and faculty at the School of Architecture.
The School of Architecture offers a summer program based at the Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado (FAAP), which includes travel throughout Mexico, Argentina and Peru before arriving at São Paolo at the midterm point. USC students work on a studio project in collaboration with students from the FAAP and the Universidad Iberoamericana.
The purpose of this program is to offer students the opportunity to:
The School of Architecture offers programs for summer graduate study abroad. The purpose of the programs is to offer graduate architecture students the opportunity to study the built fabric of another culture firsthand and engage in a focused urban studies problem in that culture. The programs also strive to expand appreciation of the importance of development in the current world market and show practitioners USC graduates' ability to engage in and contribute to international development.
Throughout the year, selected students are given the opportunity to show work in organized exhibitions, as well as to be included in our ongoing student work publication INDEX. The school seeks multiple formats and opportunities to have student work shown in the community at large and at cultural institutions throughout the city and the world, with recent exhibits in Shanghai, France, Italy and Washington, DC.
Many field trips are organized each year in support of various aspects of the academic program. During the past several years, students have made trips to locations in the larger California region (such as San Francisco, La Jolla to see the Salk Institute) as well as throughout the United States, including New Orleans and other important cities. In addition, students regularly visit the many sites of significance in the local Los Angeles area on an almost weekly basis for their general course work and personal interest.
The school provides significant service to the community and profession through public programs, and the participation of faculty members in community and professional activities. With the support and cooperation of the Architectural Guild, the school generates a vigorous program of lectures, exhibitions and tours.
Some of the world's most distinguished and emerging architects, landscape architects and designers have lectured at USC. These include Frank Gehry, Mario Botta, Yona Friedman, Peter Cook,Yung Ho Chang, Thom Mayne, Michael Maltzan, Hitoshi Abe, Mia Lehrer, Fumihiko Maki, Jean Nouvel, Will Bruder, Francois Roche, Enrique Norten, Adriaan Geuze, Kazuyo Sejima, Ai Wei Wei, Rem Koolhaas, Shigeru Ban, Hans Hollein, Charles Waldhem, Nader Tehrani, Cesar Pelli, Javier Sanchez, Laurie Olin, Eric Owen Moss and Pei Zhu.
The school also provides the Helen Lindhurst Architecture Gallery for major architectural exhibitions. Recent shows have included important international architects such as Christoph Kapeller, Renzo Piano, Santiago Calatrava, Herman Hertzberger and Alvaro Siza, as well as USC faculty, students and alumni.
The School of Architecture offers two- and four-week programs for high school students (must have completed ninth grade by the start of the program) who have no previous experience but are interested in architecture. The program, which began in 1983, is particularly rewarding for students who are contemplating a career in architecture. However, all students find the exposure to the unique problem-solving methodologies of architecture a benefit regardless of their final career choice. Living on campus in a USC residence hall, high school students experience what it is like to be a university student. They participate in studio classes with professional critics and present their ideas in reviews attended by parents and friends.
The program also exposes them, through case studies, sketching exercises and field trips, to some of the most dramatic and impressive historical and modern architecture of Los Angeles. International students have especially appreciated the opportunity to pursue this summer program of study that is not highly dependent on English language skills. Limited financial assistance is available.
Obtain program details by visiting the School of Architecture Website or by calling (800) 281-8616.
This program offers three weeks of classes with noted experts from Southern California and the United States. Taken together the courses act as a general introduction to the field of heritage conservation. In addition to examining the history and philosophy of the conservation movement as it has evolved during the past century, lectures and field trips to historic sites throughout the Los Angeles area will introduce students to a broad range of legal, economic, aesthetic and technical issues associated with the documentation, conservation and interpretation of historic structures, landscapes and communities.
For more information, call (213) 821-2168.
The Sonny Astani Department of Civil Engineering offers an undergraduate program leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, with an emphasis in building science. The curriculum includes most of the work which is required for the major in structures, plus 30 units in architectural studies offered by the School of Architecture. See the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, Civil Engineering section of this catalogue for further information.
The school offers interrelated graduate programs in architecture, landscape architecture, building science and historic preservation as well as two dual degree programs with the USC Price School of Public Policy.
Credentials for admission must include a complete record of all previous college or university work. The applicant must request the registrar of each college or university attended to forward official transcripts of record directly to the Office of Admission.
Following are the basic requirements for admission to the graduate programs: (1) the appropriate degree from an accredited college or university; (2) satisfactory scores on the verbal, analytical and quantitative portions of the aptitude test of the Graduate Record Examinations; (3) intellectual promise and clear study intentions that indicate an ability to do acceptable graduate work; (4) a portfolio of design work*; (5) strong personal qualifications.
All students must speak and write English. Foreign students must demonstrate such ability by taking the TOEFL or IELTS test before leaving their home countries, and, if necessary, by further tests upon arrival on campus.
International students may be required to enroll in American Language Institute (ALI) English courses, based on scores on the English Placement Tests. The cost of these additional courses is the responsibility of the student. In addition, international students should be aware that they may have to defer enrollment in some major courses because of the ALI courses, extending the number of semesters required to complete the program and increasing the overall tuition expense. International students are urged to read with care all information sent to them about English requirements and to take as many English language courses as possible prior to coming to the United States.
*The Master of Building Science and Master of Heritage Conservation programs accept computer programs, papers and other work as portfolio work.
Correspondence with the dean or individual faculty members does not constitute admission to the Graduate School or to the School of Architecture. Only a letter from the Director of Admissions grants official admission.
Graduate students are expected to complete between 12 and 16 units per semester, spring and fall, depending on the program in which they are enrolled.
A minimum grade of C (2.0) is required in a course to receive graduate credit. A grade point average of at least B (3.0) on all units attempted at USC toward a graduate degree is required for graduation. A total grade point average of at least a B (3.0) in all courses applied toward completion of a certificate is required prior to being awarded a particular certificate. Course work taken on a pass/no pass basis cannot be applied toward a graduate degree or a certificate. If a student does not meet these minimum grades the faculty member should meet with the student to provide timely advisory reviews.
Failure to complete program course work on schedule will result in the loss of financial awards from the School of Architecture and/or may result in suspension from the program upon recommendation from the program director and approval by the Dean of the School of Architecture and the Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Programs. Additional semesters may be taken to complete the thesis or directed design research when appropriate.
All appeals will be reviewed initially by the director(s) of the appropriate graduate program and then by a committee consisting of all graduate program directors (with the exception that design courses will be reviewed by the design review committee). Their recommendation(s) will be forwarded to the dean for consideration and action, and then forwarded to the Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Programs. All communications must be in writing.
In the School of Architecture's master's programs, thesis committees must include a minimum of three members. The chair will be a full-time faculty member in the student's discipline in architecture. The second member must be a full- or part-time USC faculty member, not necessarily from the School of Architecture. The third member may be either a USC faculty member or a practitioner with a special expertise in the field; she or he may be full-time or part-time, tenure track, non-tenure track, or a non-academic practitioner. Thesis committees are ultimately subject to approval by the school dean.
Undergraduate Michael Chang works on a watercolor at the Roski School of Art and Design Open Studios. Photo by David Sprague.
Founded in 1883, the USC Roski School of Art and Design is a leader in the constellation of influential Los Angeles art schools. Our programs encourage interdisciplinary approaches to studio art, design, curatorial practice and critical studies. USC Roski trains artists, designers and curators in aesthetic acuity, technical ability and critical insight.
Students pursuing a BA have ample opportunity to explore the academic offerings of a world-class research institution, while BFA students immerse themselves fully in studio production. A distinguished and dedicated faculty teaches comprehensive courses in painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photography, design, digital media and critical studies. Students work across media to push perceived boundaries and discover their individual voices within increasingly global contexts.
At the graduate level, the MFA program is recognized nationally for its breadth and intensity, and a faculty of renowned practicing artists. Spacious private studios, one-on-one critiques with influential guest lecturers, and the expanded field of production offered by the Roski School's location in Los Angeles attract a highly selective student cohort. The MA program, Art and Curatorial Practices in the Public Sphere, is a platform for scholarship in contemporary art that addresses social questions of public space. In addition to a master's thesis, each class collectively engages in a curatorial practicum, culminating in an exhibition project that explores city-space.
Southern California is an unparalleled creative capital. Leading museums, galleries, advertising agencies, design firms, artist studios, and the music and film industries offer emerging artists and designers a wealth of internship and employment opportunities throughout their course of study.
Watt Hall of Architecture and Fine Arts 104
(213) 740-2787
FAX: (213) 740-8938
Email: roski@usc.edu
roski.usc.edu
Erica Muhl, DMA, Dean
Professors: Jud Fine, MFA; Amelia Jones, PhD; Margaret Lazzari, MFA*; Rochelle Steiner, PhD; Ruth Weisberg, MA*
Associate Professors: Bob Alderette, MFA; Charlie White, MFA
Associate Professors of the Practice of Fine Arts: Shannon Ebner, MFA; Karen Koblitz, MFA; Haven Lin-Kirk, MFA; Ann Page, BFA; Julia Paull, MFA
Assistant Professors of the Practice of Fine Arts: Sherin Guirguis, MFA; Jennifer West, MFA
Visiting Assistant Professor: Edgar Arceneaux, MFA
Senior Lecturers: Caroline Clerc, MFA; Ewa Wojciak, MFA
Full-time Lecturers: China Adams, MFA; Jeffrey Cain, MFA; Steve Child, MFA; Alice Fung, MArch; Erin Silver, PhD; Osvaldo Trujillo, MFA; Noura Wedell, PhD
Part-time Lecturers: Tom Allen, MFA; Tanya Batura, MFA; Ian Besler, MA; Maura Brewer, MFA; Andrew Byrom, MFA; Alexis Disselkeon, MFA; Paul Donald, MVA; Xavier Fumat, MFA; Phyllis Green, MFA; Emilie Halpern, MFA; Peter Holzhauer, MFA; Patrick Jackson, MFA; Helen Kim, MFA; Andrew Kutcher, MFA; Karen Liebowitz, MFA; Nancy Lupo, MFA; Tala Madani, MFA; Marisa Mandler, MFA; David McDonald, MFA; Joseph Morris, MFA; Karen Moss; Brian O'Connell, MFA; Brian Olson, BA; Richard Parker, MFA; Joseph Potts, MFA; Jean Robison, MFA; Stephanie Sabo, MFA; Julie Schustack, MFA; Aaron Siegel, MFA; Jamie Sweetman, MFA; John Tain, BA; Alexis Zoto, MFA
Emeritus Professors: Ron Rizk, MFA; Jay Willis, MA
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
At the undergraduate level, the school offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts. The Bachelor of Arts in Art is offered in conjunction with the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. The Roski School of Art and Design also offers eight minor programs in studio arts and design and participates in a 3-D animation minor in conjunction with the Viterbi School of Engineering's Information Technology Program, a communication design minor in conjunction with the Marshall School of Business and the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, and a 2-D art for games minor and 3-D art for games minor with the Viterbi School of Engineering and the School of Cinematic Arts.
Degrees offered at the graduate level are: Master of Fine Arts and Master of Arts, Art and Curatorial Practices in the Public Sphere. A dual degree is also available: Master of Arts, Art and Curatorial Practices in the Public Sphere/Master of Planning.
A minimum grade of C (2.0) or higher is required in all studio and art history courses for all undergraduate majors and minors in the Roski School of Art and Design. A grade of C- or lower will not satisfy a major or minor requirement. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be maintained by all candidates for the Master of Fine Arts and Master of Arts.
Admission to the Roski School of Art and Design at the undergraduate level is granted through the USC Office of Admission. Freshman applicants applying by December 1 for the fall semester will receive priority consideration for admission to the university. The deadline for transfer applicants for the fall semester is February 1.
Undergraduate applicants must upload a portfolio of images and an artist statement at the school's Website. Specific requirements and additional information are available at roski.usc.edu/undergrad or email finearts@usc.edu.
Students who have not been admitted to the Roski School of Art and Design may complete a maximum of 20 units of fine arts course work at USC. No further course work may be taken until admitted. Students who are interested in becoming fine arts majors or minors should meet with the Roski School's advisers as soon as possible, preferably during their first semester taking art classes. Advisers can be contacted through the school's Advisement Office, Watt Hall 116, (213) 821-1290, for assistance.
Applications for admission to the graduate programs are evaluated by the USC Office of Graduate Admission before being forwarded to the school. Students must be admitted by both the USC Graduate School and the Roski School of Art and Design. The Graduate School's general admission requirements include official transcripts of all previous college and university work, and three letters of recommendation from instructors or persons able to comment on the applicant's creative work and/or scholarly potential.
Applicants to the MFA degree must upload a portfolio of images and an artist statement at the school's Website. Specific requirements and additional information are available at roski.usc.edu/mfa.
Applicants to the M.A. degree are encouraged to review program requirements at roski.usc.edu/ma.
Academic advisement is provided to fine arts majors, minors and graduate students through the Advisement Office in Watt Hall 116, (213) 821-1290. All students who are interested in taking art courses are welcomed and encouraged to make an appointment for advisement as well. The staff advisers provide information regarding academic life at the university, program requirements, policies and procedures to assist students with their degree completion. Majors are required to meet with advisers before registering each semester. Appointments may be scheduled at most times during the academic year.
Fine arts majors may take advantage of art courses offered through study abroad programs in Canberra, Australia; Cape Town, South Africa; and Florence or Cortona, Italy. These options are described on the International Study Options page.
Please contact the USC Overseas Studies Office in CAS 104, (213) 740-3636, or usc.edu/schools/college/overseas for complete information, program requirements and applications.
The Roski School of Art and Design offers minors in art and design as supplements to major fields of specialization in other departments and schools for students whose academic programs do not permit the opportunity to pursue one of the school's regular degree options. There are eight intensive studio minors — in painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, sculpture, two-dimensional studies, digital media-based imaging, and 3-D design — as well as interdisciplinary minors in communication design, 2-D art for games and 3-D art for games. There is a separate application for fine arts minors available at roski.usc.edu/minors.
Candidates for the minors in the Roski School of Art and Design will be counseled by an academic adviser in the school.
The Bachelor of Arts program offers a more flexible and broad academic education than the bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degree while still providing a meaningful experience in the studio area and preparation for many designand art-related careers. The degree provides the student with the opportunity to double major or to combine an art major with a minor in various fields. Some possibilities for minors include communication, multimedia, education, business, film, animation and many other options.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) requires a total of 128 units including 64 units of fine arts requirements. In addition to the fine arts required courses, BA students should select electives based on their personal and professional goals and in consultation with academic advisers. Electives are typically clustered in a particular field, but may be spread across different areas.
Select 12 additional units from any 100–299 studio courses, no "x" classes
300–499 studio. At least four units must be from one of the following classes:
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program requires six courses in different categories, plus writing, foreign language and diversity requirements, which together comprise the USC Core. See The USC Core and the General Education Program for more information.
The BFA is a four-year studio intensive program in preparation for a career in the fine arts, design and/or related fields or pursuit of a master of fine arts degree. With few required courses or electives and a wide variety of media from which to choose, the BFA provides ample opportunity to explore and develop a strong personal vision in art.
Introductory courses focus on technique and conceptual context while building a solid grounding in art history and critical theory. Advanced students work on self-generated independent projects under the guidance and mentoring of individual faculty members. Emphasis in the last year is on the production of a professional quality portfolio of work.
The BFA requires a total of 128 units, including 96 units of fine art requirements.
In addition to the fine arts required courses, BFA students are encouraged to explore in greater depth an area of art in which they have an interest. Students should select electives based on their personal and professional goals and in consultation with academic advisers. Electives are typically clustered in a particular field, but may be spread across different areas.
Select 24 additional units from any 100–299 studio courses, no "x" classes
Select 40 additional units from any 300–499 studio courses
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program requires six courses in different categories, plus writing and diversity requirements, which together comprise the USC Core. See The USC Core and the General Education Program for more information.
This interdisciplinary minor integrates three major disciplines (fine arts, computer science and interactive media) to develop the 2-D visual skills necessary to conceptualize and illustrate images for games. Skills include figure drawing, perspective, camera angles, point of view, story boarding, character development and illustration techniques. Software programs such as Illustrator, InDesign and Flash will be utilized in basic interface and interactive design assignments. Although game genres include 3-D examples, this minor will focus on the 2-D graphics for 2-D games and 3-D interface design. The minor includes fine arts courses as well as game design, game technology, production pipelines and play testing courses in computer science and interactive media. A minimum of 24-26 units is required for this minor.
*Can be taken as an elective if not taken as upper-division requirement
The focus of the 3-D art for games minor is a trans-disciplinary approach that incorporates the creative, technological and team-based communication skills necessary to develop 3-D art skills for video games. It includes a choice of courses from fine arts, computer science, information technology, interactive media and animation and digital arts. In preparation for the transition from the theoretical assignment to professional practice, students will present game prototypes to outside professionals at "Demo Days" at the end of each semester. The minimum number of units is 25-27.
*Can be taken as an elective if not taken as upper-division requirement.
A minor in 3-Dimensional Design offers USC students in all fields of studies the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in 3-D thinking, imaging and production. Course work will focus on the process behind creating well-designed, expressive functional objects and spaces (both actual and virtual). The minor would be of particular interest to students wishing to further develop specializations such as package design, product design, and environmental design (way-finding, signage, display).
*Prerequisite required
**Corequisite required
*Prerequisite required
**FADN 330 can be substituted for FADN 302 as
a prerequisite
Students enrolled in this minor will be introduced to the rich traditions of ceramic practice — from wheel throwing to 3-D modeling — while encouraging the use of materials and methods as vehicles for individual expression in contemporary art. They will be exposed to lectures and readings in the history of clay and critical writings on the subject. A variety of classes is offered including beginning and advanced ceramics, wheel throwing, clay and glaze formulation, art and technology, modeling and mold making, sculpture, visual literacy and theory and criticism. As students advance in the level of their studies, they can choose to follow a traditional approach to clay and/or pursue exploration and experimentation with the medium including freedom to create mixed-media pieces or to bring technology in to their work. The goal is to create a strong foundation in clay significant to the career path of their choosing. The total number of units is required for this minor is 24.
The core of this minor is communication design. In addition to courses in design, visual literacy and digital imaging, this minor includes optional courses in business, communication, journalism and marketing, allowing students to translate their design foundation in ways that are directly relevant to their career paths. The total number of units required for the minor is 24.
This minor deals with technology in art making including digital photography, digital video and the Internet. Course work includes choice of classes in history of photography, digital media, visual literacy and computer imaging. The professional aspects of this minor assist students in developing careers in fine arts, communication, design, engineering, film, journalism and in any area where there is a need for flexible and creative imaging using digital media. The total number of units required for the minor is 24.
Students enrolled in the minor in drawing will develop their creativity and technical drawing skills, as well as deepen their understanding of contemporary art. Foundation courses provide the fundamentals of spatial rendering, composition, figure drawing and visual expression. Advanced courses require more ambitious projects, personal direction, research and sustained focus. The minor is available to all USC students who wish to develop their abilities to communicate through visual means, or who wish to develop skills for conceptualization and problem solving. The minor in drawing can assist the students in art-related work, as well as creative pursuits such as printed works with images, games and animation. A total of 20 units are required for this minor.
Three upper-division courses (12 units) chosen from the following:
Within both western and non-western traditions, painting has a long history as a site for aesthetic experience and cultural questioning. This minor allows students to immerse themselves in painting, as well as developing a grasp of the critical issues surrounding it. Foundation courses provide the fundamentals of color, composition, medium and drawing. Advanced courses require more ambitious projects, personal direction, research and sustained focus. Students majoring in many areas of the humanities may pursue this minor to augment their understanding of one of the key media in the arts. The minor is available to all USC students who wish to develop their painting skills. A total of 24 units are required for this minor.
The photography minor provides an in-depth experience in all aspects of photography. The well-equipped darkrooms allow individual hands-on exploration of black and white and color processes, camera types, historical and traditional printing methods, lighting and film processing as well as digital technologies and issues. It also includes a foundation in photo theory and criticism. This minor is appropriate for students interested in an intense experiential exploration of the medium of photography. The total number of units required for the minor is 24.
This minor focuses on making, organizing and manipulating objects and their spatial relationships in a range of materials such as wood, fiberglass, clay, plaster, latex and metal. Course work includes choice of classes in sculpture, ceramics, visual literacy, public art, moldmaking, metal and casting. The three-dimensional skills taught in this minor intersect with many other disciplines including architecture, cinematic arts, special effects, engineering design, urban planning and any other areas where skills in maquette and model building are relevant. The total number of units required for the minor is 24.
This minor is designed for students who wish to augment their understanding of art in general in twodimensional areas, rather than complete a minor that focuses on one medium. This minor provides a broad scope of courses in 2-D media and studies. This minor is open to any USC student, especially those interested in animation to sharpen their drawing, color and compositional skills. Students interested in the vast varieties of digital visual communication can develop better color and compositional skills. Total number of units required is 24.
The MA Curatorial Practices and the Public Sphere is an intensive master's-level program in the practice and history of curating studied through the lens of critical theory and the history of art. With a focus on the research and exhibition of contemporary art, as well as attending to art historical curating and broader conceptions of curating such as performance art programming, instructors with international careers lead students in asking social questions about the exhibition of art (broadly construed) in relation to its publics. Over two years of full-time academic study, students explore modes of curatorial practice in a curriculum combining seminars and professional training. Courses are led by USC Roski's internationally acclaimed faculty, which includes renowned artists, scholars, critics and curators.
The MA features courses that focus on the history of art, exhibitions and aesthetics, with a focus on contemporary art and theory. Other courses emphasize direct practical experience leading toward the realization of art exhibitions, but also performance art programming and other hybrid modes of arts curating.
Requirements for admission: (1) a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, or equivalent, from an accredited school; (2) a minimum 3.0 overall GPA; (3) three letters of recommendation; (4) two writing samples (one academic paper and the admission essay). The GRE General Test is required. International applicants are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
The thesis committee is established and contingent upon satisfactory completion of the second semester's course work. Advancement to candidacy is determined by the director of the program, in consultation with other faculty.
Roski MA thesis committees will comprise three faculty members. Two members will be Roski faculty, defined as any faculty currently teaching in either the MA or the MFA program with either full-time, part-time or adjunct appointments, tenure track or non-tenure track. The third member can be any full-time tenure track or non-tenure track USC faculty member, either within the Roski School or from outside Roski. Thesis committees are ultimately subject to approval by the school dean.
All students participate in the group curatorial practicum course for three consecutive terms (which complements the thesis requirement).
A minimum of 39 units is required, taken during a consecutive two-year period, distributed as follows:
Electives (4 units of which must be Roski electives)
Candidates for the Master of Arts, Curatorial Practices and the Public Sphere must complete a minimum of 8 units of 400- or 500-level electives, 4 units of which must be from the Roski School and 4 units of which can be from another relevant area in the university (with departmental approval).
A two-year program administered in collaboration with the Graduate School, the Master of Fine Arts is a professional degree in the practice of art preparing students to pursue careers as professional artists. With an influential and innovative faculty and expansive facilities, the MFA program is one of the most ambitious, energetic and forward-thinking MFA programs in the United States. In addition to close, constant interaction with the faculty artists, students participate in regular seminars, lectures, discussions, and studio visits with leading visiting artists, critics, curators and theorists from around the world. The school's immersion in the contemporary art community is a critical component of the MFA program.
The opportunity to gain experience as a teaching assistant is available on a competitive basis. All incoming students, regardless of country of citizenship, are considered for departmental funding and teaching assistantships.
At least 48 units are required for the Master of Fine Arts, to be distributed as follows:
Roski MFA thesis committees will comprise three faculty members. Two members will be Roski faculty, defined as any faculty currently teaching in either the MA or the MFA program with either full-time, part-time or adjunct appointments, tenure track or non-tenure track. The third member can be any full-time tenure track or non-tenure track USC faculty member, either within the Roski School or from outside Roski. Thesis committees are ultimately subject to approval by the school dean.
Master of Fine Arts students are evaluated by faculty during reviews held near the end of each semester. Before a student is recommended for the Master of Fine Arts, a comprehensive review of past work and professional goals is held. An exhibition of work at the end of the course of study and a written thesis, documented with visual material, complete the Master of Fine Arts program. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 on all graduate work is required for the Master of Fine Arts degree.
The Master of Science in Integrated Design, Business and Technology is an online graduate degree program that provides a first-of-its-kind interdisciplinary education at the intersection of the educational and professional disciplines central to our changing world. The program creates leaders with diverse and creative ways of thinking and doing – trained to recognize and cultivate innovation, catalyze change, and leverage new opportunities to not only support, but also help shape and build our rapidly evolving economy.
This program brings together faculty and experts from USC's Roski
School of Art and Design, USC's Marshall School of Business, USC's
Viterbi School of Engineering and elsewhere within the university.
Working together, as a multidisciplinary team, to create an
intra-disciplinary understanding of how design, business and
technology come together. In partnership with WIRED, the
leading global publisher of contemporary technology and innovation
content, we will provide students exclusive, faculty-supported
access to highly respected editors, writers, visionaries and
leading industry icons – and to the publisher's unique print and
multimedia resources and content.
The Master of Integrated Design, Business and Technology is a
master of science degree conferred by the USC Roski School of Art
and Design. The degree is offered predominantly online and is
composed of both asynchronous and synchronous sessions. Students
also participate in two week long residential experiences – the
first to be held on the University of Southern California's campus
in Los Angeles and the second at locations across San Francisco,
including WIRED headquarters.
At least 34 units are required for the Master of Science in Integrated Design, Business and Technology. The course of study can be completed in 18 months, or four semesters, and must include:
The Master of Arts, Art and Curatorial Practices in the Public Sphere/Master of Planning dual degree program offers an unusually rich opportunity for students interested in developing a new knowledge base to become successful professionals working in the arena of organizing art projects in urban public space, planning and community development. Los Angeles and the facilities at USC provide a unique learning laboratory to educate a more competitive professional with a better understanding of both the administration of public art and issues of urban planning.
Students must complete the following requirements in this program: 70 units, including 28 units in the Master of Arts, Art and Curatorial Practices in the Public Sphere program, 22 in policy, planning, and development, and 20 in a field of study with no more than 8 units taken from other USC programs.
2-unit courses may be offered in seven-and-a-half week blocks.
*PPD 627 is the methodology course for the Preservation and Design of the Built Environment concentration. Students who choose to do a concentration other than Preservation and Design of the Built Environment need to take the respective methodology course.
Dual degree students, like all other MPl students, must take a comprehensive examination and fulfill the internship requirement.
No more than 8 units from outside the Roski School of Art and Design and the USC Price School of Public Policy. The MPl program requires students to declare their concentration during the fall semester prior to taking the comprehensive examination in the spring semester. Students are required to complete the gateway course and methodology course related to their concentration as part of their preparation for their comprehensive examination. The student's concentration must contain a 4-unit methodology course, a 4-unit gateway course and 8 other units directly concerned with the subject matter of the concentration.
Students must complete a master's thesis or final thesis project through the Roski School of Art and Design and the MPl comprehensive examination through the USC Price School of Public Policy.
All students must complete 400 hours of internship through the USC Price School of Public Policy. This internship may be partially or completely fulfilled through prior professional experience.
Return to: USC Roski School of Art and Design
The Garage is a dynamic, state-of-the-art workspace that hones creativity, fine-tunes design skills and encourages collaboration. With networking spaces, maker and fabrication studios with 3D scanning and print capabilities, and high-powered computer work stations, students work closely with faculty and leading industry mentors to see their ideas come to life in the Garage. Photo by Nico Marques.
With a visionary gift from entrepreneurs Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young, the University of Southern California has established a new academy to teach critical thinking and nurture unbridled creativity at the intersection of three essential areas: art and design; engineering and computer science; and business and venture management.
Conceived as a collaborative environment that brings students, instructors and professional mentors together, the USC Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy for Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation is a transformational presence on one of the nation's most dynamic university campuses.
The focus of the program's course of study is on creativity and critical thinking. It draws on the talents and influence of faculty and leaders from multiple disciplines and industries to empower the next generation of disruptors and professional thought leaders who will ply their skills in a global arena.
USC's strategic location in Los Angeles, widely viewed as the creative and media capital of the world, provides an unrivaled opportunity for students to take advantage of a living laboratory where music, film and the visual arts are deeply intertwined. In addition, the university's proximity to the city's burgeoning "Silicon Beach" as well as Northern California's Silicon Valley provides access to the world's premiere technology companies from which students can learn and draw inspiration.
The Academy enrolled its inaugural class of students in fall 2014. Students who complete a course of study in the Academy will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation. Crafted via a unique and groundbreaking integration of its core disciplines, this degree recognizes each individual's ability to truly engage and to succeed in an educational experience that is constantly asking the question, "What if...?"
Academy majors fine-tune their ideas and complete working models or prototypes in the Garage, the Academy's collaborative creation space. Located on the top floor of USC's Steven and Kathryn Sample Hall, adjacent to the new Ronald Tutor Campus Center, the Garage contains state-of-the art learning and networking spaces, maker and fabrication studios with 3D scanning and printing capabilities, high-powered computer work stations, and spaces for individual and group work, or even down time. Students working in the Garage will be grouped into self-directed teams and guided by faculty and industry mentors including artists, designers, technology visionaries, business and public policy leaders, philanthropists, global entrepreneurs and more.
Hazel and Stanley Hall 101
(213) 821-6140
FAX: (213) 821-1440
Email: iovine-young@usc.edu
iovine-young.usc.edu
Erica Muhl, DMA, Dean, Executive Director, Professor of Fine Arts and Composition
Susan E. Metros, MFA, Associate Dean, Professor of Design Practice.
Brian K. Shepard, DMA, Assistant Dean, Professor of the Practice of Audio Design
Jessica Vernon, MEd, Assistant Dean for Admission and Student Affairs
Professor of Design Practice: Susan Metros, MFA (Roski School of Art and Design)
Professor of Clinical Entrepreneurship: Gene Miller, MBA, JD (Marshall School of Business)
Associate Professor of the Practice: Michael Crowley, PhD (Viterbi School of Engineering)
Associate Professor of Clinical Entrepreneurship: Elissa Grossman, PhD (Marshall School of Business)
Associate Professor of the Practice of Fine Arts: Haven Lin-Kirk, MFA (Roski School of Art and Design)
Associate Professor: Douglas Thomas, PhD (Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism)
Senior Lecturer: Patrick Dent, MS (Viterbi School of Engineering)
Senior Lecturer, Entrepreneur in Residence (Technology): Andrea Belz, PhD (Marshall School of Business)
Lecturer: Jeffrey Cain, MFA (Roski School of Art and Design)
Lecturer: Steve Child, MFA (Roski School of Art and Design)
Lecturer: Robert Parke, MS (Viterbi School of Engineering)
Lecturer: Osvaldo Trujillo, MFA (Roski School of Art and Design)
Adjunct Faculty: Andrew Byrom, BFA (Roski School of Art and Design)
The Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy offers a Bachelor of Science in Arts, Technology and the Business of innovation.
A minimum grade of B (3.0) or higher is required in all core and emphasis courses for all majors in the Academy.
Developed to complement Academy course work, RLM sessions augment students' classroom education and meet their individualized needs by providing them with critical learning opportunities, but without the full infrastructure of a semester-long course. As a result, RLMs are diverse enough to respond to a wide variety of student interests, and flexible enough to deliver each subject in the most useful and relevant way. Participation in RLM sessions is expected for all Academy students. Most sessions take place on Fridays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Additional alternate times may be scheduled on a case-by-case basis.
Admission to the Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy is granted through the USC Office of Admission. The application deadline for fall 2016 is December 1, 2015. Specific requirements and additional information are available at http://iovine-young.usc.edu. The Academy is currently not accepting transfer applicants from outside of USC.
The Academy will consider entrance into the major for current USC students. While completed USC course work will be taken into account, there is no guarantee it will be credited toward Academy requirements. For example, a sophomore may not be able to transfer to the Academy with sophomore standing. Credit and standing will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Admission to the Academy is limited to fall semester only. The application deadline for fall 2016 is January 1, 2016. Specific requirements and additional information are available at http://iovine-young.usc.edu.
Academic advisement is provided to majors through the Student Affairs Office in HSH 101. The staff adviser provides information regarding academic life at the university, program requirements, policies and procedures to assist students with their degree completion. Majors are required to meet with the adviser before registering each semester. Appointments may be scheduled at most times during the academic year.
Under special circumstances course waivers and substitutions may be granted. All course waivers and course substitutions must be approved by the executive director of the Academy or her designee.
Undergraduate programs are assessed the university-wide tuition rate. In addition, some Academy classes are charged lab fees, as noted in the Schedule of Classes. The university reserves the right to assess new fees or charges. The rates listed are subject to change without notice by action of the Board of Trustees.
This unique Bachelor of Science degree offers a highly select group of students an integrated, four-year course of study that provides in-depth learning in three essential areas: art and design; engineering and computer science; and business and venture management. Through the Academy's Core, students learn applied skills and gain understanding of the theories, concepts, and "language" common to each area. Academy Emphases serve to customize each student's experience to his or her individual strengths or desired focus. The fourth-year "Garage Experience" moves student teams from concept to creation, vision to prototype. Throughout the program students are taught to think seamlessly across multiple disciplines, and to apply a vast array of relevant technologies and techniques toward innovative problem solving.
The degree requires a total of 128 units, including 56 units in the Core and 32 units in Emphases. Students must select two Emphases from the Academy's current offerings in visual design, technology, venture management, audio design, and communication. In consultation with their academic adviser, students may petition to create unique Emphases by selecting courses from across all of the Academy's offerings, or from academic units or disciplines outside of the Academy. In addition to required courses, students have 4 units that may be applied to summer study abroad, internships, or an elective of their choosing.
*Prerequisite required.
**Corequisite required.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing. For more information about USC's general education requirements, see the General Education Program for more information.
*Two of the courses selected must also meet the USC Global Perspectives requirement.
Return to: USC Roski School of Art and Design
Undergraduate Michael Chang works on a watercolor at the Roski School of Art and Design Open Studios. Photo by David Sprague.
Founded in 1883, the USC Roski School of Art and Design is a leader in the constellation of influential Los Angeles art schools. Our programs encourage interdisciplinary approaches to studio art, design, curatorial practice and critical studies. USC Roski trains artists, designers and curators in aesthetic acuity, technical ability and critical insight.
Students pursuing a BA have ample opportunity to explore the academic offerings of a world-class research institution, while BFA students immerse themselves fully in studio production. A distinguished and dedicated faculty teaches comprehensive courses in painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photography, design, digital media and critical studies. Students work across media to push perceived boundaries and discover their individual voices within increasingly global contexts.
At the graduate level, the MFA program is recognized nationally for its breadth and intensity, and a faculty of renowned practicing artists. Spacious private studios, one-on-one critiques with influential guest lecturers, and the expanded field of production offered by the Roski School's location in Los Angeles attract a highly selective student cohort. The MA program, Art and Curatorial Practices in the Public Sphere, is a platform for scholarship in contemporary art that addresses social questions of public space. In addition to a master's thesis, each class collectively engages in a curatorial practicum, culminating in an exhibition project that explores city-space.
Southern California is an unparalleled creative capital. Leading museums, galleries, advertising agencies, design firms, artist studios, and the music and film industries offer emerging artists and designers a wealth of internship and employment opportunities throughout their course of study.
Watt Hall of Architecture and Fine Arts 104
(213) 740-2787
FAX: (213) 740-8938
Email: roski@usc.edu
roski.usc.edu
Erica Muhl, DMA, Dean
Professors: Jud Fine, MFA; Amelia Jones, PhD; Margaret Lazzari, MFA*; Rochelle Steiner, PhD; Ruth Weisberg, MA*
Associate Professors: Bob Alderette, MFA; Charlie White, MFA
Associate Professors of the Practice of Fine Arts: Shannon Ebner, MFA; Karen Koblitz, MFA; Haven Lin-Kirk, MFA; Ann Page, BFA; Julia Paull, MFA
Assistant Professors of the Practice of Fine Arts: Sherin Guirguis, MFA; Jennifer West, MFA
Visiting Assistant Professor: Edgar Arceneaux, MFA
Senior Lecturers: Caroline Clerc, MFA; Ewa Wojciak, MFA
Full-time Lecturers: China Adams, MFA; Jeffrey Cain, MFA; Steve Child, MFA; Alice Fung, MArch; Erin Silver, PhD; Osvaldo Trujillo, MFA; Noura Wedell, PhD
Part-time Lecturers: Tom Allen, MFA; Tanya Batura, MFA; Ian Besler, MA; Maura Brewer, MFA; Andrew Byrom, MFA; Alexis Disselkeon, MFA; Paul Donald, MVA; Xavier Fumat, MFA; Phyllis Green, MFA; Emilie Halpern, MFA; Peter Holzhauer, MFA; Patrick Jackson, MFA; Helen Kim, MFA; Andrew Kutcher, MFA; Karen Liebowitz, MFA; Nancy Lupo, MFA; Tala Madani, MFA; Marisa Mandler, MFA; David McDonald, MFA; Joseph Morris, MFA; Karen Moss; Brian O'Connell, MFA; Brian Olson, BA; Richard Parker, MFA; Joseph Potts, MFA; Jean Robison, MFA; Stephanie Sabo, MFA; Julie Schustack, MFA; Aaron Siegel, MFA; Jamie Sweetman, MFA; John Tain, BA; Alexis Zoto, MFA
Emeritus Professors: Ron Rizk, MFA; Jay Willis, MA
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
At the undergraduate level, the school offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts. The Bachelor of Arts in Art is offered in conjunction with the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. The Roski School of Art and Design also offers eight minor programs in studio arts and design and participates in a 3-D animation minor in conjunction with the Viterbi School of Engineering's Information Technology Program, a communication design minor in conjunction with the Marshall School of Business and the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, and a 2-D art for games minor and 3-D art for games minor with the Viterbi School of Engineering and the School of Cinematic Arts.
Degrees offered at the graduate level are: Master of Fine Arts and Master of Arts, Art and Curatorial Practices in the Public Sphere. A dual degree is also available: Master of Arts, Art and Curatorial Practices in the Public Sphere/Master of Planning.
A minimum grade of C (2.0) or higher is required in all studio and art history courses for all undergraduate majors and minors in the Roski School of Art and Design. A grade of C- or lower will not satisfy a major or minor requirement. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be maintained by all candidates for the Master of Fine Arts and Master of Arts.
Admission to the Roski School of Art and Design at the undergraduate level is granted through the USC Office of Admission. Freshman applicants applying by December 1 for the fall semester will receive priority consideration for admission to the university. The deadline for transfer applicants for the fall semester is February 1.
Undergraduate applicants must upload a portfolio of images and an artist statement at the school's Website. Specific requirements and additional information are available at roski.usc.edu/undergrad or email finearts@usc.edu.
Students who have not been admitted to the Roski School of Art and Design may complete a maximum of 20 units of fine arts course work at USC. No further course work may be taken until admitted. Students who are interested in becoming fine arts majors or minors should meet with the Roski School's advisers as soon as possible, preferably during their first semester taking art classes. Advisers can be contacted through the school's Advisement Office, Watt Hall 116, (213) 821-1290, for assistance.
Applications for admission to the graduate programs are evaluated by the USC Office of Graduate Admission before being forwarded to the school. Students must be admitted by both the USC Graduate School and the Roski School of Art and Design. The Graduate School's general admission requirements include official transcripts of all previous college and university work, and three letters of recommendation from instructors or persons able to comment on the applicant's creative work and/or scholarly potential.
Applicants to the MFA degree must upload a portfolio of images and an artist statement at the school's Website. Specific requirements and additional information are available at roski.usc.edu/mfa.
Applicants to the M.A. degree are encouraged to review program requirements at roski.usc.edu/ma.
Academic advisement is provided to fine arts majors, minors and graduate students through the Advisement Office in Watt Hall 116, (213) 821-1290. All students who are interested in taking art courses are welcomed and encouraged to make an appointment for advisement as well. The staff advisers provide information regarding academic life at the university, program requirements, policies and procedures to assist students with their degree completion. Majors are required to meet with advisers before registering each semester. Appointments may be scheduled at most times during the academic year.
Fine arts majors may take advantage of art courses offered through study abroad programs in Canberra, Australia; Cape Town, South Africa; and Florence or Cortona, Italy. These options are described on the International Study Options page.
Please contact the USC Overseas Studies Office in CAS 104, (213) 740-3636, or usc.edu/schools/college/overseas for complete information, program requirements and applications.
The Roski School of Art and Design offers minors in art and design as supplements to major fields of specialization in other departments and schools for students whose academic programs do not permit the opportunity to pursue one of the school's regular degree options. There are eight intensive studio minors — in painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, sculpture, two-dimensional studies, digital media-based imaging, and 3-D design — as well as interdisciplinary minors in communication design, 2-D art for games and 3-D art for games. There is a separate application for fine arts minors available at roski.usc.edu/minors.
Candidates for the minors in the Roski School of Art and Design will be counseled by an academic adviser in the school.
Return to: USC Roski School of Art and Design
The Garage is a dynamic, state-of-the-art workspace that hones creativity, fine-tunes design skills and encourages collaboration. With networking spaces, maker and fabrication studios with 3D scanning and print capabilities, and high-powered computer work stations, students work closely with faculty and leading industry mentors to see their ideas come to life in the Garage. Photo by Nico Marques.
With a visionary gift from entrepreneurs Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young, the University of Southern California has established a new academy to teach critical thinking and nurture unbridled creativity at the intersection of three essential areas: art and design; engineering and computer science; and business and venture management.
Conceived as a collaborative environment that brings students, instructors and professional mentors together, the USC Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy for Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation is a transformational presence on one of the nation's most dynamic university campuses.
The focus of the program's course of study is on creativity and critical thinking. It draws on the talents and influence of faculty and leaders from multiple disciplines and industries to empower the next generation of disruptors and professional thought leaders who will ply their skills in a global arena.
USC's strategic location in Los Angeles, widely viewed as the creative and media capital of the world, provides an unrivaled opportunity for students to take advantage of a living laboratory where music, film and the visual arts are deeply intertwined. In addition, the university's proximity to the city's burgeoning "Silicon Beach" as well as Northern California's Silicon Valley provides access to the world's premiere technology companies from which students can learn and draw inspiration.
The Academy enrolled its inaugural class of students in fall 2014. Students who complete a course of study in the Academy will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation. Crafted via a unique and groundbreaking integration of its core disciplines, this degree recognizes each individual's ability to truly engage and to succeed in an educational experience that is constantly asking the question, "What if...?"
Academy majors fine-tune their ideas and complete working models or prototypes in the Garage, the Academy's collaborative creation space. Located on the top floor of USC's Steven and Kathryn Sample Hall, adjacent to the new Ronald Tutor Campus Center, the Garage contains state-of-the art learning and networking spaces, maker and fabrication studios with 3D scanning and printing capabilities, high-powered computer work stations, and spaces for individual and group work, or even down time. Students working in the Garage will be grouped into self-directed teams and guided by faculty and industry mentors including artists, designers, technology visionaries, business and public policy leaders, philanthropists, global entrepreneurs and more.
Hazel and Stanley Hall 101
(213) 821-6140
FAX: (213) 821-1440
Email: iovine-young@usc.edu
iovine-young.usc.edu
Erica Muhl, DMA, Dean, Executive Director, Professor of Fine Arts and Composition
Susan E. Metros, MFA, Associate Dean, Professor of Design Practice.
Brian K. Shepard, DMA, Assistant Dean, Professor of the Practice of Audio Design
Jessica Vernon, MEd, Assistant Dean for Admission and Student Affairs
Professor of Design Practice: Susan Metros, MFA (Roski School of Art and Design)
Professor of Clinical Entrepreneurship: Gene Miller, MBA, JD (Marshall School of Business)
Associate Professor of the Practice: Michael Crowley, PhD (Viterbi School of Engineering)
Associate Professor of Clinical Entrepreneurship: Elissa Grossman, PhD (Marshall School of Business)
Associate Professor of the Practice of Fine Arts: Haven Lin-Kirk, MFA (Roski School of Art and Design)
Associate Professor: Douglas Thomas, PhD (Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism)
Senior Lecturer: Patrick Dent, MS (Viterbi School of Engineering)
Senior Lecturer, Entrepreneur in Residence (Technology): Andrea Belz, PhD (Marshall School of Business)
Lecturer: Jeffrey Cain, MFA (Roski School of Art and Design)
Lecturer: Steve Child, MFA (Roski School of Art and Design)
Lecturer: Robert Parke, MS (Viterbi School of Engineering)
Lecturer: Osvaldo Trujillo, MFA (Roski School of Art and Design)
Adjunct Faculty: Andrew Byrom, BFA (Roski School of Art and Design)
The Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy offers a Bachelor of Science in Arts, Technology and the Business of innovation.
A minimum grade of B (3.0) or higher is required in all core and emphasis courses for all majors in the Academy.
Developed to complement Academy course work, RLM sessions augment students' classroom education and meet their individualized needs by providing them with critical learning opportunities, but without the full infrastructure of a semester-long course. As a result, RLMs are diverse enough to respond to a wide variety of student interests, and flexible enough to deliver each subject in the most useful and relevant way. Participation in RLM sessions is expected for all Academy students. Most sessions take place on Fridays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Additional alternate times may be scheduled on a case-by-case basis.
Admission to the Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy is granted through the USC Office of Admission. The application deadline for fall 2016 is December 1, 2015. Specific requirements and additional information are available at http://iovine-young.usc.edu. The Academy is currently not accepting transfer applicants from outside of USC.
The Academy will consider entrance into the major for current USC students. While completed USC course work will be taken into account, there is no guarantee it will be credited toward Academy requirements. For example, a sophomore may not be able to transfer to the Academy with sophomore standing. Credit and standing will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Admission to the Academy is limited to fall semester only. The application deadline for fall 2016 is January 1, 2016. Specific requirements and additional information are available at http://iovine-young.usc.edu.
Academic advisement is provided to majors through the Student Affairs Office in HSH 101. The staff adviser provides information regarding academic life at the university, program requirements, policies and procedures to assist students with their degree completion. Majors are required to meet with the adviser before registering each semester. Appointments may be scheduled at most times during the academic year.
Under special circumstances course waivers and substitutions may be granted. All course waivers and course substitutions must be approved by the executive director of the Academy or her designee.
Undergraduate programs are assessed the university-wide tuition rate. In addition, some Academy classes are charged lab fees, as noted in the Schedule of Classes. The university reserves the right to assess new fees or charges. The rates listed are subject to change without notice by action of the Board of Trustees.
This unique Bachelor of Science degree offers a highly select group of students an integrated, four-year course of study that provides in-depth learning in three essential areas: art and design; engineering and computer science; and business and venture management. Through the Academy's Core, students learn applied skills and gain understanding of the theories, concepts, and "language" common to each area. Academy Emphases serve to customize each student's experience to his or her individual strengths or desired focus. The fourth-year "Garage Experience" moves student teams from concept to creation, vision to prototype. Throughout the program students are taught to think seamlessly across multiple disciplines, and to apply a vast array of relevant technologies and techniques toward innovative problem solving.
The degree requires a total of 128 units, including 56 units in the Core and 32 units in Emphases. Students must select two Emphases from the Academy's current offerings in visual design, technology, venture management, audio design, and communication. In consultation with their academic adviser, students may petition to create unique Emphases by selecting courses from across all of the Academy's offerings, or from academic units or disciplines outside of the Academy. In addition to required courses, students have 4 units that may be applied to summer study abroad, internships, or an elective of their choosing.
*Prerequisite required.
**Corequisite required.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing. For more information about USC's general education requirements, see the General Education Program for more information.
*Two of the courses selected must also meet the USC Global Perspectives requirement.
Freshmen from the USC Gordon S. Marshall School of Business
visit Hong Kong as part of the LINC program. Open to all incoming
first-year business and accounting majors, LINC, which stands for
stands for Learning About International Commerce, is an
experiential learning opportunity that exposes students to business
practices outside the United States. The only program of its kind
in the nation, LINC features a two-unit course in international
business and an eight-day trip abroad to meet with business
executives and business leaders.
Photo by Kristie Hoang.
The USC Marshall School of Business is a preeminent destination for understanding and advancing the role of business in society. USC Marshall offers critical education and insight in disciplines including communication, business economics, entrepreneurship, finance, information systems, business analytics, marketing, management, operations, real estate and statistics. The Leventhal School of Accounting, one of the nation's top ranked accounting schools and housed within Marshall, educates the next generation of leaders in that field.
Leveraging a world-class faculty, international student body and strategic location at the gateway to the Pacific Rim, USC Marshall is a pioneer in global business education. International experience is a required component of all MBA degree programs. Undergraduates have access to numerous overseas programs including study abroad and international internships, in addition to week-long global learning experiences.
USC Marshall prepares globally focused thought leaders and hands-on practitioners at every career level, in multiple locations and on a full-time, part-time or weekend schedule. It offers focused specialization through its seven one-year master's degrees in disciplines across the business spectrum, including business analytics, entrepreneurship and innovation, social entrepreneurship, marketing and global supply chain management. The UT Dallas rankings place Marshall faculty seventh worldwide for research. The school's entrepreneurship program is consistently ranked as one of the best, as is its alumni network.
Nearly 100 years after its founding in 1920 as USC's College of Commerce and Business Administration, Marshall's broad range of academic offerings and trailblazing Centers of Excellence continue to foster a dynamic academic environment that sets the standard for extraordinary leadership development and scholarship in business.
James G. Ellis, Dean, Robert R. Dockson Dean's Chair in Business Administration
Gareth James, PhD, Vice Dean, Faculty and Academic Affairs
Fernando Zapatero, PhD, Vice Dean, Graduate Programs and Executive Education
Sandra Chrystal, PhD, Vice Dean, Online Education
Tyrone Callahan, PhD, Vice Dean, Undergraduate Programs
Sunny Donenfeld, MILR, MBA, Senior Associate Dean, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer
Evie Lazzarino, BA, Associate Dean, Communications
Matthew De Vecchi, EdM, Senior Associate Dean for External Relations
Donna Bean, MBA, Assistant Dean, Academic Programs
Denise Millard, MBA, Director, Financial Planning and Management
Steve Adcook, MBA, Director, Human Resources
Kim D. West, PhD, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs
Tiffiani Frye, Director, Undergraduate Admissions
Anne Ziemnak, EdD, Manager, Undergraduate Student Services
Maureen McHale, PhD, Assistant Dean and Director, Undergraduate Advising
Joseph C. Nunes, PhD, Academic Director, World Bachelor in Business Program
Cynthia McCloud, MBA, Director, Food Industry Programs
Diane Badame, PhD, Assistant Dean and Academic Director, Full-Time MBA Program
Yurigrace Kim, Senior Associate Director, MBA Admissions
Christopher J. Harrer, Director, Full-Time MBA Program
Dawn Porter, PhD, Academic Director, MBAPM Program
Jeanette L. Christensen, MA, Director, MBAPM Program
Tim Campbell, PhD, Academic Director, EMBA
Brigitte M. Engel, BS, Director, EMBA Program
Baizhu Chen, PhD, Academic Director, GEMBA
John D. Van Fleet, MBA, Assistant Dean and Executive Director, GEMBA
Fatemeh Nazarian, PhD, Academic Director, IBEAR MBA Program
Fujiko Terayama, BA, Director, IBEAR MBA Program
Susan Hunt, MA, PhD, Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs
Thomas Knapp, MBA, Academic Director, Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
James Cunningham, PhD, MBA, Academic Director, Master of Science in Finance
Ken Haycock, EdD, Director, Master of Management in Library and Information Science
Alexis Hackathorn, MA, Coordinator – Student Services, Master of Management in Library and Information Science and Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Management
Merle Hopkins, PhD, Faculty Adviser, Master of Medical Management
Maeliene Mira, EML, Director, Master of Medical Management
Adlai Wertman, MBA, Academic Director, Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship
Jessica Levine, MEd, Director, Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship
Robert Turrill, PhD, Academic Director, Master of Business for Veterans
James Bogle, MBA, Associate Director, Master of Business for Veterans
Arvind Bhambri, PhD, Academic Director, Executive Education
Richard Suttie, MSF, MS, Assistant Dean, Executive Education
Anakkarat Barth, MA, Director, Office of Global Programs and Partnerships
K.R. Subramanyam, PhD, Associate Dean, PhD Program
Michelle Silver Lee, MSEd, EdD, Associate Director, PhD Program
USC Leventhal School of Accounting
Accounting 101
(213) 740-4838
FAX: (213) 747-2815
Email (graduate students): MAcc.MBT@marshall.usc.edu;
(undergraduate students): lsoa_undergrad@marshall.usc.edu
marshall.usc.edu/lsoa
William W. Holder, DBA, CPA, Dean, Alan Casden Dean's Chair at the Leventhal School of Accounting
Mark L. DeFond, PhD, CPA, Associate Dean, Faculty Affairs
Shirley Maxey, BA*, Associate Dean, Master's Programs
Mildred G. Penner, MA, Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Programs
George Bozanic and Holman G. Hurt Chair in Sports and Entertainment Business: S. Mark Young, PhD*
Deloitte & Touche LLP Chair in Accountancy: Kenneth A. Merchant, PhD, CPA
A.N. Mosich Chair in Accounting: Mark L. DeFond, PhD, CPA*
Accounting Circle Professor of Accounting: Randolph Beatty, PhD
KPMG Foundation Professor of Accounting: K.R. Subramanyam, PhD
Ernst & Young Professor of Accounting: Sarah E. Bonner, PhD, CPA*
Arthur Andersen & Co. Alumni Associate Professor of Accounting: Mark Soliman, PhD*
Accounting Associates Professor of Accounting: Clive Lennox, PhD
Professors: Randolph P. Beatty, PhD, CPA; Sarah E. Bonner, PhD, CPA*; Mark L. DeFond, PhD, CPA*; William W. Holder, DBA, CPA; Clive Lennox, PhD, Thomas W. Lin, PhD, CMA; Kenneth A. Merchant, PhD, CPA; Daniel E. O'Leary, PhD, CPA, CMA, CISA; K.R. Subramanyam, PhD; Charles W. Swenson, PhD, CPA*; S. Mark Young, PhD*
Associate Professors: John J. Barcal, JD*, CPA; Shane M. Heitzman, PhD; Mark Soliman, PhD*, CPA; Shiing-Wu Wang, PhD*; Regina Wittenberg-Moerman, PhD
Assistant Professors: Eric Allen, PhD; Elizabeth Chuk, PhD; David Erkens, PhD; Maria Loumioti, DBA; Maria Ogneva, PhD; Julie Suh, PhD; David Tsui, PhD; Marshall Vance, PhD
Professors of Clinical Accounting: Ruben A. Davila, JD, MBA, CPA; Chrislynn Freed, MBA, CPA*; Merle Hopkins, PhD*; Cecil W. Jackson, CPA, PhD; Joseph L. Keller, MS, CPA; Rose M. Layton, MAcc, CPA*; Shirley Maxey, BA*; Patricia Mills, JD, LL.M.; Leslie R. Porter, PhD*; Kendall Simmonds, MBA, CPA*
Associate Professor of Clinical Accounting: Robert Kiddoo, MBA, CPA
Assistant Professors of Clinical Accounting: Smrity Randhawa, PhD; Lori Smith, BS, CPA; Zivia Sweeney, MBA, CPA*
Professor of the Practice of Accounting: Thomas P. Ryan, MBA
Emeritus Professors: Jerry L. Arnold, Ph.D., CPA; E. John Larsen, DBA, CPA; Theodore J. Mock, PhD; Zoe-Vonna Palmrose, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
The Marshall School's academic departments and centers listed and described below can help students select courses that are particularly useful for careers in the fields covered by the department or center.
Data Sciences and Operations
Bridge Hall 401
(213) 740-0172
FAX: (213) 740-7313
Email: dsows@marshall.usc.edu
marshall.usc.edu/dso
Chair: Yehuda Bassok, PhD*
E. Morgan Stanley Chair in Business Administration: Gareth James, PhD
USC Associates Chair in Business Administration: Ann Majchrzak, PhD
McAlister Associate Professor of Business Administration: Paat Rusmevichientong, PhD
Professors: Yehuda Bassok, PhD*; Omar El Sawy, PhD; Gareth James, PhD*; Ann Majchrzak, PhD; Daniel E. O'Leary, PhD; S. Rajagopalan, PhD*
Associate Professors: Sriram Dasu, PhD*; Yingying Fan, PhD; Mendel Fygenson, PhD*; Ramandeep Randhawa, PhD; Paat Rusmevichientong, PhD; Greys Sosic, PhD; Wenguang Sun, PhD; Amy Ward, PhD; Jonathan S. Yormark, PhD; Leon Zhu, PhD
Assistant Professors: Adel Javanmard, PhD; Song-Hee Kim, PhD; Jason Lee, PhD; Jinchi Lv, PhD; Hamid Nazerzadeh, PhD; Peter Radchenko, PhD; Xin Tong, PhD
Professor of Clinical Data Sciences and Operations: Douglas Shook, PhD*
Associate Professors of Clinical Data Sciences and Operations: Arif Ansari, PhD*; Murat Bayiz, PhD; Dawn Porter, PhD; Ashok Srinivasan, PhD
Assistant Professors of Clinical Data Sciences and Operations: Robertas Gabrys, PhD; Hiroshi Ochiumi, PhD; Sharif, Abbass, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Jack Borsting, PhD.; Richard B. Chase, PhD.; Delores Conway, PhD*; Richard McBride, PhD; Bert M. Steece, PhD*
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
Finance and Business Economics
Bridge Hall 308
(213) 740-6515
FAX: (213) 740-6650
Email: fbe@usc.edu
marshall.usc.edu/fbe
Chair: Anthony M. Marino, PhD
Charles E. Cook – Community Bank Chair of Finance: Gordon Phillips, PhD
Kenneth King Stonier Chair in Business Administration: Harry DeAngelo, PhD
Ivadelle and Theodore Johnson Chair in Banking and Finance: Wayne Ferson, PhD
Fred V. Keenan Chair in Finance: Lawrence E. Harris, PhD
Robert G. Kirby Chair in Behavioral Finance: Fernando Zapatero, PhD
James McN. Stancill Chair in Business Administration: Vincenzo Quadrini, PhD
Charles F. Sexton Chair in American Enterprise: John G. Matsusaka, PhD
Kenneth L. Trefftzs Chair in Finance: Kevin J. Murphy, PhD
Professors: Ty Callahan, PhD; Tim Campbell, PhD; Harry DeAngelo, PhD*; Wayne Ferson, PhD; Lawrence Harris, PhD; Ayse Imrohoroglu, PhD; Selahattin Imrohoroglu, PhD; Nir Jaimovich, PhD; Douglas H. Joines, PhD; Anthony M. Marino, PhD; John G. Matsusaka, PhD; Kevin J. Murphy, PhD; Gordon Phillips, PhD; Vincenzo Quadrini, PhD; Fernando Zapatero, PhD
Associate Professors: Yasushi Hamao, PhD; Christopher Jones, PhD; Scott Joslin, PhD; Oguzhan Ozbas, PhD; Aris Protopapadakis, PhD; Mark I.Weinstein, PhD
Assistant Professors: Kenneth Ahern, PhD, Elias Albagli, PhD; Ricardo Alonso, PhD; Odilon Camara, PhD; Daniel Carvalho, PhD; Tom Chang, PhD; Cary Frydman, PhD; Yaron Levi, PhD; Heikki Rantakari, PhD; Sandra Rozo, PhD; David Solomon, PhD; Andrea Stathopoulos, PhD; Selale Tuzel, PhD; Yongxiang Wang, PhD; Yanhui Wu, PhD
Professors of Clinical Finance and Business Economics: Tyrone Callahan, PhD; Baizhu Chen, PhD; C. Kerry Fields, JD*; Suh-Pyng Ku, PhD; Lloyd Levitin, JD
Associate Professors of Clinical Finance and Business Economics: Duke Bristow, PhD*; James Cunningham, PhD*; Mick Swartz, PhD
Assistant Professors of Clinical Finance and Business Economics: Robert Bridges, MRED; Fatemeh Ibrahimi-Nazarian, PhD; Julia Plotts, MBA*; Zekiye Selvili, PhD*
Lecturers: Richard Tontz, Nimfa Bemis, PhD, Kevin Fields, JD; Mohammad Safarzadeh, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Guilford C. Babcock, PhD; Henry R. Cheeseman, JD; Linda De Angelo, PhD*; Dennis W. Draper, PhD; Alan C. Shapiro, PhD; Randolph W. Westerfield, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
Library and Information Science
Doheny Memorial Library 314
(213) 821-1641
librarysciencedegree.usc.edu/
Director: Ken Haycock, Ed.D.
Management and Organization
Bridge Hall 306
(213) 740-0728
FAX: (213) 740-3582
Email: mordept@marshall.usc.edu
marshall.usc.edu/mor
Chair: Thomas G. Cummings, PhD
Harold Quinton Chair in Business Policy: Paul Adler, PhD
Capt. Henry W. Simonsen Chair in Strategic Entrepreneurship: Nandini Rajagopalan, PhD*
Distinguished Professor of Business: Edward E. Lawler III, PhD
Professors: Paul Adler, PhD; John W. Boudreau, PhD; Peter J. Carnevale, PhD; Thomas G. Cummings, PhD; Peter H. Kim, PhD; Kyle J. Mayer, PhD*; Morgan W. McCall, PhD; Nandini Rajagopalan, PhD*
Associate Professors: Arvind Bhambri, DBA; Peer C. Fiss, PhD*; Scott S. Wiltermuth, PhD
Assistant Professors: Victor M. Bennett, PhD*; Nathanael J. Fast, PhD; Shon R. Hiatt, PhD; Nan Jia, PhD; Frank Nagle, PhD; Yongwook Paik, PhD; Kelly Patterson, PhD; Florenta Teodoridis, PhD; Sarah S.M. Townsend, PhD; Cheryl J. Wakslak, PhD; Qingyuan Lori Yue, PhD
Research Professors: Ken Haycock, EdD; James O'Toole, PhD
Professors of Clinical Management and Organization: Judith Blumenthal, PhD; Thomas H. Olson, PhD*; Carl W. Voigt, PhD*
Associate Professors of Clinical Management and Organization: David M. Carter, MBA; Michael Coombs, PhD*; Terance J. Wolfe, PhD
Assistant Professors of Clinical Management and Organization: Christine El Haddad, PhD; Katharine Harrington, PhD
Lecturers: Christopher Bresnahan, PhD*; Trudi Ferguson, PhD; Jody Tolan, MBA
Emeritus Professors: Philip H. Birnbaum-More, PhD; Robert Coffey, PhD; Julia Liebeskind, PhD; Kathleen Reardon, PhD; Robert B. Turrill, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
Marketing
Accounting 306F
(213) 740-5033
FAX: (213) 740-7828
Email: marketing@marshall.usc.edu
marshall.usc.edu/marketing
Chair: Gary Frazier, DBA
Robert E. Brooker Chair of Marketing: Valerie S. Folkes, PhD
Joseph A. DeBell Chair in Business Administration: C.W. Park, PhD
Richard and Jarda Hurd Chair in Distribution Management: Gary L. Frazier, DBA*
Jerry and Nancy Neely Chair in American Enterprise: Gerard J. Tellis, PhD
Dave and Jeanne Tappan Chair in Marketing: Shantanu Dutta, PhD
Charles L. and Ramona I. Hilliard Professor of Business Administration: Deborah MacInnis, PhD*
Provost Professor of Psychology and Business: Wendy Wood, PhD
Provost Professor of Psychology and Marketing: Norbert Schwarz, PhD
Professors: Valerie S. Folkes, PhD; Gary L. Frazier, DBA*; Shantanu Dutta, PhD; Deborah J. MacInnis, PhD*; Joseph C. Nunes, PhD*; C.W. Park, PhD; Norbert Schwarz, PhD; Gerard Tellis, PhD; Allen Weiss, PhD; Wendy Wood, PhD; Sha Yang, PhD
Associate Professors: Kristin Diehl, PhD; Anthony Dukes, PhD; Lan Luo, PhD*; Dina Mayzlin, PhD; Joseph C. Nunes, PhD*; Joseph Priester, PhD*; Sivaramakrishnan Siddarth, PhD*
Assistant Professors: Lisa Cavanaugh, PhD; B. Kyu Kim, PhD; Lan Luo, PhD*; Matthew Selove, PhD; Gulden Ulkumen, PhD; Botao Yang, PhD
Professors of Clinical Marketing: Diane Badame, PhD*; James G. Ellis, MBA; Rex Kovacevich, MBA*; Dennis Rook, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Clinical Marketing: Dennis Schorr, PhD
Assistant Professors of Clinical Marketing: Miriam Burgos, MBA; Ira Kalb, MBA*; Lars Perner, PhD; Gerard Power, MS; Therese Wilbur, MBA*
Emeritus Quinton Professor of Research: Olaf K. Helmer, PhD
Emeritus Professors: James D. Calderwood, PhD.; Ben M. Enis, PhD; Warren Erickson, PhD; John Jaeger, PhD; Burt Nanus, PhD; Rodolph H. Redmond, JD*; George Schick, PhD; Norman Sigband, PhD; James Stevenson, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
Center for Management Communication
Accounting 400
(213) 740-0627
FAX: (213) 740-9428
Email: cmc@marshall.usc.edu
marshall.usc.edu/faculty/centers/cmc
Director: Marion Philadelphia, EdD
Professors of Clinical Management Communication: Jolanta Aritz, PhD; Sandra Chrystal, PhD*; Ellen- Linnea Dipprey, MPW; Lucy Lee, PhD*; Greg Patton, PhD*
Associate Professors of Clinical Management Communication: Stephen Byars, PhD; Pete Cardon, PhD; Lee Cerling, PhD; Stacy Geck, MA*; Sharoni Little, PhD*; Sky Marsen, PhD; James Owens, MA; Marion Philadelphia, EdD*; Robyn Walker, PhD; Naomi Warren, PhD*
Assistant Professors of Clinical Management Communication: Jerry Giaquinta, PhD; Yolanda Kirk, MA; Daylanne Markwardt, PhD; Sabrina Pasztor, PhD; Kirk Snyder, MA
Lecturers: Clark C. Hansen, MA; Janna Wong-Healy, MPW
Emeritus Professors: J. Douglas Andrews, PhD; Paul Frommer, PhD; James Gosline, MPW
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
Bridge Hall 1
(213) 740-0641
FAX: (213) 740-2976
Email: entrepreneur@marshall.usc.edu
marshall.usc.edu/entrepreneur
Director: Helena Yli-Renko, ScD
Co-Director: David Belasco, JD
Orfalea Director's Chair in Entrepreneurship: Helena Yli-Renko, ScD
Capt. Henry W. Simonsen Chair in Strategic Entrepreneurship: Nandini Rajagopalan, PhD*
Professors of Clinical Entrepreneurship: Kathleen R. Allen, PhD*; Gene Miller, JD, MBA; Adlai Wertman, MBA
Associate Professors of Clinical Entrepreneurship: Elissa Grossman, PhD; Steven Mednick, JD, MPA; Helena Yli-Renko, ScD
Assistant Professors of Clinical Entrepreneurship: Greg Autry, PhD; Patrick Henry, MBA*; Thomas Knapp, MBA*; Justin Miller, PhD
Lecturers in Entrepreneurship: Andrea Belz, PhD; Albert Napoli, MBA
Emeritus Director: Thomas J. O'Malia, MBA*
Emeritus Professor: William H. Crookston, PhD*
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
Center for Effective Organizations
AT&T Center
Suite 900, MC: ATT-900
1149 South Hill Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 740-9814
FAX: (213) 740-4354
Email: elawler@marshall.usc.edu
ceo.usc.edu
Director and Distinguished Professor of Business: Edward
E. Lawler III, PhD
Research Director and Professor: John W. Boudreau,
PhD
Senior Research Scientists: Jay A. Conger, PhD; Gerald E.
Ledford Jr., PhD; Alec R. Levenson, PhD; Susan A. Mohrman, PhD;
Theresa M. Welbourne, PhD; Christopher G. Worley, PhD
Center for Global Innovation
Accounting 306E
(213) 740-5033
FAX: (213) 740-7828
Email: innovation@marshall.usc.edu
marshall.usc.edu/cgi
Director: Gerard Tellis, PhD
Associate Director: Steven Mednick, JD, MPA
Associate Academic Director: Lan Luo, PhD
Global Branding Center
Accounting 306E
(213) 740-5033
FAX: (213) 740-7828
Email: globalbrandingcenter@marshall.usc.edu
marshall.usc.edu/gbc
Director: C.W. Park, PhD
Center for Global Supply Chain Management
AT&T Center
1150 S. Olive Street, Suite 2906
(213) 821-4079
Email: Nick.Vyas@Marshall.usc.edu
Director: Nick Vyas, MBA
Center for Investment Studies
Accounting 301A
(213) 821-1126
FAX: (213) 740-6650
Director: Suh-Pyng Ku, PhD
Jerry and Nancy Neely Center for Leadership and
Ethics
Bridge Hall 306
Director: James O'Toole, PhD
Center for Technology Commercialization
Bridge Hall 1
(213) 740-0659
FAX: (213) 740-2976
Email: kallen@marshall.usc.edu
marshall.usc.edu/faculty/centers/ctc
Director: Kathleen Allen, PhD
Initiative and Referendum Institute
USC Gould School of Law
(213) 740-9690
Email: gsilsby@law.usc.edu
Executive Director: John Matsusaka, PhD
Institute for Communication Technology Management
(CTM)
3434 South Grand Avenue
(213) 821-2477
FAX: (213) 740-1602
Email: ctm@marshall.usc.edu
marshall.usc.edu/CTM
SEC and Financial Reporting Institute
Accounting 121
(213) 740-0572
FAX: (213) 747-2815
Email: lori.smith@marshall.usc.edu
Director: Lori Smith. BS, CPA
Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab
Stonier Hall, 3rd Floor
(213) 740-3371
Email: Brittinghamlab@marshall.usc.edu
Director: Adlai Wertman, MBA
Sports Business Institute
AT&T Center
1150 S. Olive Street, Suite 2900
(213) 740-5591
FAX: (213) 740-3582
Email: David.Carter@marshall.usc.edu
Executive Director: David Carter, MBA
USC Lusk Center for Real Estate
Ralph and Goldy Lewis Hall 331B
(213) 740-5000
FAX: (213) 740-6170
usc.edu/lusk
Director: Richard Green, PhD
The Office of Executive Education offers two- to seven-day, non-degree professional development programs designed to help working professionals excel in their career. The Office of Executive Education is located at the AT&T Center in Downtown Los Angeles, (213) 740-8990; Fax (213) 740-6406 or email: execed@marshall.usc.edu.
Business Administration majors must complete the business core. The business core contains foundational courses that provide analytical skills and theoretical knowledge in math, statistics, accounting and business economics as well as communication skills pertinent to the business field; functional courses in business disciplines such as finance, marketing, organizational behavior and operations; and integrative courses in strategy and data analysis.
or
or
*Placement into MATH 118 is contingent on successful
completion of MATH 117 or obtaining an acceptable score on the
math placement exam. The MATH 118 requirement may be waived
with an AP Calculus AB or BC score of 4 or higher or an IB math
score of 5 or higher.
**A-level mathematics examination scores of A or B may receive
subject credit for MATH 125. Eligible students should speak with
their academic advisers for additional information.
In addition to business core courses, students are required to gain a deeper understanding of a specific aspect of business in which they have an interest. Business administration majors must complete 12 units of upperdivision elective courses (typically three 4-unit courses) offered by the Marshall School, specifically 300- or 400-level courses with a prefix ACCT, BAEP, BUCO, DSO, FBE, FIM, MKT or MOR. Students can also satisfy the business electives requirement through participation in a Marshall School sponsored international exchange program. FIM courses are open only to students in the non-degree FIM certificate program.
Electives should be selected based on a student's personal and professional goals and in consultation with an academic adviser. The Marshall School's academic departments and centers can also help students select courses that are particularly useful for careers in fields covered by the department or center. Electives are normally clustered in a particular field, but may be spread across different fields.
Sixty units of non-business course work are required for any of the undergraduate degrees conferred by the Marshall School of Business.
MATH 118, WRIT 150, WRIT 340, ECON 351, ECON 352 and all courses required for the major must be taken for a letter grade. ECON 351 and ECON 352 must be taken in residence at USC.
In addition to meeting university GPA requirements, a minimum overall/cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (A = 4.0) in upper-division business courses is required for graduation.
The business curriculum allows for 32 units of free electives. Students are strongly encouraged to pursue a minor, study a language and/or take advantage of the university's many opportunities to study abroad.
USC offers more than 150 minors, spanning a wide variety of fields. The business curriculum is designed to allow every student enough flexibility to pursue a minor outside of business, in the belief that a strong undergraduate education must be well-rounded and incorporate the liberal arts as well as business classes. Minors allow students to gain substantial expertise in a field outside of business by taking classes in another of USC's top-ranked departments and schools. Students with an officially declared minor may apply for the honor of being named a Renaissance Scholar if they meet the other program conditions.
Because some classes required for particular minors may have limited availability, students are encouraged to work closely with their academic advisers to develop plans for their minors. The Marshall Office of Undergraduate Advising can help plan for minors and provide information on the various minors offered throughout the university and how they complement different business tracks.
This program consists of courses offered by both the Marshall School and the School of Cinematic Arts. Students completing the program receive a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Cinematic Arts. The program is available to entering freshmen only.
To complete the program, students must satisfy all requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in business as well as an additional 24 units in cinematic arts, which specifically address the business side of the industry.
or
*Placement into MATH 118 is contingent on
successful completion of MATH 117 or obtaining an acceptable
score on the math placement exam or AP calculus or IB mathematics
exam. The MATH 118 requirement may be waived with an AP
Calculus AB or BC score of 4 or higher, or an IB math score of 5 or
higher.
**A-level mathematics examination scores of A or B may
receive subject credit for MATH 125. Eligible students should speak
with their academic adviser for additional information.
This program consists of courses offered by both the Marshall School of Business and the School of International Relations. Students completing the program receive a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in International Relations.
To complete the program, students must satisfy all requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in business as well as an additional 24 units in international relations from the courses listed below.
or
or
*Placement into MATH 118 is contingent on successful
completion of MATH 117 or obtaining an acceptable score on the
math placement exam. The MATH 118 requirement may be waived
with an AP Calculus AB or BC score of 4 or higher, or an IB math
score of 5 or higher.
**A-level mathematics examination scores of A or B may receive
subject credit for MATH 125. Eligible students should speak with
their academic adviser for additional information.
Choose two from the list below or the two lists immediately above:
This program is available only to current Marshall and Leventhal undergraduates who have attained junior standing and have completed at least one semester in residence at USC. Students who wish to transfer to this program should visit the Marshall Undergraduate Advising office (see http://students.marshall.usc.edu/undergrad/advising/).
To complete the program, students must satisfy all requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and 16 units in real estate finance.
or
or
*Placement into MATH 118 is contingent on successful
completion of MATH 117 or obtaining an acceptable score on the
math placement exam. The MATH 118 requirement may be waived
with an AP Calculus AB or BC score of 4 or higher or an IB math
score of 5 or higher.
**A-level mathematics examination scores of A or B may receive
subject credit for MATH 125. Eligible students should speak with
their academic advisers for additional information.
The World Bachelor in Business (WBB) Program offers students the opportunity for immersive study at three highly regarded business schools, one in each of the major economic/cultural zones of the world: the Americas, Asia and Europe. The program is designed and offered in cooperation with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Bocconi University. Students spend at least one year at each campus and receive a degree from each university. The program is available to entering freshmen only. Prospective students should consult with the USC Marshall Undergraduate Admissions office for program and admissions information.
To complete the program and receive a degree from each university, students must satisfy the degree requirements of each institution, which include language requirements. The USC degree requirements are those of the USC Marshall Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program, with the exception that WBB students do not need to complete 60 units of non-business course work. Students should consult with the WBB program academic adviser at each university. Specific courses completed at each university are used to fulfill specific requirements at the other universities.
Students should note the following USC degree requirements for the WBB program:
WBB students spend the first year taking classes in Los Angeles at USC, the second year taking classes in Hong Kong at HKUST and the third year taking classes in Milan at Bocconi University. In the final year, students choose their location of study in consultation with the program directors. Each year includes at least one cohort class designed specifically for the WBB program.
The following sample program does not represent a required sequence of study; rather, it serves as a guideline. Students will meet with a WBB program academic adviser at each location to ensure that each student's program of study will fulfill WBB program requirements.
*Students should choose an 'm' designated class for GE VI to fulfill the diversity requirement.
This minor is available to students of all majors except business, accounting and economics. This minor teaches students to think strategically about business. It integrates economic ideas with practical applications in the real world. Students who minor in business economics learn to think like leaders in business firms. This minor approaches problems conceptually, proceeding from the general economic theories to specific real world applications. This gives students a higher level of understanding of business opportunities and problems.
Many students in disciplines other than business need economic skills that focus on business. This minor teaches a combination of the ideas, skill sets and methodological approaches used in business economics. Students develop economic reasoning skills related to real-world problems and opportunities.
To enroll, students must have completed a minimum of 32 units of college-level course work and have a minimum overall GPA of at least 2.75. Completion of this minor requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 for the 20 units applied to the minor.
Choose two from the list below:
*Prerequisite required
The minor in business finance offers non-business/non-accounting majors an opportunity to expand their career opportunities by gaining a background in financial concepts, valuation and financial strategy. It provides students with the necessary tools to measure benefits and related costs that will enable them to make better business decisions. Problem-solving and quantitative skills that are widely used in business will enable students to work on special projects or management teams — opportunities that might not have been available had it not been for this minor. Eighteen units are required.
To enroll students must have completed a minimum of 32 units of college-level course work and have a minimum overall GPA of at least 2.75. Completion of this minor requires a minimum of 16 upper-division units in the minor and a GPA of 2.00 for the 18 units applied to the minor. Individuals in some majors who take 200-level courses to satisfy major requirements may be required to take additional electives to achieve the 16-unit upper-division minimum.
Choose one of the following five options (units 2-8):
or
or
or
or
Choose one course (4 units):
Choose one course (4 units):
Choose two from the list below:
*Students who have earned scores of 4 or 5 on
both the AP Microeconomics and the AP Macroeconomics exams will be
waived out of the first requirement (BUAD 200, BUAD 201 or
ECON).
**Prerequisite or corequisite required
A minor in business law is available to students in all schools and departments except business majors. The minor in business law will provide students with practical legal knowledge of substantive business law topics and current legal issues. The minor provides skill sets to identify and manage issues encountered within personal and business contexts including litigation, contract law, employment and human resources, real and personal property law. This minor exposes students to such topics as: commercial transactions, constitutional law, Internet and online commerce; intellectual property and entertainment law; bankruptcy and securities law; law of business and non-profit organizations; and international law. It also prepares students for career opportunities in management, technology and politics. The minor is an excellent preparation for further legal education. To enroll, students must have completed a minimum of 32 units of college-level course work and have a minimum overall GPA of at least 2.75.
A minor in business is available to students in all schools and departments except the Marshall School of Business and the Leventhal School of Accounting. The minor provides the opportunity for students to gain understanding of key concepts and tools of business. To enroll in the business minor, students must have completed a minimum of 32 units of college-level courses and attained a minimum overall GPA of 2.75. Successful completion of the business minor requires at least 16 units of upper division course work with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in the courses applied to the minor:
or
or
or
or
*Students who have earned scores of 4 or 5 on
both the AP Microeconomics and the AP Macroeconomics exams will be
waived out of the first requirement (BUAD 200, BUAD 201 or
ECON).
**ACCT 410 or BUAD 285a or BUAD 305 must
be taken before BUAD 215.
The minor in business technology fusion is available to students in all schools and departments except business majors. This minor requires 20 units to complete. To enroll, students must have completed a minimum of 32 units of college-level course work and have a minimum overall GPA of at least 2.75.
Choose from the following to achieve a total of at least 8 units:
This interdisciplinary minor explores consumer thinking from the perspectives of psychology, marketing, economics, anthropology, sociology and other departments interested in popular culture. Why do people form the attitudes and impressions they do? How do individual factors, culture, mass media, economics and social trends influence people's decisions?
As with all minors, students must include at least four upper-division courses and four courses dedicated exclusively to this minor (which may be the same four courses). Finally, students must select four courses outside their major department. Psychology majors must choose four courses outside of psychology; business majors must choose four courses outside of the Marshall School of Business. To enroll in this minor, students must have completed a minimum of 32 units of college-level courses and have a minimum overall GPA of 2.75.
*Prerequisites required
(Please note that prerequisites will not be waived for
upper-division courses; students must complete the introductory
classes they will need.)
The minor in entrepreneurship is available to students in all schools and departments except business majors. It provides an understanding of entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial mindset. To enroll in this minor, students must have completed a minimum of 32 units of college-level course work and have a minimum overall GPA of 2.75. The minor requires a minimum of 17 units to complete.
Choose from the following to achieve a total of at least 17 units for the minor:
The minor in human resource management is available to students in all schools and departments except business majors. It is appropriate for students pursuing careers in human resource management, as well as for students pursuing management positions where they will be interfacing with or relying on the human resource function for support. To enroll in this minor, students must have completed a minimum of 32 units of collegelevel courses and have a minimum overall GPA of 2.75. Completion of the human resource management minor requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the following business minor courses:
Choose three courses from the following (12 units):
*Prerequisite that is not part of this minor required
The minor in management consulting is available to students in all schools and departments except business majors. The minor develops skills used by professional consultants to assist organizations and businesses in identifying and addressing their issues and problems.
To enroll, students must have completed a minimum of 32 units of college-level courses and have a minimum overall GPA of 2.75. Completion of this minor requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the following courses:
Choose three courses from the following (12 units):
The minor in marketing is available to students in all schools and departments except business majors. Marketing studies processes that organizations use to identify and serve the needs of customers.
The marketing minor provides a business-related education that will supplement many undergraduate majors, and enhance the career prospects for students whose majors could incorporate a marketing dimension or application. This minor should appeal to any student interested in an early marketing career, which includes, but is not limited to, professional sales, retailing, marketing research, product management and advertising.
Eligible students must have completed a minimum of 32 units of college-level course work and have a minimum GPA of 2.75. Students take four elective courses (16 units) offered in the marketing department to satisfy this minor.
The minor in operations and supply chain management is available to students in all schools and departments except business majors. This minor requires 20 units to complete. To enroll, students must have completed a minimum of 32 units of college-level course work and have a minimum overall GPA of at least 2.75.
Choose from the following to achieve a total of at least 8 units:
The minor in organizational leadership and management is available to students in all schools and departments except business majors. Students in the minor learn about personal and organizational leadership, ethics of the workplace, leading in a global context and organizing and planning for effective personal and organizational performance. To enroll, students must have completed a minimum of 32 units of college-level courses and have a minimum overall GPA of 2.75. Completion of this minor requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the following courses:
Choose three courses from the following (12 units):
The minor in real estate finance is available to all majors except business and real estate development. It provides students with training in the areas of business, finance, real estate law, design, and urban economics. It provides an opportunity for students to gain thorough exposure to the topics of real estate investing, finance and development. Upon successful completion of this minor, students will have achieved a basic understanding of the interplay of the various disciplines involved in contemporary real estate ownership and investment and how they impact the areas of the student's specific interests and expertise.
Those completing this minor will master techniques in valuing income-producing properties, analyze financial instruments such as mortgages and loans, understand the roles of debt and equity, gain insights into the processes of design and construction, as well as understand the dynamics of how real estate markets affect the underlying values of real property assets, as well as the role real estate markets play in the overall economy.
To enroll, students must have completed a minimum of 32 units of college-level course work and attained a minimum overall GPA of at least 2.75. Successful completion of this minor requires a minimum of 16 upper-division units in the minor and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 for the 24 units.
Choose one option from the following: Units: 4-6
Choose two courses (8 units) from the following:
*ACCT 410 or BUAD 280 or BUAD
305 must be taken before BUAD 215.
**Requires prerequisite of ECON 351 and
corequisites of ECON 352 and BUAD 310
The minor in social entrepreneurship provides students from all undergraduate majors with a foundation in the context and practice of social entrepreneurship, nationally and internationally. The minor provides an understanding of social entrepreneurship and its relationship to government and public policy as well as an understanding of management skills specific to starting and maintaining a social enterprise. The curriculum includes options allowing the student to tailor course work to his or her individual academic interests and professional aspirations.
To enroll in this minor, students must have completed 48 units of college level courses with a cumulative USC GPA of at least 2.75.
Complete at least 7 units from the following:
*Prerequisite: BAEP 310 or BAEP 423 or
BAEP 450 or BAEP 451 or BUAD 301
**Prerequisite: PSYC 100
This interdisciplinary minor includes courses from both the business and engineering schools and provides education in the economic, technological and entrepreneurial aspects of commercializing new technologies. The minor is designed for students from a range of backgrounds (e.g., majors in engineering, life sciences or business) who are interested in starting their own technology-based ventures, working for technology-based start-up companies or pursuing corporate careers that may involve the commercialization of new technologies. In the minor, students learn about conceptualizing, developing and managing new, technology-based ventures and projects.
To enroll, students must have completed a minimum of 32 units of college-level course work and have a minimum overall GPA of 2.75. To complete the minor, students are required to complete the two required courses (7 units) and enough elective courses to achieve a total of 16 units outside of their major. Business majors thus require 23 total units and other majors 16 total units to complete the minor.
*BUAD 301 is a prerequisite to BAEP 452 and must be taken first.
The Master of Science in Business Administration (MS) is designed to provide those who have already completed an MBA with an opportunity to pursue further study in an area of specialization currently available to Marshall MBA students. The degree is available only to those holding MBA degrees from institutions accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). It may be completed on either a full- or part-time basis. Classes applicable to the degree are offered during both daytime and evening hours.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the MS in Business Administration Website at marshall.usc.edu/msba for more information about this very flexible curriculum.
Applicants may apply for admission to begin the program in the summer term or the fall or spring semesters. Application deadlines vary by semester, citizenship and registration goals. Details are available under the Calendar tab at marshall.usc.edu/msba.
Successful applicants should have earned a GPA of 3.3 or greater in their MBA course work, scored at least as well as an average Marshall MBA student on the GMAT or the GRE and have significant full-time work experience.
Submit an online application to the MS program through the Marshall School of Business Admissions Website (app.applyyourself.com/?id=USC-MBA). International applicants are advised to see the instructions for international students published in the USC Graduate Admissions Application (usc.edu/grad).
For additional information, visit marshall.usc.edu/msba.
MS in Business Administration applicants are invited to consider areas of specialization available to Marshall MBA students. While the student identifies an area of interest as part of the application process, final determination of course work requirements is made under the guidance of and subject to approval by a faculty adviser. The academic department reviewing the application recommends a faculty adviser for the new student, but applicants may request a specific faculty adviser from among the faculty of the Marshall School of Business.
Together the student and the faculty adviser determine which courses the student must complete. An evaluation of work previously completed determines if prior work needs updating to prepare for new course work. If it is determined that preliminary courses are needed, the number of units needed to complete the Master of Science degree will increase. The student's program is then documented on an official program of study and filed with the MS program adviser.
Completion of the Master of Science degree requires a minimum of 26 graduate units for all candidates — up to 24 units of course work in the area of specialization and a minimum of 2 units of Directed Research, Field Research, Independent Research or Consulting Project.
None of the GSBA prefixed classes required for completion of a Marshall MBA program may be applied toward the Master of Science in Business Administration unless they are required to update prior work and are added to the 26-unit total.
No courses numbered lower than 500 may be included in this program. No more than two courses or 8 units may be taken in graduate course work outside the Marshall School of Business.
A minimum of two units of Directed Research (590), Field Research (592), Independent Research (593) or Consulting Project (597) supervised by a Marshall faculty member must be included in the proposed program. The project is intended to provide a capstone experience culminating in a report in the area of specialization. The project will be conducted under the direction of an individual faculty member from the Marshall department in which the area of specialization is taken.
The Master of Science in Business Analytics provides students with the skill and knowledge to become experts in business analytics and to advance their careers in the area of data analytics. Students in the program acquire the statistical and optimization tools necessary to analyze large and unstructured data sets and make optimal decisions to improve the performance of their organization. In addition, students develop the ability to effectively present complex data to high-level decision-makers. This program concentrates on business applications across different industries and functions including marketing, finance, operations management, retail, manufacturing, banking and health care.
Applicants must satisfy most of the admission requirements for all Marshall master's degree programs. A few years of work experience is preferred, but not required. GMAT or GRE scores are required.
Prospective students may apply to begin the program in the fall semester only. Applications are submitted online through the Marshall School of Business admissions Website at app.applyyourself.com/?id=usc-mba. International applicants are advised to see the instructions for international students published in the USC Graduate Admissions Application Booklet.
A complete application includes the online application form, an application fee, test scores, responses to several short-answer questions, two letters of recommendation and transcripts from all institutions attended since the applicant last applied to USC.
For additional information, visit www.marshall.usc.edu/msanalytics, write to MS.Analytics@marshall.usc.edu or call (213) 740-6697.
The Master of Science in Business Analytics degree requires 27 units including 21 units of required course work plus 6 units of course work chosen from a list of electives. The program may be completed on a full-time (3 or 4 courses per semester) or part-time. All students must take GSBA 524 and DSO 510 in the first semester.
Students who have taken one or more of the required courses elsewhere may petition to replace these courses with courses from the electives list and/or appropriately related courses offered by the Marshall School of Business or the Viterbi School of Engineering. Such a replacement must be approved by the program director prior to registration for the course.
This program is offered in an intensive format for veterans who wish to gain formal business knowledge and develop critical thinking skills to manage or grow a business. Significant project and course work is completed primarily through residential sessions with supplemental content delivered via distance learning. Class sessions meet over 18 full-day sessions each semester for two semesters with minimal interruption to the careers of working veterans. The program is offered on the University Park Campus in downtown Los Angeles.
Applications are due by June 1st for a program start date in August. Application information is available online at marshall.usc.edu/MBV. For additional information, contact the Marshall Office of Executive Education at (213) 740-8990 or by email at mbv@marshall.usc.edu.
This program requires 25 units that will be taken in lockstep fashion. These courses are thematic semesters that are interdisciplinary in nature.
The Master of Science in Business Research is an alternative available only to Marshall PhD students.
The curriculum involves a flexible program of study and research guided by faculty of the Marshall School culminating in the completion of a research project and publishable paper in an area of specialization.
Marshall does not accept applications for admission to this program. A student admitted to the Marshall PhD program may later request conversion or be invited by the faculty to complete the master's degree in lieu of the PhD Requests for conversion are subject to approval by the Marshall vice dean who oversees the PhD program.
For more information, contact the PhD program office for a referral to the MSBR adviser.
The degree requires a minimum of 33 graduate units for all candidates — 30 units of course work and 3 units of Directed Research or GSBA 610 Seminar in Business Research.
Upon admission to the PhD program, the student works with a faculty adviser who oversees the selection of course work, taking into account the student's prior academic preparation. The curriculum requires completion of PhD program core courses focusing on research methods and theory in an area of specialization. Methods course work completed at USC must include at least one course in microeconomics or behavioral science, one course in statistics and one course in research design. Additional courses are drawn from the Marshall School of Business and other participating departments including economics, psychology, mathematics, sociology, engineering, communication and others.
Three units of Directed Research (590) or GSBA 610 Seminar in Business Research are required to provide a capstone experience culminating in a research report of publishable quality in the area of specialization. The research will be conducted under the direction of an individual faculty member from the department in which the area of specialization is taken.
No courses numbered lower than 500 may be applied in this program. All courses applied to the first 30 units must be letter-graded and completed in residence at USC. No transfer units or graduate units from a degree previously completed at USC can be applied to the MS in Business Research.
The Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation is designed to develop the entrepreneurial knowledge, skill sets and decision-making frameworks required to recognize and evaluate business opportunities and to create and guide a new entrepreneurial entity either individually or within a larger organization. The curriculum focuses on topics such as entrepreneurial decision-making, business model formulation, feasibility analysis, leading innovation and change, and how to access and deploy capital and other resources for the successful launch of a new venture. The degree can be completed on either a full- or part-time basis, and classes are offered primarily at night to accommodate the needs of working professionals.
To qualify for admission to the MSEI program, prospective students must hold a four-year bachelor's degree, or equivalent. Applicants in the process of finishing an undergraduate degree may apply, with acceptance contingent on finishing the undergraduate degree. GMAT or GRE scores are required for application/admission to this program. Admission decisions are based on consideration of the applicant's previous academic record, test scores, résumé, letters of recommendation and responses to several essay questions. Full-time work experience is encouraged but not required. International applicants are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores. This requirement is waived for students who have completed their entire bachelor's degree program at a regionally accredited university located in the United States or officially recognized university in another country where English is both the language of instruction and the only officially recognized language of the country. Proof of financial support is required of admitted international applicants.
Applications are accepted for fall semester enrollment only. Submit an online application to the program through the USC Marshall graduate admissions Web site here or here. International applicants are advised to view the information for international students published here.
A complete application includes the online application form, test scores, responses to several questions, an application fee, two letters of recommendation and copies of transcripts from all institutions attended.
For additional detailed information visit marshall.usc.edu/MSEI or write to MS.EI@marshall.usc.edu or call (213) 821-0877.
The Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation requires 26 units
Select 9 units from the following:
The Executive MBA program is structured for mid-career to upper-career professionals who are fully employed. Rather than a program of traditional course disciplines (e.g., accounting, marketing, finance) the EMBA program offers a more thematic approach — integrating the material and often delivering it with faculty from different disciplines teaching in a team format. Core faculty include the school's most senior, experienced members as well as nationally renowned academic and business specialists. This program is delivered on Fridays and Saturdays (full days) for a two-year period at either the USC campus in downtown Los Angeles or in San Diego. As with the other USC Marshall MBA programs, an extensive international trip is integrated into the program.
Application to the EMBA program does not require GMAT or GRE scores. In addition to the other general admission requirements, applicants should have 10 years of work experience that includes substantial managerial responsibilities. The Executive MBA Admissions office may be contacted at (213) 740-7846; Fax (213) 749-8520; or email: uscemba@marshall.usc.edu. Apply online at marshall.usc.edu/admissions/applyonline.
This program uses a non-traditional interdisciplinary approach to executive and managerial education though "themes" that integrate various functional areas and address classic, yet dynamic, business issues.
The program begins with a six-day domestic residential session. Thereafter, the 21-month MBA program meets Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year with a short summer break. An eight-day international trip is scheduled during the first theme of the program's second year.
The Master of Science in Finance (MS) is designed to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to become experts in finance and thus advance their careers. The program provides individuals with tools, ideas and frameworks that will aid them in applying finance principles to businesses.
The program lays the groundwork with core courses in accounting, economics, finance, and statistics. The foundation is supplemented with courses on the role of finance in corporations, investment analysis and portfolio theory, and forecasting and risk. In addition, students personalize their degree with a choice of elective courses covering topics like real estate, mergers and acquisitions, and international trade.
Applicants must satisfy most, but not all of the general admission requirements for Marshall graduate programs. GMAT or GRE scores are recommended, but not required. Full-time work experience is not required for admission to the MS, Finance.
Admission decisions are based on consideration of the applicant's previous academic record, resume, test scores (if provided), letter of recommendation and responses to several questions included in the application. Individuals who are admitted must have completed the equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree prior to the start of summer classes.
Prospective students apply to begin the program in the summer term. Applications are submitted online through the Marshall School of Business Admissions Website at app.applyyourself.com/?id=USC-MBA. International applicants are advised to see the instructions for international students published in the USC Graduate Admissions Application Booklet.
A complete application includes the online application form, an application fee, responses to several questions, test scores (if applicable), one letter of recommendation, and transcripts from all institutions attended since the applicant last applied to USC. (Current USC students and USC alumni are not required to submit an application fee or transcripts from institutions attended prior to USC. Applicants who have never applied for admission to USC must submit official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended.) For additional information, including application deadlines, visit marshall.usc.edu/MSF.
The Master of Science in Finance degree requires 36 units including nine required courses (27 units) plus 9 units of course work chosen from a list of electives. The schedule is designed so that the program is completed in one calendar year.
Students who have taken (at USC or elsewhere) one or more of the required GSBA core courses (at the graduate/post-baccalaureate level) may petition to waive out of the duplicate courses. It is expected that individuals holding accredited graduate degrees in related fields may be able to waive out of some or all four required courses, reducing the total number of units required to earn the degree to as few as 24. Waivers must be requested in an attachment to the application for admission and approved by the program director prior to the start of summer classes.
A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 for all course work applied to the degree and an overall graduate GPA at USC of at least 3.0 are required for graduation.
* Class schedules may vary depending on scheduling considerations.
The Marshall full-time MBA curriculum is a comprehensive two-year (63-unit) learning experience develop outstanding leaders who act with positive impact and character in a rapidly changing economic, social and political world.
A core of essential courses is designed to build the foundation of skills required of all leading executives, develop collaborative talent, cultivate innovation and expand the student's vision with a global perspective. An individualized program of study, which begins in the second semester of the first year, allows students to acquire knowledge and skills in specialized functions within specific industries.
Recognizing that success in business requires more than a thorough knowledge of the vernacular of business, the full-time MBA curriculum is both broad and deep, offering students an opportunity to learn about business from varying perspectives. Full-time MBA students develop:
Full-time MBA graduates are collaborative by nature, innovative in spirit and global in perspective.
Instructors in the full-time MBA program are an inspired group of teachers who are passionate about nurturing the development of their students and are committed to the program and to innovative implementation. Scholars bring their latest thinking into the classroom and convey it so that students embrace ideas and learning with excitement and a willingness to demonstrate that learning and enthusiasm in their careers.
Recognized experts, academic specialists and industry leaders are actively involved in the program. Faculty known for their work in Marshall research centers offer industry collaboration. Many faculty connect with other schools in the university, tap into the strengths of innovative Southern California industries and engage our alumni across industries and globally. The valuable contributions of experience and expertise from individuals and organizations outside Marshall weave theory with practice.
The educational approach of the full-time MBA is a careful balance of case learning along with course work, lectures, experiential exercises and field studies. Students are members of supportive and challenging learning communities. The experience is hands-on and teamwork based, with extensive opportunities to work with real companies and managers on real projects.
Classes are taught in state-of-the-art case rooms featuring network access for every student. The Experiential Learning Center offers students opportunities for experimentation, video practice, simulation exercises and group preparation.
The full-time program is rigorous, intellectually demanding and time-intensive. Students typically spend 60–80 hours per week on course work and projects.
Applicants should have significant full-time work experience. Letters of recommendation submitted with the application should relate to the applicant's work experience. For more information, contact the Marshall MBA Admission Office in Popovich Hall (JKP) 308; (213) 740-7846; Fax (213) 749-8520; marshall.usc.edu. Apply online at marshall.usc.edu/admissions/applyonline.
Admission decisions for the full-time program are made within four admission rounds. Applicants who submit completed applications (including test scores) to the Admission Office by the December, January, February and April dates listed on marshall.usc.edu/admissions/applyonline will receive notification in approximately six weeks. Applicants are urged to file a completed application as early as possible, as the applicant pool is extremely competitive. The final deadline to apply for the full-time program is April 1.
The average full-time MBA student is returning to school after completing five years of full-time employment. To help students prepare for their return to academia and refresh their knowledge of business fundamentals, Marshall provides non-credit tutorials and workshops via online/distance formats. Students complete the summer preparation materials and master the information before arriving on campus.
Orientation programs take place during the latter half of July.
The academic program begins the first week of August with a four-week intensive term that includes graded course work in communication for management, strategy, data analysis and modeling and accounting principles and financial reporting. The fall semester academic program continues with classes, workshops and study sessions meeting Monday through Thursday.
The ability to work in and manage teams is becoming increasingly important in business practice. Building these skills during the program is a key part of each student's leadership growth.
Students are assigned to small teams for the first semester of study. These teams are composed of students with diverse backgrounds and experiences to enhance the overall learning experience for each team member. Teamwork is crucial to success in a variety of settings including group projects, study groups and competitive assignments. A greater understanding of teams is bolstered through formal discussions and presentations throughout the year.
In addition to formal team projects, a strong community of mutual support develops from the important role informal study groups play in the school's academic culture.
Although the curriculum lists a series of required courses to be taken during the first year of the full-time MBA program, students are, in many ways, pursuing one nine-month course because the individual courses and materials covered are highly integrated.
The first-year teaching team develops and evaluates selected assignments jointly, linking concepts across courses, and occasionally team teaching, examining complex business programs from multiple perspectives.
Communication for Management is a business communication course comprising class sessions, tailored workshops and ongoing individual and group coaching. First-year students are immersed in developing their presentation skills, interpersonal communication skills and emotional intelligence — the ability to understand and respond to the human side of business — all skills required of successful leaders.
The global vision generated during the first year of the MBA culminates with PRIME. The final component of the Global Context of Business course, PRIME takes on-campus classroom study abroad for nine days. Integrating the classroom and international travel components of the course, students conduct research on industry- and company-specific business issues and report their findings in major presentations. Recent PRIME locations include Buenos Aires, Argentina/Lima, Peru; Taipei, Taiwan/Shanghai, China; Seoul, South Korea/Beijing, China; Hong Kong/Guangdong, China; Osaka/Tokyo, Japan; and Hanoi, Vietnam/Bangkok, Thailand.
Practical experience is critical to success in business. Marshall has developed an extensive network of prospective employers who offer internships during the summer between their first and second year. Successful internships often lead to job offers.
The Marshall School offers a range of international semester-long exchange programs in cooperation with leading business schools around the world. Since many of the programs are taught in English, language proficiency is not a requirement for all countries. Students must complete the MBA core courses and maintain a 3.0 GPA in order to participate in the exchange program. This program is open to full-time MBA and MBAPM students.
A total of 63 units is required. The following outlines the typical full-time student's schedule:
Note: USC reserves the right to change, add or delete its course offerings and programs without notice.
The Global Executive MBA program (GEMBA) in Shanghai offers a thematic approach — integrating the material and delivering it with faculty from different disciplines teaching in a team format. GEMBA is delivered over a 21-month period in 13 modules, featuring 10 five-day modules in Shanghai spanning weekends (Thursday through Monday), two eight-day modules at the Marshall School of Business in Los Angeles, and a study trip to another Asian country, plus assignments and examinations to be completed between classroom sessions. Shanghai sessions are taught at the Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Applicants should have a minimum of 10 years of work experience, of which six should be in a management role. General admission requirements apply except that in lieu of the TOEFL or IELTS score, prospective applicants are pre-screened by the GEMBA office in Shanghai. Contact the Shanghai Global Executive MBA office by phone at +86-21-6293-2707, by fax at +86-21-6293-2713 or by email at uscgemba@sjtu.edu.cn. Contact the L.A. Global Executive MBA office by phone at (213) 740-8243, by fax at (213) 740-7559 or by email at gemba@marshall.usc.edu. To apply online, visit marshall.usc.edu/admissions/applyonline.
GEMBA employs a nontraditional, interdisciplinary and integrated approach to executive and management education through focus on real-world "themes" that integrate various functional areas and address classic, yet dynamic business issues.
Classes begin in May at the Antai College of Economics and Management at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China. Thereafter, the program continues in a series of theme-specific modules during the five-day sessions, held every six weeks, primarily at the Antai College. Students take an in-depth study trip to another Asian country in the second year.
The program concludes with a nine-day capstone module held at the USC Marshall School of Business in Los Angeles and the commencement celebration.
The primary objective of the residential Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management is to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to become experts in the area of supply chain management and thus advance their careers. The program focuses on topics like strategic procurement, outsourcing, logistics and distribution, the role of information technology in managing global supply chains and how these impact the process of developing new products. The aim is to provide the students with a framework that integrates different topics and an understanding of the trade-offs and relationships between these topics. Two experiential courses add to the academic learning.
Applicants to this program are required to satisfy the general Marshall admission requirements. Admission decisions are based on consideration of the applicant's previous academic record, résumé, letters of recommendation, responses to several essay questions and an interview, if requested. A few years of work experience is preferred, but not required. GMAT or GRE scores are required. For international applicants TOEFL or PTE scores are required.
Prospective students may apply to begin the program in the fall semester only. Applications are submitted online through the Marshall School of Business Admissions Website at app.applyyourself.com/?id=usc-mba. International applicants are advised to also consult the instructions for international students published in the USC Graduate Admissions Application Website.
A complete application includes the online application form, an application fee, test scores, responses to several short-answer questions, two letters of recommendation and transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended.
For additional information, email MS.GSCM@marshall.usc.edu or call (213) 821-4079.
The Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management degree requires 27 units including 21 units of required course work plus 6 units of course work chosen from a list of electives.
Students who have taken (at USC or elsewhere) the equivalent of GSBA 534 Operations Management (at the graduate/post-baccalaureate level) may petition to waive out of GSBA 534, reducing the total number of units required to complete the degree to 24. The petition must be requested in an attachment to the application for admission and approved by the program director prior to the start of classes.
Individuals who have taken (at USC or elsewhere) one or more of the other required courses may petition to replace these courses with selections from the list of electives or appropriately related courses offered by the Marshall School of Business or the Viterbi School of Engineering. Such a replacement must be approved by the program director prior to registration for the alternate course.
*Must be completed before or in the first semester.
Select 6 units from the following:
The online Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management program is designed to facilitate the needs of professionals and executives in the U.S. and around the world who wish to expand their knowledge of the rapidly-changing world of global supply chain management.
Courses are transmitted from studio classrooms via an extensive Internet-delivery system to enable the students to access their classes anytime, from anywhere. Lectures are made accessible for the entire semester, allowing students to review a complex lesson or prepare for exams. All classes are taught in English. Using the internet, students are required to work in teams and are encouraged to interact with the instructors and their classmates.
Two international travel experiences to global distribution hubs are included in the program. Participation in both trips is required for graduation. Some courses may require in-person midterm and final examinations. These exams will be administered in cities near student population concentrations, requiring that students travel to reach these locations.
In addition to the general Marshall admission requirements, applicants should have at least three years of fulltime work experience. Admission decisions are based on consideration of the applicant's previous academic record, résumé, letters of recommendation, responses to several essay questions and an interview. TOEFL or PTE scores and GMAT or GRE test scores are not required, but are recommended, for this program. Applicants will be interviewed as needed to ensure sufficient English language capabilities.
Submit an online application to the program through the USC Marshall graduate admissions Website at app.applyyourself.com/?id=usc-mba or marshall.usc.edu/admissions/applyonline. International applicants are advised to view the information for international students published at usc.edu/admission/graduate.
A complete application includes the online application form, an application fee, responses to several questions, three letters of recommendation, and copies of transcripts from all institutions attended since the applicant last applied to USC.
For additional detailed information, visit marshall.usc.edu/msgscm, email MS.GSCM@marshall.usc.edu or call (213) 821-4079.
The online Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management degree requires 27 units.
Students who have taken (at USC or elsewhere) the equivalent of GSBA 534 Operations Management (at the graduate/post-baccalaureate level) may petition to waive out of GSBA 534, reducing the total number of units required to complete the degree to 24. The petition must be requested in an attachment to the application for admission and approved by the program director prior to the start of classes.
Individuals who have taken (at USC or elsewhere) one or more of the other required courses may petition to replace these courses with selections from the list of electives or appropriately related courses offered by the Marshall School of Business or the Viterbi School of Engineering. Such a replacement must be approved by the program director prior to registration for the alternate course.
*Must be completed before or in the first semester.
The IBEAR MBA program is an accelerated global MBA for experienced managers and professionals. The curriculum contains internationalized core courses in its first three terms and selected international business electives thereafter. It concludes with a challenging consulting project in terms four and five.
In addition to the general admission requirements, applicants should have a minimum of six years work and/or graduate study experience. Current participants average 11 years of experience and are 34 years of age. Scholarships are available to domestic and international students.
For more information, contact the IBEAR MBA Program; (213) 740-7140; Fax (213) 740-7559; or ibearmba@marshall.usc.edu; marshall.usc.edu. Apply online at marshall.usc.edu/admissions/applyonline.
This intensive full-time program begins in early August and ends in mid-July each year. It begins with a three-week transition program to assist international and domestic participants in adjusting to life in the U.S.
The Master of Management in Library and Information Science is designed to educate professional librarians for leadership from every level of the organization in academic, urban and corporate environments. Graduates will identify and analyze critical issues and leverage resources and expertise to build community assets.
The program provides a solid foundation of course work followed by elective options culminating in the capstone project. Each semester students enroll in LIM 591 Research and Professional Applications in which they investigate critical issues, connect with leaders, undertake research with faculty and otherwise extend their learning and understanding.
The capstone project provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning during the MMLIS experience and achievement of the core competencies for the program.
Courses are offered entirely online each fall and spring semester and during the summer. The program is offered through small cohorts.
To qualify for admission to the MMLIS program, prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and have earned an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. (Neither the GMAT nor the GRE is required for application/admission to this program.) International applicants are required to submit a TOEFL score and must have earned a score of at least 100, with at least 20 in each section. (Students who have completed their entire bachelor's degree program at regionally accredited universities located in the United States or in another country in which English is both the language of instruction and the official language of the country are exempt.) Proof of financial support is required of admitted international applicants.
Applicants will also submit a professional resume, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation and transcripts from each institution of higher education attended.
For more information and pre-screening visit librarysciencedegree.usc.edu, write to MMLIS.Program@marshall.usc.edu or contact an enrollment adviser at (877) 830-8647.
The MMLIS degree requires 40 semester units — 28 units of required foundation courses, 9 units of electives, and 3 units of capstone. Foundation courses, other than LIM 591, must be completed prior to taking electives. The program allows for specialization by environment within courses.
Elective offerings vary from semester to semester.
The Master of Management Studies (MMS) is designed to provide those who have already completed the equivalent of the first year of an accredited traditional two-year MBA with an opportunity to pursue further study in an area of specialization currently available to Marshall graduate students.
Completion of the Master of Management Studies degree requires a minimum of 26 graduate units for all candidates — up to 24 units of course work and 2–5 units of Field Research (592), Independent Research (593), and/or Consulting Project in Business (597).
Classes applicable to the degree are offered during both daytime and evening hours. The degree may be completed on either a full- or part-time basis. International students should expect to complete the program within two semesters or one calendar year.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the Master of Management Studies Website at marshall.usc.edu/mms for more information about this very flexible curriculum. Applicants interested in accounting or taxation should apply for admission to the Accounting (MAcc) or the Business Taxation (MBT) program offered by the Leventhal School of Accounting. Information about the areas of concentration offered to Marshall graduate students is available at marshall.usc.edu/ecg.
Applicants may apply for admission to begin the program in the summer term or the fall or spring semesters. Application deadlines vary by semester, citizenship and registration goals. Details are available under the Dates and Deadlines tab at marshall.usc.edu/mms.
The equivalent of a four-year bachelor's degree is required for admission. Additionally, applicants must have completed the equivalent of the first year of a traditional two-year MBA accredited by the AACSB, EQUIS, ACBSP, AOCTE, IACBE or AMBA. Successful applicants should have earned a GPA of 3.3 or greater in their graduate business course work and scored in at least the 80th percentile on the GMAT or the GRE.
Submit an online application to the MMS program through the Marshall School of Business Admissions Website (app.applyyourself.com/?id=USC-MBA). International applicants are advised to see the instructions for international students published in the USC Graduate Admissions Application (usc.edu/admission/graduate/international/application.html).
For additional information, visit marshall.usc.edu/mms.
Master of Management Studies applicants are urged to consider areas of specialization available to Marshall graduate students published at marshall.usc.edu/ecg. The applicant is asked to identify areas of interest as part of the application process, but is free to choose course work from the full range of graduate electives offered by Marshall.
An evaluation of work previously completed determines if specific content areas are missing. If it is determined that preliminary courses are needed, the number of units needed to complete the Master of Management Studies degree will increase.
Completion of the Master of Management Studies degree requires a minimum of 26 graduate units for all candidates — up to 24 units of course work and 2–5 units of Field Research (592), Independent Research (593) or Consulting Project in Business (597).
None of the GSBA-prefixed classes required for completion of a Marshall MBA program may be applied toward the Master of Management Studies unless they are required to update prior work and are added to the 26-unit total.
No courses numbered lower than 500 may be included in this program. No more than two courses or eight units may be taken in graduate course work outside the Marshall School of Business.
A minimum of two units of Field Research (592), Independent Research (593) or Consulting Project in Business (597) must be included in the proposed program. The project is intended to provide a capstone experience culminating in a report in the area of specialization. The project will be conducted under the direction of an individual faculty member from the department offering the student's area of specialization.
The Master of Science in Marketing provides students with tools, concepts, frameworks and critical thinking and innovative skills needed for more effective development, enhancement and refinement of marketing techniques critical to the success of local and global businesses. Practical hand-on projects in areas such as technology, biotechnology, healthcare, entertainment, sports entertainment and marketing start-ups provide students with opportunities to apply the classroom experience to the real world.
Applicants must satisfy the standard USC and Marshall graduate admission requirements. At least two years of full-time work experience is preferred. GMAT or GRE scores are required. The GMAT is preferred. International applicants who did not spend four years completing a bachelor's degree at an American, British, Canadian or Australian college or university must submit TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores.
Individuals applying for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Marketing should not apply for admission to this program also.
Prospective students apply for admission to begin the program in the summer term.
Applications are submitted online through the Marshall School of Business application Website at app.applyyourself.com/?id=USC-MBA. International applicants are advised to see the instructions for international students published in the USC Graduate Admissions Website.
A complete application includes the online application form, test scores, an essay, an application fee, two letters of recommendation and official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended. Current USC students and USC alumni are not required to submit an application fee, new test scores (if previously submitted) or transcripts to verify degrees earned prior to their attendance at USC.
For additional information, visit marshall.usc.edu/MSMkt.
The Master of Science in Marketing requires 30 units including 18 units of required course work and 12 units of electives with a GPA of at least 3.0 for all units applied to the degree. The program may be completed on a fulltime or part-time basis.
Students who have taken (at USC or elsewhere) a master's-level introductory marketing course and/or a master's-level statistics course prior to application may petition to waive out of the duplicate required courses, reducing the total number of units required to earn the degree to as few as 24. Waivers must be requested in an attachment to the application for admission. If approved, waivers will be documented in the offer of admission.
or
or
* Must be taken in the first term/semester or
prior to admission.
** Must be taken in the final term/semester.
*If not applied as a requirement
For additional information, visit marshall.usc.edu/MSMkt.
The MBA Program for Professionals and Managers (MBA.PM) is a part-time, comprehensive MBA program that allows fully employed individuals to pursue their MBA degree. The program offers flexibility and a rich array of elective courses. Students in the MBA.PM program complete the degree in 33 months attending classes in fall and spring semesters and summer sessions.
The MBA.PM offers the following advantages:
The first year of the MBA.PM program is also offered at the Orange County Center in Irvine. All students take most of their elective courses at the University Park Campus in Los Angeles.
Students attend core classes two nights per week for 12 months. Students must complete the core courses in the prescribed sequence and within the prescribed time frame. Elective courses are offered on a semester basis during the remaining portion of the program, including summer session.
During the elective portion of the program, MBA students are encouraged to pursue a course of study that meets their professional goals. Students design their course of study by taking electives offered in the Marshall School and by sometimes taking courses in other areas of the university. Up to 9 units of graduate-level electives may be taken at USC outside the Marshall School of Business for elective credit provided the student shows sufficient reason why a selected course is relevant to the Marshall School of Business program. Permission to take courses outside the Marshall School must be requested via petition to the MBA.PM Program Office in Popovich Hall 106.
The Marshall School offers a range of international semester-long and summer exchange programs in cooperation with leading business schools around the world. Since many of the exchange programs are taught in English, language proficiency is not a requirement for all countries. Students must complete the MBA core courses and maintain a 3.0 GPA in order to participate in the exchange program. This program is open to fulltime MBA and MBA.PM students.
Applicants should have significant full-time work experience. Letters of recommendation submitted with the application should relate to the student's work performance (résumé).
The program enrolls students one time per year in the fall. For more information, contact the Marshall MBA Admission Office in Popovich Hall (JKP) 308; (213) 740-7846; Fax (213) 749-8520; marshall.usc.edu. Apply online at marshall.usc.edu/admissions/applyonline.
A total of 63 units is required for the program. The following outlines the typical MBA.PM student's schedule:
Graduate business electives Units: 7.5
(500-level ACCT, BAEP, BUCO, DSO, FBE, GSBA, MKT or MOR)
Note: USC reserves the right to change, add or delete its course offerings and programs without notice.
This program is designed for physicians, three-five years out of residency, who are currently employed in the health care industry. Its structure includes intensive residential periods with significant project work required between residential periods. Non-residential instruction is supported via distance-learning tools.
Applications are due by November 30 for a program start date in late January. The application is available online at app.applyyourself.com/?id=USC-MBA. For additional information, contact the Office of Executive Education at (213) 740-8990 or by email at mmm@marshall.usc.edu.
This program requires 33 units that will be taken in lockstep fashion. These courses are thematic semesters that are interdisciplinary in nature.
The Online MBA (OMBA) program is structured for students who are currently employed and wish to remain within the labor force while earning a degree. The OMBA Program offers an integrative approach to core business disciplines including accounting, finance, data sciences, marketing, management, operations and entrepreneurship. The program is delivered by full-time faculty from different disciplines teaching in a team format to integrate understanding of business fundamentals, internal and external operations, business environments and leadership. The program capitalizes on the unique opportunities inherent in online delivery to maximize student engagement through critical thinking, analytics and communication.
The program accepts applicants for fall and spring semesters. Applications are submitted online through the Marshall School of Business application Website at app.applyyourself.com/?id=usc-mba. International applicants are advised to see the instructions for international students published in the USC Graduate Admissions Website.
The OMBA program uses an interdisciplinary approach to business education that enables students to develop an expertise in business administration in order to perform more effectively as business leaders, corporate managers and entrepreneurs.
The program begins with a five-day domestic residential session, after which the 21-month MBA Program meets online. The program requires 51 units. First semester courses include GSBA 501 and GSBA 505, which are prerequisites for the remaining courses. GSBA 535, GSBA 537, GSBA 538 and GSBA 539 may be taken in any order.
For more information, visit http://onlinemba.marshall.usc.edu
or email OMBA@marshall.usc.edu.
Note: USC reserves the right to change, add or delete its course
offerings and programs without notice.
The Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship offers students a unique combination of business entrepreneurship skills delivered within the context of achieving both social and financial missions.
The courses focus entirely on the business aspects of social entrepreneurship including feasibility, planning, marketing, management, finance, and execution. Social, environmental, and health issues will be integrated into the readings, cases, teaching, guest lectures, exercises, and assignments. The program will also include a for-credit practical capstone project in which students will develop a business plan for a new social enterprise.
This program requires 30 units and can be completed in one year (full time) or 2 or more years (part time). Courses are offered in the evenings and on weekends on the University Park Campus in downtown Los Angeles.
Applicants apply online and must fulfill the general Marshall/USC admission requirements for graduate programs. Admission decisions into the MSSE program will be based on an applicant's previous academic record, résumé, letters of recommendation, and responses to several essay questions. TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores will be required for international applicants who have not completed the equivalent of a four-year bachelor's degree (all four years) at an institution in a country where English is the primary official language. GMAT or GRE scores are recommended, but will not be required for this program.
Submit an online application to the program through the USC Marshall graduate admissions Website here or here. International applicants are advised to view the information for international students published here.
A complete application includes the online application form, an application fee, responses to several questions, two letters of recommendation, and copies of transcripts from all institutions attended since the applicant last applied to USC.
For more information about the program and detailed information about the application requirements and procedures, please visit www.marshall.usc.edu/MSSE, write to SocialEntrepreneur@marshall.usc.edu, or call (213) 740-9098.
The Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship requires 30 units
Select 6 units from the following:
The Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics provides students with the tools, ideas and frameworks that will aid them in making business decisions in a scientific manner, based on actual data, to improve the performance of their organization. Students in the program acquire the statistical and optimization tools necessary to analyzelarge and unstructured data sets and make optimal decisions to improve the performance of their organization.
Applicants must satisfy the standard Marshall graduate admission requirements. A few years of work experience is preferred, but not required. GMAT or GRE scores are required. International applicants who did not spend four years completing a bachelor's degree at an American, British, Canadian or Australian college or university must submit TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores.
Individuals applying for admission to the Master of Science in Business Analytics should not apply for admission to this program also.
Prospective students who have not previously taken graduate-level (post-baccalaureate) business statistics must apply to begin the program in the fall semester. Prospective applicants who have taken a graduate-level business statistics course may apply to begin the program in the fall, spring or summer.
Applications are submitted online through the Marshall School of Business application Website at app.applyyourself.com/?id=USC-MBA. International applicants are advised to see the instructions for international students published in the USC Graduate Admissions Website.
A complete application includes the online application form, an application fee, test scores, an essay, two letters of recommendation and official transcripts from all institutions attended.
The Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics requires 15 units including 6 units of required course work and 9 units of course work chosen from a list of electives. The program may be completed on a full-time (3-5 courses per semester) or part-time basis.
Students who have taken master's-level managerial statistics at another institution or as part of another program at USC prior to application may petition to replace Applied Managerial Statistics with a fourth elective. Such a replacement must be requested as an attachment to the application for admission and, if approved, will be included in the offer of admission.
or
or
For current USC graduate students, courses credited to the Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics may be completed in conjunction with course work required for the program in which the student is already enrolled. Applicability of these courses to the student's primary degree program is determined by the student's home department. Current MBA students may apply all 15 units of the graduate certificate program to their MBA degree.
For USC alumni, courses completed in conjunction with the individual's prior degree may not be credited toward the certificate. Appropriate substitutions for required courses will be determined and documented by the program director.
Successful completion of the program is documented on the student's transcript and acknowledged with a certificate (diploma) awarded by the university.
For additional information, visit marshall.usc.edu/GCRTAnalytics or email GCRT.Analytics@marshall.usc.edu.
The Graduate Certificate in Business Fundamentals for Non-Business Professionals is designed to provide managers and business owners for whom an MBA is not a viable option with a basic graduate-level introduction to successful business policies and practices.
All certificate students must meet the same admission requirements as degree seeking students.
In addition to the general admission requirements, applicants should have earned an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.4 or a GPA in graduate course work of at least 3.2. GRE or GMAT scores are generally required. A completed graduate degree may be accepted in lieu of test scores at the discretion of the admissions committee.
Prospective students should apply to begin the program and take GSBA 520 in the fall or spring term. Individuals applying for admission while or after completing GSBA 520 may apply for admission in the fall, spring or summer. Applications are submitted online through the USC Marshall School of Business admissions Website at app.applyyourself.com/?id=USC-MBA. A complete application includes the online application form, responses to essay questions, letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, whether a degree was completed or not. Current USC students and alumni need to submit transcripts from only those institutions attended since the applicant last applied to USC. The application fee is not required of current USC students or USC alumni.
For more information, visit marshall.usc.edu/BFNBP.
The program requires successful completion of the following 19-unit program with a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 for all course work applied to the certificate and an overall graduate GPA at USC of at least 3.0.
Select one additional course from those identified above or from a list of elective options published on the program Website and available from the program adviser. The elective selected may not duplicate prior graduate course work and must be approved by the program director. Enrollment in some courses may require additional preparatory course work to satisfy prerequisites, subject to approval of the instructor.
*Students in the Master of Communication Management, Master of Arts in Global Communication and Master of Arts in Strategic Public Relations programs may substitute BAEP 551 Introduction to New Ventures (3). Students who have extensive presentation experience may be allowed to substitute BUCO 533 Managing Communication in Organizations (3) with permission from the program director.
For current USC graduate students, courses credited to the Graduate Certificate in Business Fundamentals for Non-Business Professionals may be completed in conjunction with course work required for a program in which the student is already enrolled. Applicability of these courses to the student's primary degree program is determined by the student's home department.
For USC alumni, courses completed in conjunction with an individual's prior degree may not be credited toward the certificate. Appropriate substitutions for required courses will be determined and documented by the program director.
Successful completion of the program is acknowledged by a certificate awarded by the university.
The Graduate Certificate in Financial Analysis and Valuation program is designed to enhance the individual's graduate education through a concentrated curriculum in financial accounting, financial analysis, valuation, credit analysis, and financial instruments and markets.
To qualify for admission to the program, individuals must have completed basic graduate-level (post-baccalaureate) courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and corporate finance comparable to the first-year MBA curriculum while earning a minimum graduate GPA for those courses (combined) of 3.5.
Prospective students may apply to begin the programs in the fall, spring or summer term. Applications are submitted online at app.applyyourself.com/?id=USC-MBA. A complete application includes the online application form, responses to several essay and additional information questions, letters of recommendation and transcripts from any institutions attended since the applicant last applied to USC. (The application fee is not required of current USC students and USC alumni. Letters of recommendation are not required of current USC MBA students and USC MBA alumni.)
For more information, visit marshall.usc.edu/fav.
The program requires successful completion of 15 units. Students select one of the following options. Some courses are offered for either 1.5 units or 3 units in a given semester. Individuals who elect to take a 1.5-unit class must make up the other 1.5 units with a course selection from the same option. Earning the certificate requires a combined GPA of at least 3.6 for all courses applied to the certificate.
Under the auspices of the Center for Investment Studies is the Student Investment Fund (SIF) program. During this year-long seminar in applied portfolio management, a select group of students learn the theory and practice of investment management by managing actual USC endowment funds.
Students who are selected to participate in the Marshall Student Investment Fund (SIF) program are required to complete the following:
*Prerequisite required.
If a course in the SIF option is taken for 1.5 units, the remaining units may be completed with a course selected from the Investment Management option above to reach the 15 units required to complete the program.
For current USC graduate students, courses credited to the Graduate Certificate in Financial Analysis and Valuation may be completed in conjunction with course work required for the program in which the student is already enrolled. Applicability of these courses to the student's primary degree program is determined by the student's home department. Current MBA students may apply all 15 units of the graduate certificate program to their MBA degree. For USC alumni, courses completed in conjunction with the individual's prior degree may not be credited toward the certificate. Appropriate substitutions for required courses will be determined and documented by the program director.
Successful completion of the program is acknowledged by a certificate awarded by the university.
The Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Management is designed to provide specialized knowledge in library leadership for library managers who do not hold the MMLIS degree and current holders of the equivalent MLIS degree looking for career advancement. The certificate is offered entirely online.
Certificate applicants must meet the same basic admission requirements as the Master of Management in Library and Information Science applicants.
The Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Management requires 16 units. Each student will develop an individual academic plan and course of study under a faculty member's guidance, subject to the program director's approval.
will be required to successfully complete the following:
For current USC graduate students, courses credited to the Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Management may be completed in conjunction with course work required for a program in which the student is already enrolled. Applicability of these courses to the student's primary degree program is determined by the student's home department.
Successful completion of the program is acknowledged by a certificate awarded by the university.
The Graduate Certificate in Management Studies is designed to provide those who have already completed the equivalent of the first year of a traditional two-year MBA with an opportunity to pursue further study in an area of specialization currently available to Marshall graduate students.
Completion of the Graduate Certificate in Management Studies requires a minimum of 12 graduate units for all candidates — usually four, 3-unit courses.
The certificate may be completed on either a full- or part-time basis. Classes applicable to the certificate are offered during both daytime and evening hours.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the Graduate Certificate in Management Studies Website at marshall.usc.edu/gcms for more information about this very flexible curriculum. Applicants interested in accounting or taxation should consider applying for admission to the Master of Accounting or the Master of Business Taxation program offered by the USC Leventhal School of Accounting. Information about the areas of concentration offered to Marshall graduate students is available at marshall.usc.edu/ecg.
Applicants may apply for admission to begin the program in the summer term or the fall or spring semesters. Application deadlines vary by semester, citizenship and registration goals. Details are available under the Calendar tab at marshall.usc.edu/gcms.
The equivalent of a four-year bachelor's degree is required for admission. Additionally, applicants must have completed the equivalent of the first year of a traditional two-year MBA accredited by the AACSB, EQUIS, ACBSP, AOCTE. IACBE or AMBA. Successful applicants should have earned a GPA of 3.3 or greater in their graduate business course work and scored at least as well as an average Marshall MBA student on the GMAT.
Submit an online application through the Marshall School of Business Admissions Website (app.applyyourself.com/?id=USC-MBA). International applicants are advised to see the instructions for international students published in the USC Graduate Admissions Application (usc.edu/admission/graduate/international/application.html).
For additional information, visit marshall.usc.edu/gcms.
Applicants are urged to consider areas of specialization available to Marshall graduate students published at marshall.usc.edu/ecg. The applicant is asked to identify areas of interest as part of the application process, but is free to choose course work from the full range of graduate electives offered by Marshall.
An evaluation of work previously completed determines if specific content areas are missing. If it is determined that preliminary courses are needed, the number of units needed to complete the Graduate Certificate in Management Studies certificate will increase.
Completion of the Graduate Certificate in Management Studies certificate requires a minimum of 12 graduate units for all candidates.
None of the GSBA-prefixed classes required for completion of a Marshall MBA program may be applied toward the certificate unless they are required to update prior work and are added to the 12-unit total.
No courses numbered lower than 500 may be included in this program. All courses applied toward the certificate must be taken within the Marshall School of Business. Acceptable course prefixes include ACCT, BAEP, BUCO, FBE, GSBA, IOM or DSO, MKT and MOR.
Successful completion of the program is acknowledged by a certificate awarded by the university.
The Graduate Certificate in Marketing provides students with the tools, ideas and frameworks that will aid them in making business decisions in an application-based manner, based on actual case studies and relevant projects, to improve the performance of their organization. Students in the program acquire the marketing principles, techniques and tools necessary to analyze marketing situations and develop effective integrated strategic marketing plans to improve the performance of their organization.
Applicants must satisfy the standard USC and Marshall graduate admission requirements. Two years of fulltime work experience is preferred. GMAT or GRE scores are required. International applicants who did not spend four years completing a bachelor's degree at an American, British, Canadian or Australian college or university must submit TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores.
Individuals applying for admission to the Master of Science in Marketing should not apply for admission to this program also.
Prospective students who have not previously taken a master's/graduate-level (post-baccalaureate) introductory marketing course must apply to begin the program in the summer term. Prospective applicants who have taken a master's/graduate-level marketing course may apply to begin the program in the fall, spring or summer.
Applications are submitted online through the Marshall School of Business application Website at app.applyyourself.com/?id=USC-MBA. International applicants are advised to see the instructions for international students published in the USC Graduate Admissions Website (usc.edu/admission/graduate/international/application.html).
A complete application includes the online application form, test scores, an essay, an application fee, two letters of recommendation and official transcripts from all institutions attended since the applicant last applied to USC.
The Graduate Certificate in Marketing requires 15 units including 3 units of required course work and 12 units of 500-level MKT electives with a GPA of at least 3.0 for all units applied to the certificate. The program may be completed on a full-time (3-5 courses per semester) or part-time basis.
Students who have taken a master's-level introductory marketing course at another institution prior to application may petition to replace Marketing Management with an elective. Such a replacement must be requested as an attachment to the application for admission and, if approved, will be included in the offer of admission.
or
No more than 3 units of CR/NC course work can be applied to the certificate.
For current USC graduate students, courses credited to the Graduate Certificate in Marketing may be completed in conjunction with course work required for the program in which the student is already enrolled. Applicability of these courses to the student's primary degree program is determined by the student's home department. Current USC MBA students may apply all 15 units of the graduate certificate program to their MBA degree.
For USC alumni, courses completed in conjunction with the individual's prior degree may not be credited toward the certificate. An appropriate substitution for the required course will be determined and documented by the program director.
Successful completion of the program is documented on the student's transcript and acknowledged with a certificate (diploma) awarded by the university.
For additional information, visit marshall.usc.edu/GCRTMarketing.
The Graduate Certificate in Optimization and Supply Chain Management is offered by the Marshall School of Business in partnership with the Viterbi School of Engineering. The program offers individuals opportunities to expand their knowledge of the rapidly expanding uses of technology in the management of global supply chains.
Applicants should have a foundational knowledge (academic or experiential) of statistics and operations management. The certificate may be completed on either a full- or part-time basis. Most classes applicable to the program are offered during both daytime and evening hours. Many of the courses included in the curriculum are available online.
Prospective students may apply to begin the programs in the fall, spring or summer term. Applications are submitted online at app.applyyourself.com/?id=USC-MBA. A complete application may include the online application form, responses to several essay and additional information questions, test scores, letters of recommendation, transcripts from all institutions attended since high school, and an application fee. For more information, visit marshall.usc.edu/oscm.
The graduate certificate requires successful completion of 15 units with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0 for all units (combined) applied to the certificate.
or
For current USC graduate students, courses credited to graduate certificate programs may be completed in conjunction with course work required for a graduate degree program in which the student is already enrolled. Applicability of courses to the student's primary degree program is determined by the student's home department. For USC alumni, courses completed in conjunction with the individual's prior degree may not be credited toward a certificate, but may be applied toward the master's degree. If necessary, appropriate substitutions for required courses will be determined and documented by the program director.
Successful completion of a graduate certificate program is acknowledged by a certificate awarded by the university.
Business is increasingly involved in social and environmental issues. On the one hand, government and civil society are exerting increasing pressure on the business sector to help address the world's pressing social and environmental sustainability challenges, and on the other, a growing number of businesses are seeking to respond proactively to these challenges. The Sustainability and Business Graduate Certificate prepares students to help shape solutions to social and environmental sustainability challenges, both from within and from outside the business sector.
Applicants must meet the same admission requirements as degree seeking students. Some exceptions are made for current USC students and USC alumni. Visit www.marshall.usc.edu/SUSB for details.
Applicants may apply for admission to begin the program in the fall or spring semesters as well as in the summer, depending on course availability. Applications are submitted online through the USC Marshall School of Business Admissions Website at app.applyyourself.com/?id=usc-mba. International applicants are advised to see the instructions for international students published at usc.edu/admission/graduate/international/application.html.
The program requires completion of 15 units.
Students may also earn credit toward the certificate electives with up to 4 units of Independent Study (e.g., Marshall 592 or 593) or Directed Research (590 in non-Marshall departments) subject to approval by the faculty directors.
For current USC graduate students, courses credited to the Graduate Certificate in Sustainability and Business may be completed in conjunction with course work required for the program in which the student is already enrolled. Applicability of these courses to the student's primary degree program is determined by the student's home department. For USC alumni, courses completed in conjunction with a previously conferred degree may not be credited toward the certificate.
Successful completion of the program is acknowledged by a certificate (diploma) awarded by the university.
For more information, please visit www.marshall.usc.edu/SUSB.
The Graduate Certificate in Technology Commercialization is designed to let students experience the entire spectrum of the commercialization process — invention, product development, technical and market feasibility analysis, intellectual property acquisition, business planning and venture funding.
To qualify for admission, current USC students should have completed the equivalent of one year of graduate study at USC (at least 12 units for part-time students) and earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Individuals holding graduate degrees from USC or other institutions are welcome to apply.
Prospective students may apply to begin the program in the fall, spring or summer term. Applications are submitted online through the USC Marshall School of Business Admissions Website at app.applyyourself.com/?id=USC-MBA. A complete application includes the online application form, responses to several essay questions, letters of recommendation and transcripts from any institutions attended since the applicant last applied to USC. (The application fee is not required of current USC students and USC alumni.) For more information: (213) 740-0505; Bridge Hall 1, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0801; (213) 740-2976 (fax); entrepreneur@marshall.usc.edu.
After the Lloyd Greif Center has received the complete application, it will contact the applicant to confirm receipt of the application and, if appropriate, to schedule an interview. In their review of applications, the admission committee members consider the applicant's completed academic work, evidence of potential business leadership, motivation, work experience and competitiveness within the current application pool.
Three required courses and one elective (12 units) must be completed to earn the certificate. The student must maintain both a certificate and overall GPA of at least 3.0 throughout the program.
For current USC graduate students, courses credited to the Graduate Certificate in Technology Commercialization may be completed in conjunction with course work required for the program in which the student is already enrolled. Applicability of these courses to the student's primary degree program is determined by the student's home department. For USC alumni, courses completed in conjunction with the individual's prior degree may not be credited toward the certificate.
Successful completion of the program is acknowledged by a certificate awarded by the university.
The Marshall School of Business in conjunction with the USC Gould School of Law offers a program leading to the degrees of Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration.
Applicants to this program must apply to both schools individually and take both the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Applicants should apply either simultaneously to both programs or during the first year in the USC Gould School of Law. Certification for eligibility for the dual degree program must be provided by the Law School prior to admission to the dual degree program by the Marshall School of Business.
The total number of units required for the MBA portion of the program is 48. Dual degree program students may not count courses taken outside the Marshall School of Business toward the 48 units.
To earn the JD, all students (including dual degree program students) must complete 35 numerically graded law units at USC after the first year. The associate dean may make exceptions to this rule for students enrolled in Law School Honors Programs.
First Year: Required Law School courses (33 units).
Second Year: Required MBA courses and graduate business electives.
Third and Fourth Years: 43 units of law courses and graduate business electives sufficient to bring the total units completed in the Marshall School of Business to at least 48.
The JD and MBA degrees are awarded simultaneously upon completion of all program requirements.
The Marshall School of Business in conjunction with the USC Rossier School of Education offers a program leading to the degrees of Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Education.
The program emphasizes educational leadership and management competencies across the wide variety of education-related organizations in the public, non-profit and for-profit sectors and is designed to prepare students to assume executive leadership positions in these organizations, including schools, universities, educating businesses, regional, state and federal education agencies, education research institutions and private foundations with education missions. MBA/EdD graduates will be prepared to improve the scope and quality of educational services to target populations through the application of management skills to the field of education and of education principles to business enterprises.
Applicants to this program must apply to both schools individually and may choose to submit scores for both the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and the GRE.
The program may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time students should be able to complete the program in approximately four years.
The MBA portion of the degree program requires that the student complete the required courses in an MBA program and graduate business electives sufficient to bring the total units completed in the Marshall School of Business to 48. Dual degree program students may not count courses taken outside the Marshall School of Business toward the 48 units.
See the Rossier School of Education page for EdD degree requirements.
The MBA and EdD degrees are awarded simultaneously upon completion of all program requirements for both degrees.
In response to the ongoing reorganization of health care delivery systems and the growing awareness of the impact of business decisions on health care, the Keck School of Medicine of USC and the Marshall School of Business jointly offer an innovative program for individuals seeking knowledge in both medicine and business administration. The program is designed to prepare its graduates to assume leadership in the design and management of health care systems.
Completion of the MBA/MD program spans five years. Interested students apply during their second or third year of medical school and begin required MBA courses following successful completion of the first two or three years of medical school. The remaining time is devoted to the clinical clerkships of the Keck School of Medicine and completion of elective courses in the Marshall School.
MBA/MD students should apply during their second or third year of medical school in the Keck School of Medicine. Application to the MBA/MD does not require GMAT or GRE scores. All other requirements for admission to the Marshall MBA program must be fulfilled by the medical student for admission to the Marshall School. Only students who have successfully completed at least two years in the Keck School of Medicine will be considered for admission to the Marshall School of Business.
At the conclusion of the program, students will have completed 48 units in the Marshall School of Business, including required and elective courses, and four years of courses in the Keck School of Medicine.
First and Second Years: Required medicine courses.
Third or Fourth Year: Required MBA courses and graduate business electives.
Remaining Years: Keck School of Medicine core, selective and elective clerkships, and graduate business elective courses sufficient to bring the total units completed in the Marshall School of Business to at least 48. Dual degree program students may not count courses taken outside the Marshall School of Business toward the 48 units.
The MD and the MBA degrees are awarded simultaneously upon completion of all program requirements.
Responding to the growing demand on pharmacists to be knowledgeable in both science and business administration, the USC School of Pharmacy and the Marshall School of Business offer the MBA/PharmD dual degree program.
The program involves completion of the first year in the School of Pharmacy, the second in the Marshall School of Business and completion of the balance of the dual degree program over the final three years.
Applicants to this program should apply during the first year of pharmacy studies. Only students who have successfully completed one year in the School of Pharmacy will be considered for admission to the Marshall School of Business.
A total of 48 units of business course work is required. Dual degree program students may not count courses taken outside the Marshall School of Business toward the 48 units.
First Year: Required Pharmacy School courses.
Second Year: Required MBA courses and graduate business electives.
Third to Fifth Years: 108 units of Pharmacy courses and graduate business electives sufficient to bring the total units completed in the Marshall School of Business to at least 48.
The MBA/PharmD degrees are awarded simultaneously upon completion of the School of Pharmacy and the Marshall School of Business requirements.
The Marshall School of Business in conjunction with the East Asian Studies Center (USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences) offers a joint MBA/MA degree program that combines graduate business education with training in the cultures and societies of East Asia. Students may complete the degree on a full- or part-time basis.
Students must apply to both the Marshall School of Business and the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. GRE scores are not required for admission to the dual degree program, but may be submitted in lieu of GMAT scores.
Students enrolled in the program are required to complete a minimum of 72 units. All students must complete 48 units in the Marshall School of Business. In East Asian Area Studies (EASC), students have the option of taking five courses and writing a thesis (for a total of 24 units) or taking six courses and passing a comprehensive examination (for a total of 24 units).
Required courses that must be taken in the Marshall School of Business include: all required courses in an MBA program and graduate business electives sufficient to bring the total units completed in the Marshall School of Business to at least 48. Dual degree program students may not count courses taken outside the Marshall School of Business toward the 48 units.
See East Asian Area Studies in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences for East Asian Area Studies course requirements and the foreign language requirement.
The MBA and MA degrees are awarded simultaneously upon completion of all program requirements.
In cooperation with Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion's School of Jewish Nonprofit Management (formerly the HUC-JIR School of Jewish Communal Service), the Marshall School of Business offers the dual degree program Master of Business Administration/Master of Arts in Jewish Nonprofit Management. This degree program prepares students to apply business and management concepts to the nonprofit sector.
Applicants to the MBA/Master of Arts in Jewish Nonprofit Management program should apply to the Marshall School of Business and to the School of Jewish Nonprofit Management at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion concurrently.
For the Marshall School portion of the dual degree program: all courses required in an MBA program and graduate business electives sufficient to bring the total units completed in the Marshall School of Business to at least 48. Dual degree program students may not count courses taken outside the Marshall School of Business toward the 48 units.
Students must also complete 47 units in the HUC-JIR School of Jewish Nonprofit Management to complete the MA in Jewish Nonprofit Management.
Summer I, Fall, Spring: Hebrew Union College-required and elective courses
Summer II, Fall, Spring: Hebrew Union College-required and elective courses
Fall, Spring: Marshall School-required and elective courses
Fall: Marshall School-graduate business electives
The MBA and the MA degrees are awarded simultaneously upon completion of their respective degree requirements.
The Marshall School of Business in conjunction with the USC Price School of Public Policy offers a program leading to the degrees of Master of Business Administration and Master of Planning.
The Master of Business Administration/Master of Planning dual degree program enables students to understand the conduct and requirements of business, accounting, corporate and strategic planning, real estate marketing and finance. Students also gain expertise in public policy, city planning and the interpretation of government regulations. Exposure to both fields becomes an educational as well as professional asset for careers in either public service or private enterprise.
Applicants to this program should apply to both schools simultaneously.
A total of 84 units is required for the dual degree: 48 units of work in the Marshall School of Business and 36 units from the USC Price School of Public Policy. Students can complete the program on either a full- or part-time basis. The program normally requires five semesters of full-time study in residence.
Required courses that must be taken in the Marshall School of Business include: all required courses in an MBA program and graduate business electives sufficient to bring the total units completed in the Marshall School of Business to at least 48. Dual degree program students may not count courses taken outside the Marshall School of Business toward the 48 units.
See the USC Price School of Public Policy for Master of Planning course requirements.
The MBA and MPl degrees are awarded simultaneously upon completion of all program requirements.
The Master of Business Administration/Master of Real Estate Development dual degree program enables students to expand their skills in planning, land development, marketing, decision sciences, accounting, management, finance and economics. A more sophisticated real estate market makes this diversity of training essential for many students pursuing careers in real estate finance and development.
Completion of the MRED portion of the program requires that students have use of an approved laptop computer and demonstrate calculator and spreadsheet skills; a calculator and/or spreadsheet class is offered online.
Students must apply to both the Marshall School of Business and the USC Price School of Public Policy. Please consult the Admission section of each school for specific requirements.
This program normally requires two years (including summer) of full-time study in residence to complete.
A total of 82 units is required. Required courses include:
Dual degree program students may not count courses taken outside the Marshall School of Business toward the 48 units.
Comprehensive Examination: Students are required to complete a comprehensive examination administered by faculty members from both the Marshall School of Business and the USC Price School of Public Policy.
See Master of Business Administration/Master of Real Estate Development (MBA/MRED) for MRED course requirements.
The MBA and the MRED degrees are awarded simultaneously upon completion of all program requirements.
The MBA/MS dual degree program combines knowledge of the older population with the skills of business management. The program prepares graduates for a number of roles in both public and private sector organizations including the marketing of products or services to seniors, human resource development with older workers and retirement benefits.
Applicants to the MBA/MS in Gerontology should apply to both schools simultaneously.
The Master of Science in Gerontology requires 30 units of course and fieldwork, which cover the core content of the MS program. See the USC Davis School of Gerontology page for course requirements.
The Master of Business Administration component requires 48 units of credit. Required courses include:
Dual degree candidates may not count courses taken outside the Marshall School of Business for the 48 units.
The MBA and MS degrees are awarded simultaneously upon completion of all program requirements.
The Marshall School of Business in conjunction with the Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering offers a program leading to the degrees of Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering.
Applicants to the MBA/MS, Industrial and Systems Engineering program should apply to both schools simultaneously.
This alternative requires 66 units for graduates of industrial and systems engineering undergraduate curricula and leads to both a Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering and the Master of Business Administration.
The total number of units required for the MBA portion of the program is 48.
Required business courses include all required courses in an MBA program and graduate business electives sufficient to bring the total units completed in the Marshall School of Business to at least 48.
Dual degree program students may not count courses taken outside the USC Marshall School of Business toward the 48 units.
See here for industrial and systems engineering course requirements.
The MBA and the MS degrees are awarded simultaneously upon completion of all program requirements.
The Master of Business Administration/Master of Social Work dual degree program develops knowledge and skills in working with individuals, families and groups, as well as organizational dynamics, marketing, decision sciences, accounting and human relations. Students interested in working in the management of human services and not-for-profit organizations will develop knowledge of human resources, philanthropic and corporate social responsibility, organizational development and information management.
Prospective students must apply to both the Marshall School of Business and the USC School of Social Work.
The MBA/MSW degree program requires completion of a total of 96 units (48 in the Marshall School of Business and 48 in the School of Social Work).
Course requirements in the Marshall School of Business include all courses required for an MBA program and graduate business electives sufficient to bring the total units completed in the Marshall School of Business to at least 48. Dual degree program students may not count courses taken outside the Marshall School of Business toward the 48 units. See the School of Social Work section for Social Work (MSW) course requirements.
The MBA and the MSW degrees are awarded simultaneously upon completion of all program requirements.
The Doctor of Philosophy program in business administration is designed to produce research-oriented graduates who, from positions in academia, can advance the state-of-the-art of business practice and enhance the contributions that business can make to the larger community. These goals can be advanced through research contributions in theory, concepts, methods and practices, and contributions to the education of the next generation of business leaders. USC Marshall offers the PhD in Business Administration in the following five departments: Accounting, Finance and Business Economics, Data Sciences and Operations, Management and Organization, and Marketing.
All students admitted to the Marshall PhD degree program are supported by graduate assistantships or fellowships that require a full-time commitment to the program. No part-time or evening programs are available. PhD students begin their program in early August and are expected to be in residence 12 months each year throughout the program. Until the time the student is granted permission to take the qualifying examination, successful completion of at least six units per consecutive semester is required.
This degree is awarded under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Students should also refer to The Graduate School section of this catalogue. All courses applied toward the degree must be accepted by the Graduate School and relevant to the student's program of study. In most cases, the PhD degree takes five years to complete.
The PhD program in Business Administration welcomes applications from students with high intellectual aptitude who plan to pursue academic careers in research and teaching. Students with strong backgrounds in mathematics, psychology, the social sciences, engineering, computer science and the other sciences are encouraged to apply for admission. A master's degree or MBA is not a requirement for entry into the PhD program; students may enter with only a bachelor's degree. Prior academic research experience is desirable.
Students who wish to apply for admission to the PhD program should visit marshall.usc.edu/phd to obtain additional information about the PhD program and an online application. Only online applications are accepted. Students with additional questions that are not covered on the Website may contact the Marshall School PhD Program office located in Accounting Building 214, (213) 740-0676 or phd@marshall.usc.edu.
Applicants should secure three letters of recommendation. The PhD committee prefers that all recommendations be written by academics who are familiar with the applicant's scholastic and research capabilities. An applicant who has been away from an academic environment for a significant period of time may substitute one academic reference with a non-academic reference. Applicants also provide transcripts, GRE or GMAT scores, TOEFL or IELTS scores (if appropriate) and a statement of purpose. Applicants are encouraged to send a statement of research experience and a research writing sample, if available.
Consideration is given to the rigor of the undergraduate and master's curricula, academic performance, scores on the GRE or GMAT, the quality of the statement of purpose, fit with the department, the applicant's oral and written communication skills and letters of recommendation.
Campus interviews for top applicants may be initiated by the departments. In cases where in-person interviews cannot be arranged, alternative arrangements will be made.
All admitted students receive a fellowship or graduate assistantship, full tuition, health and dental insurance and payment of mandatory student health center fee for a minimum of four years dependent on continued satisfactory academic progress. This progress is assessed by the PhD program based on students maintaining at least the minimum enrollment, a GPA of at least 3.0, and satisfactory performance in graduate assistant assignments. At the end of the fourth year, students may apply for an assistantship for the fifth year of study. Students who receive assistantships serve as teaching assistants or research assistants each semester of the award. Teaching and teaching assistant assignments are made only after a student has passed the qualifying examination. For research assistant assignments, students are engaged with a faculty member in a businessrelated, applied-learning, scholarly activity to learn the skills necessary to conduct independent research.
The Doctor of Philosophy in business administration is based on a program of study and research culminating in the completion of a dissertation in the major field of study. A minimum of 60 units of course work beyond the baccalaureate is required for the PhD degree, including research courses and a minimum of 4 units and a maximum of 8 units of GSBA 794a Doctoral Dissertation, GSBA 794b Doctoral Dissertation, GSBA 794c Doctoral Dissertation, GSBA 794d Doctoral Dissertation and GSBA 794z Doctoral Dissertation. For students who already possess an advanced graduate degree, a minimum of 40 semester units of course work beyond that degree is required, of which a maximum of 4 units may be GSBA 794a Doctoral Dissertation, GSBA 794b Doctoral Dissertation, GSBA 794c Doctoral Dissertation, GSBA 794d Doctoral Dissertation and GSBA 794z Doctoral Dissertation. Doctoral students are subject to disqualification at any time that the Marshall School of Business determines that they are deficient in academic achievement. All students must maintain a 3.0 GPA at all times.
In addition to the papers and examinations assigned in first-year courses, a screening process will occur in May. This process will include a review of each student's grades, an analysis of competence in written communications and reports from faculty members who have had in-class or other responsibility for the student. In most departments, a screening exam is required. The nature of the exam varies by department. Generally, a screening examination or other procedure designated by the department (Accounting, Finance and Business Economics, Data Sciences and Operations, Management and Organization, and Marketing) is to be administered before the student has taken more than 24 units (including research courses). However, the Accounting and Finance and Business Economics departments require their students to take the departmental course requirements until the end of the second year; students must take up to 36 units before the departmental screening procedure is administered. Based upon this review, the PhD committee will determine whether the student should continue in the PhD program. Students who have not performed satisfactorily will be dropped from the program. The review shall normally be completed and results communicated to students by July 1. In some cases a first-year summer project may be taken into account in determining whether a student should continue in the program.
Students are responsible for finding a qualifying exam committee chair among the student's home department faculty by the fall semester of the second year. The qualifying exam committee should be established within the student's home department at least two semesters prior to taking the qualifying examination and after the student has passed the screening procedure. The qualifying exam committee comprises a minimum of five tenured, tenure-track and non-tenure track USC faculty, three of whom must be from the student's home department. At least one faculty member from the home department must be tenured. One member must be from outside the student's home department (within or outside of Marshall). The qualifying exam committee advises the student on courses during the first two years and oversees and grades the qualifying examination.
Within 90 days of passing the qualifying exam, the dissertation committee chair must be identified. The dissertation committee must be appointed within six months after the qualifying examination has been passed and a dissertation topic approved. The committee should be appointed at least one month before the dissertation defense. The appointment of dissertation committee form, available on the Graduate School Website, is used to establish the dissertation committee. The dissertation committee is normally composed of three members, although additional members may be included at the student's and committee chair's discretion. The committee chair and at least one additional member must be affiliated with the student's home department. Faculty eligible to serve as committee members include tenured and tenure-track faculty, and nontenure track faculty of outstanding stature who have a documented record of exceptional expertise and superior achievement in a field relevant to the dissertation. At least two members of the committee should be tenured or tenure-track, including the committee chair.
The Marshall School of Business PhD program requires an outside member for both the qualifying exam committee and dissertation committee. The outside member may be a faculty member from another department within Marshall or from another school within USC. Students may also include a person from a different university as an additional member with the permission of the chair; however, this person cannot substitute for the required outside member.
Each student must successfully complete one course in microeconomics or behavioral sciences, one course in statistics and one course in research design plus the core courses in his or her field of specialization. Advanced course work is specified by the student's guidance committee in preparation for the qualifying examinations in the area of specialization. The areas are: accounting, data sciences and operations, finance and business economics, management and organization, and marketing.
The examination qualifying a student for candidacy may be comprehensive in nature. It is designed to determine the student's competence in the area of specialization.
The qualifying examination consists of two sections: written and oral. The written section must be passed before the oral section; if a student does not pass the written examination, the oral examination need not be administered.
In preparing for the qualifying examination, students form a qualifying exam committee. This committee helps the student prepare for the exam and also administers the written and oral section of the examination. See also The Graduate School section of this catalogue.
The final phase of the program is the completion of a dissertation. The dissertation must be based on an original investigation that makes a substantive contribution to knowledge and demonstrates the student's capacity for independent, scholarly research. The quality of the dissertation should meet the standards for publication in leading academic journals in the field.
Typically, research in business administration involves studies that advance the body of knowledge concerned with issues and solution of problems confronting managers and administrators. As a result, a dissertation will (1) develop or extend theories, techniques or models relevant to managerial problems; (2) demonstrate original applications or adaptations of existing theories, techniques or models to managerial problems in a specific area; (3) develop innovative formulations and analyses of complex managerial problems and propose creative approaches to their solution; and/or (4) employ scientific research methodology to test empirically the validity of existing theories, techniques or models and their application to specific types of managerial problems.
A dissertation committee chair shall be requested by the student and appointed by the dean of the PhD program within 90 days after the student has passed the qualifying examination. The remaining faculty on the dissertation committee shall be appointed within six months after the student has passed the qualifying exam.
The dissertation committee must consist of at least three tenured or tenure-track faculty, two of whom must be from the student's home department. At least one faculty member from the home department must be tenured.
One member must be from outside the student's department and the Marshall School of Business. Students may add additional faculty to the committee, especially those who might provide valuable expertise that improves the dissertation. It is important that the student select faculty members who are committed and interested in serving on the committee, since a quality dissertation requires extensive interaction with and a sizable time commitment from individual faculty members. See also the Qualifying Exam Committee and Dissertation Committee section above for further details.
When the dissertation committee agrees that the candidate has essentially completed the research and a satisfactory draft of the dissertation has been written, a final oral examination is held. This examination is open to all members of the faculty of the school and the university. Final judgment of the dissertation and the oral defense is rendered by the members of the dissertation committee. The dissertation must be accepted unanimously by the dissertation committee. Further information on procedures is contained in the The Graduate School section of this catalogue.
The Food Industry Management Program offers undergraduate and graduate courses emphasizing marketing, retailing, financial and management aspects of the food industry. Completion of the program is acknowledged by a Food Industry Management Certificate.
To qualify for admission and a scholarship grant for the undergraduate food industry management program, students must be currently employed in a management position in the food retailing, wholesaling or manufacturing industry and recommended by their employer. Also, they must have completed at least 64 undergraduate units (or have completed a bachelor's degree) with an academic standing adequate for admission to USC.
To receive a certificate, students must complete 16 units during the one-semester program. Students must take all required FIM courses for the time they are in the program.
Return to: USC Marshall School of Business
The business administration major combines a strong grounding in business fundamentals and expertise in select functional areas with extensive exposure to the liberal arts. The curriculum is designed with significant flexibility so that students can complement their studies in business with a minor in a field outside business.
Marshall School programs lead to a Bachelor of Science degree; the most common major is Business Administration. Marshall students may major in Accounting through the Leventhal School of Accounting (part of the Marshall School).
The Marshall School offers three emphasis programs: the program with the School of Cinematic Arts leads to a BS in Business Administration with an emphasis in Cinematic Arts; the program with the School of International Relations leads to a BS in Business Administration with an emphasis in International Relations; and the program in the Finance and Business Economics department leads to a BS in Business Administration with an emphasis in Real Estate Finance. The Marshall School and USC Viterbi School of Engineering offer a combined degree program leading to a BS in Business Administration/Computer Science; this degree is administered by the Viterbi School of Engineering. Students in the BS in Business Administration (World Program) earn bachelor's degrees from USC, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Bocconi University (Milan, Italy). The Marshall School also offers a variety of minors for non-business students.
Students may be admitted to the program as incoming freshmen, as students transferring from another college or university, or as USC undergraduates transferring from another major. Admission to the Marshall School requires admission to the university and depends on academic performance, particularly in quantitative areas. USC students who have not been admitted to the major or a minor in the Marshall School may complete a maximum of 12 units from the Marshall School and/or the Leventhal School. Information and guidelines for students applying to USC Marshall as freshmen and those transferring to USC from another university are available at the USC Undergraduate Admission and USC Marshall Undergraduate Admissions Websites; information and guidelines for USC undergraduates who wish to transfer to Marshall from another major at USC can be found on the Marshall Undergraduate Advising Website.
The undergraduate programs in business administration have three main goals: (1) graduates will have a grounding in skills and concepts that are fundamental to business; (2) graduates will have deep expertise in one or more specific areas of business, selected according to the student's personal and professional goals and objectives; and (3) graduates will have extensive exposure to the liberal arts, usually with a formal minor in a field outside business.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing. For more information about USC's general education requirements, see the General Education Program page for more information.
The Marshall School offers students a variety of opportunities to cultivate a global mind. Classes like international trade and commercial policy, financial management of multinational corporations, international finance, multinational marketing, and international management practices and negotiation broaden students' understanding of managing a global business. Opportunities to travel and study outside the United States allow students to develop skills for functioning in different cultures, societies and economic environments, and to understand a wide variety of international business practices. Contact the offices of Undergraduate Student Services or Undergraduate Advising for information about international study opportunities at Marshall, including:
Students are encouraged to take advantage of one of Marshall's international experiential learning programs. Each includes a nine-day faculty-led trip to a city outside the United States, where students meet with business, political and civic leaders. The Learning about International Commerce (LINC) Program is a 2-unit class open to freshman students who apply. The Global Leadership Program (GLP) is a two-course sequence open by invitation to select first-year students in the incoming freshman class. GLP invitations are extended by the USC Marshall Undergraduate Admissions Office. The Transfer International Experience (TIE) Program consists of two 1-unit classes open to transfer students who apply.
The international exchange program is a one-semester exchange program with a host institution in Asia, Australia, South America or Europe during either the fall or spring semester. Exposure to international cultures and practices in business and non-business settings provides another level of understanding of international business. Students complete between four to eight courses at the host institution (15–18 USC units). All instruction is in English, so foreign language proficiency is not required. Courses completed at the host school are graded credit/no credit on the student's USC transcript. The courses are selected from a list approved by the Marshall School of Business and satisfy the business elective requirement.
The Marshall School offers unpaid international internship programs in London, Madrid, Dublin, Sydney, Hong Kong, Milan and Singapore during the summer session. The program provides students with theoretical and practical experiences working and navigating within the international global environment. The program consists of an eight-week internship abroad. In addition, unpaid social entrepreneurship internships are offered in Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda and Ghana. Funded internships in Bangkok and Jakarta are also offered.
BUAD 490 Directed Research provides an opportunity to pursue research above and beyond the normal course offerings. This course is open to juniors and seniors with a 3.0 or better grade point average who have obtained approval from a faculty sponsor, the department chair and the Office of Undergraduate Advising by the semester prior to enrollment. Units are assigned on a variable basis with a maximum of 12 units toward an undergraduate degree, 4 units per semester. Students may also work with faculty as research assistants.
Marshall Honors, available upon graduation to majors in business administration or accounting, provides a special designation of departmental honors on a student's transcript. Acceptance to the program requires completion of at least 64 units of course work (including transfer units), a GPA of 3.5 or higher in course work to be applied to the major, an application, and a successful interview with the director of the program. Achievement of Marshall Honors requires completion of BUAD 493 Marshall Honors Research Seminar (4 units) prior to the senior year, a thesis (research project and paper) conducted under the guidance of a Marshall faculty member during the senior year, and a minimum GPA of at least 3.5 in upper-division Marshall School and Leventhal School courses applied to the major. For additional information, contact the Office of Undergraduate Advising, BRI 104, (213) 740-0690 or the program director.
Academic advisement is provided through the Office of Undergraduate Advising located in Bridge Hall 104, (213) 740-0690 or undergrad.advising@marshall.usc.edu. Incoming freshman and new transfer students are required to meet with an academic adviser before registering, and this requirement is in effect until 24 USC units are completed. All students are encouraged to see an academic adviser on a regular basis, and continuing USC students may schedule appointments throughout the year.
The Marshall Connections Program (MCP) helps first-year students develop strong connections to the university and the Marshall school. MCP promotes student engagement and success through its co-curricular events, advisement programs and faculty mentors. The Marshall Peer Tutoring program offers free tutoring in selected subjects, and a variety of academic support programs and workshops are also offered to all undergraduates.
Students may register for business courses directly using the Web registration system, according to their scheduled appointment times. Appointment times are based on number of units completed. For example, seniors have the first opportunity to register for a course. It is important to register as soon as one's appointment allows or priority standing will be lost. There are no waiting lists for Marshall undergraduate courses.
The Marshall School recognizes the importance of integrating education with experience. The Undergraduate Student Services Office, in cooperation with the USC Career Center, assists business school undergraduates with securing externships, internships and full time positions. Moreover, this office provides students with career support and access to alumni. Students who actively participate in these programs maximize their opportunities for professional development and employment after graduation.
Students are also encouraged to participate in student organizations to build leadership, teamwork and networking skills. The Marshall School has more than 40 student organizations.
The Student Services Office also offers over 32 international exchange programs in Asia, Australia, South America and Europe. Through these programs, students spend a semester overseas and fulfill business elective requirements. The office also coordinates international summer internship programs and week-long international travel opportunities in Africa, Asia, South America and Europe.
Beta Gamma Sigma is the national honor society for business students. The Marshall School of Business chapter has been active since 1923. Juniors in the top 10 percent of the class and seniors in the top 10 percent of the class are invited to join. For further information, contact the Office of Undergraduate Advising.
USC has established articulation agreements with most community colleges in California. Most academic courses are acceptable for transfer credit from a two-year school, but students will not receive credit for remedial course work. Courses that do not appear on the articulation agreement are not transferable. A maximum of 64 semester units may be transferred. There are university restrictions that apply to transferring course work from other institutions that may affect the above rule. Check with the Degree Progress Department (JHH 010) for information about transferable courses. Prospective freshman or transfer students should contact the USC Admissions Office. Continuing USC students should speak with an adviser in the Marshall Office of Undergraduate Advising.
Official transcripts of college work taken elsewhere must be submitted at the time of application to the USC Office of Admission. ECON 351 x and ECON 352 gx must be taken in residence at USC, and all business courses completed at a two year college, if transferable, will be considered elective credit. There is one exception to this policy: Students may transfer two semesters of introductory accounting and receive credit equivalent to one semester of introductory accounting at USC. Then students can register for BUAD 305 Abridged Core Concepts of Accounting Information.
Most courses of an academic nature are acceptable for unit credit from all fully accredited four year institutions. If they do not satisfy specific subject requirements at USC, they will usually be accepted for elective course credit.
Students are urged to complete all their required business courses at USC. ECON 351 x and ECON 352 gx must be completed at USC. All business courses from four year institutions, if transferable, will be considered elective credit unless a challenge examination is passed. All upper division core classes, with the exception of BUAD 497 Strategic Management and BUAD 425 Data Analysis for Decision Making, may be challenged. Students should consult with an academic adviser to initiate the challenge examination process.
The Leventhal School also offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. See the USC Leventhal School of Accounting pages for a complete listing of information regarding courses, programs and requirements.
This combined program offers qualified students the opportunity to gain an educational foundation in both computer science and business administration. Students must meet the admission requirements for both programs. The degree is administered by the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, and student advising is provided by the Viterbi School of Engineering. See Computer Science for complete degree requirements.
The Marshall School and the School of Journalism jointly offer a 24-unit advertising minor for students interested in building a career in or developing a better understanding of the field of advertising. Through this program of study, students explore the key role played by advertising in today's global economy. At no time has advertising been more successful or more controversial than it is today, and this program will explore both the positives and the negatives.
Emphasis is placed on both the practical skills required to meet the demands of the marketplace and the theoretical underpinnings of those practices. Program content includes: the history of advertising; creation of written and visual advertising elements; the measurement, selection and analysis of media; the concept of "branding"; the role of advertising in creating and maintaining successful brands; the analysis of advertising campaign case studies; and the creation of integrated marketing communication campaigns. See the Advertising Minor in the School of Journalism for course requirements.
The Marshall School and the departments of biological sciences and chemistry in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences jointly offer the minor in biotechnology. This minor brings essential knowledge in the basic sciences together with the corporate skills needed in a rapidly growing industry. The minor is especially well suited for the business, biology, chemistry or engineering student seeking a career in business and/or the biomedical/bio-technical sciences. Refer to Biological Sciences for a list of required courses.
The Minor in Innovation: The Digital Entrepreneur is jointly sponsored by the Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies in the Marshall School of Business and the Information Technology Program of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. The minor is designed for students from a wide range of backgrounds who are interested in starting their own digital ventures, working for start-up companies or consulting firms that advise in the field, or pursuing traditional jobs with large corporations that may be launching new digital business units. Students will learn all major elements of launching a digital venture including ideation, feasibility analysis, high-tech product management, online customer acquisition, technology implementation, online business models and monetization. Students will work on launching a digital venture in a team-based environment in the capstone class. The minor is available to business majors. See Information Technology Program for course requirements.
This interdisciplinary minor is for students in all schools with an interest in human relations as a subject of study or professional goal. In addition to course work in organizational behavior, social psychology and management, this minor includes attention to questions of ethics and leadership. See Sociology for course requirements.
This interdisciplinary minor was created for students in
business, economics and mathematics, whose majors already require
some of the introductory course work. Students in other programs
are welcome but should expect the minor to require more units than
it does for students in those programs. See Mathematical
Finance Minor in Mathematics for course requirements.
The interdisciplinary Minor in Media Economics and Entrepreneurship is available to students in all schools and departments. It introduces students to the trends of the contemporary media and information industries and gives them an understanding of the role that entrepreneurship plays in the new economy. Students with professional media industry aspirations will learn basic economic literacy and discover the key factors that shape competition in information markets. Further, the minor fosters an entrepreneurial mindset in students and helps them to develop the entrepreneurial skills required to build successful careers and ventures in the media and information sector. For more details see the School of Communication.
Return to: USC Marshall School of Business
The Marshall School of Business prepares men and women to become leaders at every level of management. Today's successful businesses demand flexibility, innovation, creativity, teamwork and leadership from their employees. The Marshall School's goal is to help students meet those demands through a rigorous grounding in all functional areas of business and the honing of analytical and interpersonal skills required to address real business problems.
The more than 185 faculty members at the school include authorities recognized around the world for their contributions to business theory and practice. They are also distinguished by their dedication to teaching excellence.
The Marshall School of Business offers seven graduate degrees: The Master of Business Administration (MBA), the Master of Science (MS) in Business Administration, Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Finance, Global Supply Chain Management and Social Entrepreneurship, the Master of Business for Veterans (MBV), the Master of Management in Library and Information Science (MMLIS), the Master of Management Studies (MMS), the Master of Medical Management (MMM) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The Marshall School jointly sponsors a Master of Long Term Care Administration. Graduate certificates in supply chain management, financial analysis and valuation, technology commercialization, management studies, business fundamentals for non-business professionals, library and information management and sustainability and business are also offered.
A bachelor's degree equivalent to a four-year U.S. undergraduate degree from an accredited institution (regardless of field or major) is required for admission to any master's degree program at the Marshall School of Business.
Successful performance in Marshall master's programs requires computer proficiency in word processing, database management, electronic spreadsheets and business graphics. Following admission, Marshall Instructional Technology Services is available for additional preparation. Knowledge of calculus is a prerequisite to some of the courses offered by the Marshall School of Business.
All applicants are required to submit the following documents: (1) completed application form; (2) a nonrefundable application fee; (3) responses to required essay questions; (4) history of full- and part-time work experience or resume; (5) one official transcript from the registrar of each college or university attended (undergraduate and postgraduate, if applicable) whether the degree was completed or not. If all college or postgraduate work has not been completed, transcripts must be sent again when work in progress is completed and the degree posted. Transcripts written in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation; if transcripts do not include a degree conferral date, degrees must be verified through WES or IERF; and (6) letters of recommendation. (7) Most programs require Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Applicants must have taken the examination prior to submitting an application. It is recommended that unofficial copies of test scores be submitted as uploaded documents with the application in addition to having official scores sent to USC. (8) All international students who did not earn a bachelor's degree from a college or university in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand must submit recent scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE). Official test scores are sent by the testing services directly to USC, and unofficial copies can be uploaded as attachments to the application. Additionally, proof of financial support is required of admitted international applicants.
To ensure a place in a program and adequate time to receive an admission decision, it is important to send completed application materials well in advance of the semester for which the applicant wishes to register. For the non-traditional student, if work is still in progress to complete a bachelor's degree, the applicant must state specifically what courses are in progress, what must be done to finish and the estimated date of completion. Admission is contingent upon official verification of a bachelor's degree.
In their review of applications, admissions committees consider all of the applicant's completed academic work, test score, evidence of leadership and motivation, letters of recommendation, level of job responsibility and work history, and unique talents and contributions. Applicants are reviewed on their potential for successful performance in graduate business studies and their competitiveness within the current applicant pool.
Additional program-specific admission criteria are detailed below and available on each program's Website. Links are available at marshall.usc.edu/masters.
MBA students gain an understanding of the forces confronting business around the world and are encouraged to take an active role in making a difference — to seek out opportunities for personal and professional growth and to empower others in the pursuit of shared goals. The Master of Business Administration is offered through five distinct programs.
While the five programs are designed to meet the needs of different types of students, all programs have the same goals: providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective leaders; developing a thorough understanding of business fundamentals such as economics, accounting, finance, marketing and operations; and refining basic skills, such as use of information systems and statistical analysis. Each student is challenged to develop self-understanding and an appreciation for the complexities of organizations.
The Marshall MBA program is designed for individuals who can leave the world of work and immerse themselves "full time" in two years of graduate education. It provides a foundation for success that balances theory with real-world application.
During the first year, a "hands-on" approach to leadership and business education combines case analysis, management simulations, executive seminars and international travel with traditional methods for establishing a conceptual understanding of the general management role in a global context. Elective options in the second semester allow students to complement the core curriculum with individualized interests. Summer internships help students apply their knowledge in practice and prepare for the job market.
In year two, students continue to chart their own course of study. A wide array of elective courses offers students immersion in specific functional areas, disciplines and industries. The selection allows students to gain an indepth understanding of a particular subject or to continue to pursue a broad-based management education. See the Full-time MBA Program.
The MBA Program for Professionals and Managers (MBAPM) allows fully employed individuals to pursue an MBA degree while continuing their career development. Students can pursue the first year of study at the University Park Campus or at the USC Orange County Center in Irvine. Elective course work is completed mainly on the University Park Campus. The curriculum, offered in the evening, is similar to the curriculum offered to full-time MBA students but is modified to allow completion of the program in 33 months. See the MBA Program for Professionals and Managers.
The Online MBA (OMBA) program enables students to develop expertise in business administration, management and leadership through a rigorous course of study, most of which is delivered using flexible online technologies. The program content covers business fundamentals including accounting, economics, finance, data sciences, marketing, management, operations and entrepreneurship; communication and analytics training are interwoven with the entire program. The program takes advantage of distinctive educational opportunities offered by online technologies, both in terms of teaching methods and content and helps students to increase their effectiveness as business leaders, corporate managers and entrepreneurs.
The program is structured so that it can be completed in as little as 21 months. Students can work through much of the material on a flexible schedule customized to their own needs, making the program especially convenient to students who are currently employed and wish to remain at their jobs while enrolled. Content is delivered by faculty members with strong backgrounds in practice and research from different disciplines teaching in a team format to integrate understanding of business fundamentals, internal and external operations, business environments and leadership. See the Online MBA Program.
The Executive MBA program provides those with significant work experience, particularly mid- to senior-level professionals who have high potential as business and industry leaders, a chance to complete an MBA on Fridays and Saturdays over a two-year period without interrupting their careers. The program is offered on the University Park Campus in downtown Los Angeles as well as in San Diego.
This program uses a non-traditional, interdisciplinary approach to executive and management education through "themes" that integrate various functional areas and address classic, yet dynamic business issues.
Through the integrated curriculum, participants develop a complete understanding of decision-making, a focus on the future and the international context of business as well as strong interpersonal, leadership and analytical skills. More specifically, participants achieve advanced skills in corporate and international finance, marketing, environmental and strategic analysis, information technology, organizational leadership, managerial communication and corporate relations.
Core faculty include the school's most senior, experienced members as well as nationally renowned academic and business specialists. The program includes three residential off-site experiences — two domestic and one international. See the Executive MBA Program.
The IBEAR MBA is a mid-career international MBA emphasizing trade and investment in and between the Americas and Asia in particular. Participants complete the equivalent of two years of intensive MBA study and return to their careers in 12 months.
In addition to an internationalized set of core courses, the program includes elective course offerings on international management, international financial management, global e-business, global marketing strategy, international trade, politics for global management and global strategy.
The program features a two-term international business consulting project, a cross-cultural team-building retreat, a visiting international expert speaker series and participation in Marshall's annual Asia/Pacific Business Outlook Conference.
IBEAR MBA graduates join a network of well-placed alumni in more than 50 nations. See the International MBA Program.
The Global Executive MBA program (GEMBA) in Shanghai is designed for rising business leaders throughout East Asia and the Pacific Rim who seek a U.S.-style business education with a global perspective. GEMBA provides a unique opportunity for networking and personal development within the framework of an increasingly competitive Asian market.
GEMBA mirrors the long-standing Marshall Executive MBA program, employing a nontraditional, interdisciplinary and integrated approach to executive and management education through "themes" that integrate various functional areas and address classic, yet dynamic business issues.
Core faculty include the school's most senior, experienced members as well as renowned academic and business specialists.
Through the integrated curriculum, participants develop a complete understanding of decision-making, a focus on the future and the international context of business as well as strong interpersonal, leadership and analytical skills. More specifically, participants achieve advanced skills in corporate and international finance, marketing, environmental and strategic analysis, information technology, organizational leadership, managerial communication and corporate relations.
USC Marshall offers GEMBA in partnership with the Antai College of Economics and Management at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China. Because classes meet in both Shanghai and Los Angeles, students must be able to participate fully in the travel requirements of the program. Classes are taught in English. See the Global Executive MBA Program.
Students may complete dual degrees in conjunction with the Marshall MBA, MBAPM or IBEAR MBA programs.
Admission criteria for applicants to dual degree programs co-sponsored by the Marshall School of Business are the same as Master of Business Administration program admission criteria.
Students interested in dual degree programs should apply to the specific MBA program suited to the individual's needs.
Dual degree programs offer graduate students the opportunity to complete concurrently the requirements for two degrees. The Marshall School offers the MBA in conjunction with a number of other programs at USC:
The Master of Management Studies is designed to provide students who have completed graduate business course work equivalent to the first year of a traditional two-year MBA program with an opportunity to pursue further studies at the USC Marshall School of Business. The program is especially valuable for those who have completed the first year of a traditional MBA at another institution and those who completed one-year MBA programs and wish to enhance their knowledge in specialized areas of business. The degree can be completed on either a full- or part-time basis, and classes are available during both daytime and evening hours. See Management Studies (MMS).
The Master of Science in Business Administration is designed to provide students with an opportunity to pursue an area of specialization subsequent to successfully completing the Master of Business Administration (MBA). The program is especially valuable for those who wish to enhance their knowledge base in a specialized area of business. In cooperation with a faculty member, the student in this program designs a course of study to meet his or her individual needs. The degree can be completed on either a full- or part-time basis, and classes are available during both daytime and evening hours. See Business Administration (MS).
The Master of Science in Business Research is designed to provide an alternative for Marshall PhD students. Marshall does not accept applications for admission to this program. See Business Research (MS).
The Master of Science in Business Analytics is designed for managers who want to develop their analytical skills and recent college graduates with strong analytical skills who are interested in pursuing a career in business analytics. The program provides students with tools, ideas and frameworks that will aid them in making business decisions in a scientific manner, based on actual data, to improve the performance of their organization. See Business Analytics (MS).
This program is designed for physicians in the medical field who wish to gain formal business knowledge and develop critical thinking skills. Significant project and course work is completed primarily through distance learning venues. The program consists of four one-week intensive residential sessions. See Medical Management (MMM).
This program is designed to prepare competent individuals to administer the long term needs of America's elderly population. It is jointly offered by the USC Davis School of Gerontology, the Marshall School of Business, and the USC Price School of Public Policy. For information, see the USC Davis School of Gerontology.
The Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation is designed to develop the entrepreneurial knowledge, skill sets, and decision-making frameworks required to recognize and evaluate business opportunities and to create and guide a new entrepreneurial entity either individually or within a larger organization. The program is intended for students seeking to pursue careers in entrepreneurship, corporate venturing and innovation, or technology commercialization. The degree can be completed on either a full-time basis in one year or on a part-time basis over two years, and classes are offered primarily at night to accommodate the needs of working professionals. For more information see Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MS).
The Master of Science in Finance is designed to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to become experts in finance and thus advance their careers in business. The program is exceptionally well suited to individuals completing a bachelor's degree who are seeking an opportunity to continue their studies at USC for one year and earn a master's degree in finance before entering the work force. It is also well suited to those who have earned or soon will earn a master's degree and wish to earn a second master's degree. For more information see Finance (MS).
The Marshall School of Business offers individuals across the U.S. and around the world an opportunity to expand their knowledge of management of the ever-changing world of global supply chains. The program provides managers with tools, ideas and frameworks that will aid them in improving the performance of the global supply chains that they manage. Courses are broadcast via distance learning technologies so that, with the exception of two international travel experiences, the degree can be completed through the Internet. Additional in-person instructional activities are provided at partner institutions. Two international travel experiences to global distribution hubs are included in the program. In-person midterms and final exams may be required for some courses, in which case they will be administered in cities near student population concentrations. See Global Supply Chain Management for Executives (MS) (Online).
The Marshall School of Business, jointly with the Viterbi School of Engineering, offers individuals an opportunity to expand their knowledge of the management of global supply chains. The program focuses on teaching the necessary knowledge and skills in areas like inventory management; sustainable supply chains; strategic procurement; outsourcing; logistics and distribution; information technology and its role in managing global supply chains; and supply chain optimization. This 27-unit on-campus program can be completed on a full-time basis in one calendar year. See Global Supply Chain Management (On‑Campus/Residential) (MS).
The Master of Science in Marketing is designed to develop an in-depth knowledge of relevant and innovative marketing skills and techniques for prospective students interested in pursuing a career in marketing or enhancing their existing marketing career. The degree can be completed on full-time basis in one calendar year or part-time. Classes are available during both daytime and evening hours. For more information see Marketing (MS).
The Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship gives students the opportunity to learn business and entrepreneurship skills within a framework of combining both financial and social missions. The program can be completed in one year (full-time students) or two or more years (part-time students). Courses are offered on the University Park Campus in downtown Los Angeles in the evenings and on weekends. For more information see Social Entrepreneurship (MS).
This program is designed for veterans who wish to gain formal business knowledge and develop critical thinking skills to manage or grow a business. Significant project and course work is completed during the two-semester program. Class sessions meet over 16 full-day sessions each semester, offered on the University Park Campus in downtown Los Angeles. See Business for Veterans (MBV).
The Master of Management in Library and Information Science program is designed to educate professional librarians for leadership from every level of the organization in academic, urban and corporate environments. Graduates will identify and analyze critical issues and leverage resources and expertise to build community assets. The program is taught entirely online. See Library and Information Science (MMLIS).
The Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics is designed for individuals who want to develop the analytical skills needed to work with today's complex data sets in the support of business decision-making. The certificate can be completed on either a full- or part-time basis, and classes are available during both daytime and evening hours. See Business Analytics Graduate Certificate for course requirements.
The Graduate Certificate in Business Fundamentals for Non-Business Professionals is designed for individuals who hold undergraduate degrees in non-business fields and seek core business knowledge to support management responsibilities or relationships with business professionals but who are not likely to pursue an MBA. It is best suited to mid- and senior-level managers, professional and technical specialists assuming management responsibilities, those seeking improved career mobility, individuals returning to the work force and small business owners. The program provides a basic introduction to the major disciplines within the field of business, common business practices and effective business communication. Classes are offered primarily at night to accommodate the needs of working professionals. See Business Fundamentals for Non-Business Professionals Graduate Certificate for course requirements.
The Graduate Certificate in Financial Analysis and Valuation is designed to offer students the intensive instruction and training needed to successfully compete in rapidly developing global financial markets. Course work in the fundamental theories and practice of financial accounting, financial analysis, valuation, credit analysis, and financial instruments and markets expands analytical capacities to better understand and develop strategic financial decisions. See Financial Analysis and Valuation Graduate Certificate for course requirements.
The online Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Management is uniquely designed to serve both those who are looking to explore library and information management without committing to an entire degree and those who currently hold the equivalent MLIS degree looking to specialize in a specific aspect of the field. See Library and Information Management Graduate Certificate for course requirements.
The Graduate Certificate in Management Studies is designed to provide students who have completed graduate business course work equivalent to the first year of a traditional two-year MBA program with an opportunity to pursue further studies at the USC Marshall School of Business. The program is especially valuable for those who have completed the first year of a traditional MBA at another institution and those who completed a one-year MBA program and wish to enhance their knowledge in specialized areas of business. The certificate can be completed on either a full- or part-time basis, and classes are available during both daytime and evening hours. See Management Studies Graduate Certificate for course requirements.
The Graduate Certificate in Marketing is designed for individuals who want to develop the analytical and technical skills needed to work with today's complex marketing issues in the support of effective business decision-making. The certificate can be completed on either a full- or part-time basis, and classes are available during both daytime and evening hours. See Marketing Graduate Certificate for course requirements.
The Optimization and Supply Chain Management Program is offered by the Marshall School of Business in partnership with the Viterbi School of Engineering. The program offers individuals opportunities to expand their knowledge of the rapidly expanding uses of technology in the management of global supply chains. The certificate may be completed on either a full- or part-time basis. Most classes applicable to the program are offered during both daytime and evening hours. Many of the ISE courses included in the curricula are available online. See Optimization and Supply Chain Management Graduate Certificate for course requirements.
The Graduate Certificate in Sustainability and Business is designed to offer individuals the instruction and training they need to help shape solutions to social and environmental sustainability challenges, both from within and from outside the business sector. Course work includes sustainability strategies and practices, business law and ethics, and sourcing management. The program is suited to students coming from a broad range of backgrounds. Applicants do not need to be matriculated USC students to undertake the program. Anyone who holds a four-year bachelor's degree is welcome to apply. See Sustainability and Business Graduate Certificate for course requirements.
The Graduate Certificate in Technology Commercialization, offered through the Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, provides technology commercialization skills in an academic/real world environment that combines theory and practice. Through a living laboratory academic program, students experience the entire spectrum of the commercialization process: invention, product development, technical and market feasibility analysis, intellectual property acquisition, business development and venture funding. Working with USC scientists and engineers, students have the potential to become stakeholders in a new technology venture. They are also eligible to apply for summer internships sponsored by industry partners to give them additional experience in taking a new technology to market. The program is particularly well suited to those in science, engineering and business. See Technology Commercialization Graduate Certificate for course requirements.
The Doctor of Philosophy program in business administration is designed to produce research-oriented graduates who, from positions in academia, can advance business practice and enhance the contributions that businesses make to the larger community. These goals can be advanced through research contributions in theory, concepts, methods and practices, and education of the next generation of business leaders. For more information see Business Administration (PhD).
Subject waiver of required courses may be granted to students based on prior academic work subject to university policy limitations and in some cases by examination. All waived courses must be replaced with electives.
Further information regarding the waiver policy in the Marshall School of Business may be obtained from the program adviser for the applicable degree program following admission.
Students who are currently enrolled in one degree program who wish to change their degree status to another program must formally apply for admission to that program through the Admission Office for the applicable program. Details concerning individual student requirements in other degree programs may be obtained by contacting the applicable program office.
Once admitted to a graduate degree program, the student must enroll at USC each fall and spring semester each year until she or he has satisfactorily completed all degree requirements. MBAPM students must enroll at USC each fall and spring semester and summer session each year until they have satisfactorily completed all degree requirements.
If for military, medical, religious or job-related reasons a student must skip a semester, the student must petition for a leave of absence. The petition should be submitted to the student's program adviser no later than the first day of class for the semester of the leave. Leave of absence request forms are available by electronic mail, fax or hard copy.
If granted, the period of leave is not counted in the time allowed for the completion of degree requirements, and the student is allowed to complete the degree requirements in effect when he or she was originally admitted.
Once a leave is approved, it is the student's responsibility to withdraw from any classes for which the student has already enrolled. An approved leave may not exceed one academic year. A student whose leave exceeds one academic year or who fails to maintain continuous enrollment without obtaining an approved leave must, when ready to return to school, apply for readmission to the program. Applications for readmission are available by email, fax or hard copy. Contact the program adviser for the applicable program.
Students who must completely withdraw from a program must notify their program office of their withdrawal from the program. Students should contact their program office for more information or assistance.
Once matriculated into a Marshall School of Business program, a student must receive prior permission by petition from the appropriate Marshall program office to take course work (a maximum of six units) at another institution. Only course work from an AACSB accredited business school can be accepted. A grade of B or better must be earned. Permission is granted only in exceptional circumstances.
The Marshall School of Business does not allow students to take graduate (500-level) electives on any conditional or special status basis prior to application and an official admission decision except under the following condition: students completing a Master of Business Administration program at another accredited university outside of the Los Angeles area may take up to 12 units in the Marshall School of Business to complete their degrees, provided that a letter from the associate dean or program director at a student's university identifies the classes that will be accepted for credit by the university granting the degree.
Master's students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) or better to stay in good academic standing. Students who are not in good academic standing are subject to dismissal.
Grades below C (2.0) in all master's degree courses are not acceptable. If a lower grade is earned in a required course, the course must be repeated at USC and a grade of C or above must be earned. Degree credit will not be given for courses with grades of C- and below, but the grades are computed into the grade point average. Such courses should be repeated in the next semester in which the course in question is offered and must be repeated within one calendar year. Satisfactory completion of all required courses must occur prior to or concurrently with the beginning of advanced course work.
Master's students who, in a term, do not earn or maintain a 3.0 (A = 4.0) grade point average will be given an academic warning in the semester following the one in which they became deficient in grade points. Students who fail to achieve a 3.0 upon completion of the required number of units for any degree may, with the prior permission of the assistant dean or the vice dean of graduate programs, be allowed to take a maximum of 12 additional units at USC to obtain the required GPA. Petitions to take additional units should be submitted to the student's program office.
A student may be dismissed from a master's program whenever, in the judgment of the program's assistant dean and the vice dean for graduate programs, it is unlikely that the student will successfully complete his or her program.
Return to: USC Marshall School of Business
Freshmen from the USC Gordon S. Marshall School of Business
visit Hong Kong as part of the LINC program. Open to all incoming
first-year business and accounting majors, LINC, which stands for
stands for Learning About International Commerce, is an
experiential learning opportunity that exposes students to business
practices outside the United States. The only program of its kind
in the nation, LINC features a two-unit course in international
business and an eight-day trip abroad to meet with business
executives and business leaders.
Photo by Kristie Hoang.
The USC Marshall School of Business is a preeminent destination for understanding and advancing the role of business in society. USC Marshall offers critical education and insight in disciplines including communication, business economics, entrepreneurship, finance, information systems, business analytics, marketing, management, operations, real estate and statistics. The Leventhal School of Accounting, one of the nation's top ranked accounting schools and housed within Marshall, educates the next generation of leaders in that field.
Leveraging a world-class faculty, international student body and strategic location at the gateway to the Pacific Rim, USC Marshall is a pioneer in global business education. International experience is a required component of all MBA degree programs. Undergraduates have access to numerous overseas programs including study abroad and international internships, in addition to week-long global learning experiences.
USC Marshall prepares globally focused thought leaders and hands-on practitioners at every career level, in multiple locations and on a full-time, part-time or weekend schedule. It offers focused specialization through its seven one-year master's degrees in disciplines across the business spectrum, including business analytics, entrepreneurship and innovation, social entrepreneurship, marketing and global supply chain management. The UT Dallas rankings place Marshall faculty seventh worldwide for research. The school's entrepreneurship program is consistently ranked as one of the best, as is its alumni network.
Nearly 100 years after its founding in 1920 as USC's College of Commerce and Business Administration, Marshall's broad range of academic offerings and trailblazing Centers of Excellence continue to foster a dynamic academic environment that sets the standard for extraordinary leadership development and scholarship in business.
James G. Ellis, Dean, Robert R. Dockson Dean's Chair in Business Administration
Gareth James, PhD, Vice Dean, Faculty and Academic Affairs
Fernando Zapatero, PhD, Vice Dean, Graduate Programs and Executive Education
Sandra Chrystal, PhD, Vice Dean, Online Education
Tyrone Callahan, PhD, Vice Dean, Undergraduate Programs
Sunny Donenfeld, MILR, MBA, Senior Associate Dean, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer
Evie Lazzarino, BA, Associate Dean, Communications
Matthew De Vecchi, EdM, Senior Associate Dean for External Relations
Donna Bean, MBA, Assistant Dean, Academic Programs
Denise Millard, MBA, Director, Financial Planning and Management
Steve Adcook, MBA, Director, Human Resources
Kim D. West, PhD, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs
Tiffiani Frye, Director, Undergraduate Admissions
Anne Ziemnak, EdD, Manager, Undergraduate Student Services
Maureen McHale, PhD, Assistant Dean and Director, Undergraduate Advising
Joseph C. Nunes, PhD, Academic Director, World Bachelor in Business Program
Cynthia McCloud, MBA, Director, Food Industry Programs
Diane Badame, PhD, Assistant Dean and Academic Director, Full-Time MBA Program
Yurigrace Kim, Senior Associate Director, MBA Admissions
Christopher J. Harrer, Director, Full-Time MBA Program
Dawn Porter, PhD, Academic Director, MBAPM Program
Jeanette L. Christensen, MA, Director, MBAPM Program
Tim Campbell, PhD, Academic Director, EMBA
Brigitte M. Engel, BS, Director, EMBA Program
Baizhu Chen, PhD, Academic Director, GEMBA
John D. Van Fleet, MBA, Assistant Dean and Executive Director, GEMBA
Fatemeh Nazarian, PhD, Academic Director, IBEAR MBA Program
Fujiko Terayama, BA, Director, IBEAR MBA Program
Susan Hunt, MA, PhD, Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs
Thomas Knapp, MBA, Academic Director, Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
James Cunningham, PhD, MBA, Academic Director, Master of Science in Finance
Ken Haycock, EdD, Director, Master of Management in Library and Information Science
Alexis Hackathorn, MA, Coordinator – Student Services, Master of Management in Library and Information Science and Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Management
Merle Hopkins, PhD, Faculty Adviser, Master of Medical Management
Maeliene Mira, EML, Director, Master of Medical Management
Adlai Wertman, MBA, Academic Director, Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship
Jessica Levine, MEd, Director, Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship
Robert Turrill, PhD, Academic Director, Master of Business for Veterans
James Bogle, MBA, Associate Director, Master of Business for Veterans
Arvind Bhambri, PhD, Academic Director, Executive Education
Richard Suttie, MSF, MS, Assistant Dean, Executive Education
Anakkarat Barth, MA, Director, Office of Global Programs and Partnerships
K.R. Subramanyam, PhD, Associate Dean, PhD Program
Michelle Silver Lee, MSEd, EdD, Associate Director, PhD Program
USC Leventhal School of Accounting
Accounting 101
(213) 740-4838
FAX: (213) 747-2815
Email (graduate students): MAcc.MBT@marshall.usc.edu;
(undergraduate students): lsoa_undergrad@marshall.usc.edu
marshall.usc.edu/lsoa
William W. Holder, DBA, CPA, Dean, Alan Casden Dean's Chair at the Leventhal School of Accounting
Mark L. DeFond, PhD, CPA, Associate Dean, Faculty Affairs
Shirley Maxey, BA*, Associate Dean, Master's Programs
Mildred G. Penner, MA, Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Programs
George Bozanic and Holman G. Hurt Chair in Sports and Entertainment Business: S. Mark Young, PhD*
Deloitte & Touche LLP Chair in Accountancy: Kenneth A. Merchant, PhD, CPA
A.N. Mosich Chair in Accounting: Mark L. DeFond, PhD, CPA*
Accounting Circle Professor of Accounting: Randolph Beatty, PhD
KPMG Foundation Professor of Accounting: K.R. Subramanyam, PhD
Ernst & Young Professor of Accounting: Sarah E. Bonner, PhD, CPA*
Arthur Andersen & Co. Alumni Associate Professor of Accounting: Mark Soliman, PhD*
Accounting Associates Professor of Accounting: Clive Lennox, PhD
Professors: Randolph P. Beatty, PhD, CPA; Sarah E. Bonner, PhD, CPA*; Mark L. DeFond, PhD, CPA*; William W. Holder, DBA, CPA; Clive Lennox, PhD, Thomas W. Lin, PhD, CMA; Kenneth A. Merchant, PhD, CPA; Daniel E. O'Leary, PhD, CPA, CMA, CISA; K.R. Subramanyam, PhD; Charles W. Swenson, PhD, CPA*; S. Mark Young, PhD*
Associate Professors: John J. Barcal, JD*, CPA; Shane M. Heitzman, PhD; Mark Soliman, PhD*, CPA; Shiing-Wu Wang, PhD*; Regina Wittenberg-Moerman, PhD
Assistant Professors: Eric Allen, PhD; Elizabeth Chuk, PhD; David Erkens, PhD; Maria Loumioti, DBA; Maria Ogneva, PhD; Julie Suh, PhD; David Tsui, PhD; Marshall Vance, PhD
Professors of Clinical Accounting: Ruben A. Davila, JD, MBA, CPA; Chrislynn Freed, MBA, CPA*; Merle Hopkins, PhD*; Cecil W. Jackson, CPA, PhD; Joseph L. Keller, MS, CPA; Rose M. Layton, MAcc, CPA*; Shirley Maxey, BA*; Patricia Mills, JD, LL.M.; Leslie R. Porter, PhD*; Kendall Simmonds, MBA, CPA*
Associate Professor of Clinical Accounting: Robert Kiddoo, MBA, CPA
Assistant Professors of Clinical Accounting: Smrity Randhawa, PhD; Lori Smith, BS, CPA; Zivia Sweeney, MBA, CPA*
Professor of the Practice of Accounting: Thomas P. Ryan, MBA
Emeritus Professors: Jerry L. Arnold, Ph.D., CPA; E. John Larsen, DBA, CPA; Theodore J. Mock, PhD; Zoe-Vonna Palmrose, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
The Marshall School's academic departments and centers listed and described below can help students select courses that are particularly useful for careers in the fields covered by the department or center.
Data Sciences and Operations
Bridge Hall 401
(213) 740-0172
FAX: (213) 740-7313
Email: dsows@marshall.usc.edu
marshall.usc.edu/dso
Chair: Yehuda Bassok, PhD*
E. Morgan Stanley Chair in Business Administration: Gareth James, PhD
USC Associates Chair in Business Administration: Ann Majchrzak, PhD
McAlister Associate Professor of Business Administration: Paat Rusmevichientong, PhD
Professors: Yehuda Bassok, PhD*; Omar El Sawy, PhD; Gareth James, PhD*; Ann Majchrzak, PhD; Daniel E. O'Leary, PhD; S. Rajagopalan, PhD*
Associate Professors: Sriram Dasu, PhD*; Yingying Fan, PhD; Mendel Fygenson, PhD*; Ramandeep Randhawa, PhD; Paat Rusmevichientong, PhD; Greys Sosic, PhD; Wenguang Sun, PhD; Amy Ward, PhD; Jonathan S. Yormark, PhD; Leon Zhu, PhD
Assistant Professors: Adel Javanmard, PhD; Song-Hee Kim, PhD; Jason Lee, PhD; Jinchi Lv, PhD; Hamid Nazerzadeh, PhD; Peter Radchenko, PhD; Xin Tong, PhD
Professor of Clinical Data Sciences and Operations: Douglas Shook, PhD*
Associate Professors of Clinical Data Sciences and Operations: Arif Ansari, PhD*; Murat Bayiz, PhD; Dawn Porter, PhD; Ashok Srinivasan, PhD
Assistant Professors of Clinical Data Sciences and Operations: Robertas Gabrys, PhD; Hiroshi Ochiumi, PhD; Sharif, Abbass, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Jack Borsting, PhD.; Richard B. Chase, PhD.; Delores Conway, PhD*; Richard McBride, PhD; Bert M. Steece, PhD*
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
Finance and Business Economics
Bridge Hall 308
(213) 740-6515
FAX: (213) 740-6650
Email: fbe@usc.edu
marshall.usc.edu/fbe
Chair: Anthony M. Marino, PhD
Charles E. Cook – Community Bank Chair of Finance: Gordon Phillips, PhD
Kenneth King Stonier Chair in Business Administration: Harry DeAngelo, PhD
Ivadelle and Theodore Johnson Chair in Banking and Finance: Wayne Ferson, PhD
Fred V. Keenan Chair in Finance: Lawrence E. Harris, PhD
Robert G. Kirby Chair in Behavioral Finance: Fernando Zapatero, PhD
James McN. Stancill Chair in Business Administration: Vincenzo Quadrini, PhD
Charles F. Sexton Chair in American Enterprise: John G. Matsusaka, PhD
Kenneth L. Trefftzs Chair in Finance: Kevin J. Murphy, PhD
Professors: Ty Callahan, PhD; Tim Campbell, PhD; Harry DeAngelo, PhD*; Wayne Ferson, PhD; Lawrence Harris, PhD; Ayse Imrohoroglu, PhD; Selahattin Imrohoroglu, PhD; Nir Jaimovich, PhD; Douglas H. Joines, PhD; Anthony M. Marino, PhD; John G. Matsusaka, PhD; Kevin J. Murphy, PhD; Gordon Phillips, PhD; Vincenzo Quadrini, PhD; Fernando Zapatero, PhD
Associate Professors: Yasushi Hamao, PhD; Christopher Jones, PhD; Scott Joslin, PhD; Oguzhan Ozbas, PhD; Aris Protopapadakis, PhD; Mark I.Weinstein, PhD
Assistant Professors: Kenneth Ahern, PhD, Elias Albagli, PhD; Ricardo Alonso, PhD; Odilon Camara, PhD; Daniel Carvalho, PhD; Tom Chang, PhD; Cary Frydman, PhD; Yaron Levi, PhD; Heikki Rantakari, PhD; Sandra Rozo, PhD; David Solomon, PhD; Andrea Stathopoulos, PhD; Selale Tuzel, PhD; Yongxiang Wang, PhD; Yanhui Wu, PhD
Professors of Clinical Finance and Business Economics: Tyrone Callahan, PhD; Baizhu Chen, PhD; C. Kerry Fields, JD*; Suh-Pyng Ku, PhD; Lloyd Levitin, JD
Associate Professors of Clinical Finance and Business Economics: Duke Bristow, PhD*; James Cunningham, PhD*; Mick Swartz, PhD
Assistant Professors of Clinical Finance and Business Economics: Robert Bridges, MRED; Fatemeh Ibrahimi-Nazarian, PhD; Julia Plotts, MBA*; Zekiye Selvili, PhD*
Lecturers: Richard Tontz, Nimfa Bemis, PhD, Kevin Fields, JD; Mohammad Safarzadeh, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Guilford C. Babcock, PhD; Henry R. Cheeseman, JD; Linda De Angelo, PhD*; Dennis W. Draper, PhD; Alan C. Shapiro, PhD; Randolph W. Westerfield, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
Library and Information Science
Doheny Memorial Library 314
(213) 821-1641
librarysciencedegree.usc.edu/
Director: Ken Haycock, Ed.D.
Management and Organization
Bridge Hall 306
(213) 740-0728
FAX: (213) 740-3582
Email: mordept@marshall.usc.edu
marshall.usc.edu/mor
Chair: Thomas G. Cummings, PhD
Harold Quinton Chair in Business Policy: Paul Adler, PhD
Capt. Henry W. Simonsen Chair in Strategic Entrepreneurship: Nandini Rajagopalan, PhD*
Distinguished Professor of Business: Edward E. Lawler III, PhD
Professors: Paul Adler, PhD; John W. Boudreau, PhD; Peter J. Carnevale, PhD; Thomas G. Cummings, PhD; Peter H. Kim, PhD; Kyle J. Mayer, PhD*; Morgan W. McCall, PhD; Nandini Rajagopalan, PhD*
Associate Professors: Arvind Bhambri, DBA; Peer C. Fiss, PhD*; Scott S. Wiltermuth, PhD
Assistant Professors: Victor M. Bennett, PhD*; Nathanael J. Fast, PhD; Shon R. Hiatt, PhD; Nan Jia, PhD; Frank Nagle, PhD; Yongwook Paik, PhD; Kelly Patterson, PhD; Florenta Teodoridis, PhD; Sarah S.M. Townsend, PhD; Cheryl J. Wakslak, PhD; Qingyuan Lori Yue, PhD
Research Professors: Ken Haycock, EdD; James O'Toole, PhD
Professors of Clinical Management and Organization: Judith Blumenthal, PhD; Thomas H. Olson, PhD*; Carl W. Voigt, PhD*
Associate Professors of Clinical Management and Organization: David M. Carter, MBA; Michael Coombs, PhD*; Terance J. Wolfe, PhD
Assistant Professors of Clinical Management and Organization: Christine El Haddad, PhD; Katharine Harrington, PhD
Lecturers: Christopher Bresnahan, PhD*; Trudi Ferguson, PhD; Jody Tolan, MBA
Emeritus Professors: Philip H. Birnbaum-More, PhD; Robert Coffey, PhD; Julia Liebeskind, PhD; Kathleen Reardon, PhD; Robert B. Turrill, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
Marketing
Accounting 306F
(213) 740-5033
FAX: (213) 740-7828
Email: marketing@marshall.usc.edu
marshall.usc.edu/marketing
Chair: Gary Frazier, DBA
Robert E. Brooker Chair of Marketing: Valerie S. Folkes, PhD
Joseph A. DeBell Chair in Business Administration: C.W. Park, PhD
Richard and Jarda Hurd Chair in Distribution Management: Gary L. Frazier, DBA*
Jerry and Nancy Neely Chair in American Enterprise: Gerard J. Tellis, PhD
Dave and Jeanne Tappan Chair in Marketing: Shantanu Dutta, PhD
Charles L. and Ramona I. Hilliard Professor of Business Administration: Deborah MacInnis, PhD*
Provost Professor of Psychology and Business: Wendy Wood, PhD
Provost Professor of Psychology and Marketing: Norbert Schwarz, PhD
Professors: Valerie S. Folkes, PhD; Gary L. Frazier, DBA*; Shantanu Dutta, PhD; Deborah J. MacInnis, PhD*; Joseph C. Nunes, PhD*; C.W. Park, PhD; Norbert Schwarz, PhD; Gerard Tellis, PhD; Allen Weiss, PhD; Wendy Wood, PhD; Sha Yang, PhD
Associate Professors: Kristin Diehl, PhD; Anthony Dukes, PhD; Lan Luo, PhD*; Dina Mayzlin, PhD; Joseph C. Nunes, PhD*; Joseph Priester, PhD*; Sivaramakrishnan Siddarth, PhD*
Assistant Professors: Lisa Cavanaugh, PhD; B. Kyu Kim, PhD; Lan Luo, PhD*; Matthew Selove, PhD; Gulden Ulkumen, PhD; Botao Yang, PhD
Professors of Clinical Marketing: Diane Badame, PhD*; James G. Ellis, MBA; Rex Kovacevich, MBA*; Dennis Rook, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Clinical Marketing: Dennis Schorr, PhD
Assistant Professors of Clinical Marketing: Miriam Burgos, MBA; Ira Kalb, MBA*; Lars Perner, PhD; Gerard Power, MS; Therese Wilbur, MBA*
Emeritus Quinton Professor of Research: Olaf K. Helmer, PhD
Emeritus Professors: James D. Calderwood, PhD.; Ben M. Enis, PhD; Warren Erickson, PhD; John Jaeger, PhD; Burt Nanus, PhD; Rodolph H. Redmond, JD*; George Schick, PhD; Norman Sigband, PhD; James Stevenson, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
Center for Management Communication
Accounting 400
(213) 740-0627
FAX: (213) 740-9428
Email: cmc@marshall.usc.edu
marshall.usc.edu/faculty/centers/cmc
Director: Marion Philadelphia, EdD
Professors of Clinical Management Communication: Jolanta Aritz, PhD; Sandra Chrystal, PhD*; Ellen- Linnea Dipprey, MPW; Lucy Lee, PhD*; Greg Patton, PhD*
Associate Professors of Clinical Management Communication: Stephen Byars, PhD; Pete Cardon, PhD; Lee Cerling, PhD; Stacy Geck, MA*; Sharoni Little, PhD*; Sky Marsen, PhD; James Owens, MA; Marion Philadelphia, EdD*; Robyn Walker, PhD; Naomi Warren, PhD*
Assistant Professors of Clinical Management Communication: Jerry Giaquinta, PhD; Yolanda Kirk, MA; Daylanne Markwardt, PhD; Sabrina Pasztor, PhD; Kirk Snyder, MA
Lecturers: Clark C. Hansen, MA; Janna Wong-Healy, MPW
Emeritus Professors: J. Douglas Andrews, PhD; Paul Frommer, PhD; James Gosline, MPW
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
Bridge Hall 1
(213) 740-0641
FAX: (213) 740-2976
Email: entrepreneur@marshall.usc.edu
marshall.usc.edu/entrepreneur
Director: Helena Yli-Renko, ScD
Co-Director: David Belasco, JD
Orfalea Director's Chair in Entrepreneurship: Helena Yli-Renko, ScD
Capt. Henry W. Simonsen Chair in Strategic Entrepreneurship: Nandini Rajagopalan, PhD*
Professors of Clinical Entrepreneurship: Kathleen R. Allen, PhD*; Gene Miller, JD, MBA; Adlai Wertman, MBA
Associate Professors of Clinical Entrepreneurship: Elissa Grossman, PhD; Steven Mednick, JD, MPA; Helena Yli-Renko, ScD
Assistant Professors of Clinical Entrepreneurship: Greg Autry, PhD; Patrick Henry, MBA*; Thomas Knapp, MBA*; Justin Miller, PhD
Lecturers in Entrepreneurship: Andrea Belz, PhD; Albert Napoli, MBA
Emeritus Director: Thomas J. O'Malia, MBA*
Emeritus Professor: William H. Crookston, PhD*
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
Center for Effective Organizations
AT&T Center
Suite 900, MC: ATT-900
1149 South Hill Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 740-9814
FAX: (213) 740-4354
Email: elawler@marshall.usc.edu
ceo.usc.edu
Director and Distinguished Professor of Business: Edward
E. Lawler III, PhD
Research Director and Professor: John W. Boudreau,
PhD
Senior Research Scientists: Jay A. Conger, PhD; Gerald E.
Ledford Jr., PhD; Alec R. Levenson, PhD; Susan A. Mohrman, PhD;
Theresa M. Welbourne, PhD; Christopher G. Worley, PhD
Center for Global Innovation
Accounting 306E
(213) 740-5033
FAX: (213) 740-7828
Email: innovation@marshall.usc.edu
marshall.usc.edu/cgi
Director: Gerard Tellis, PhD
Associate Director: Steven Mednick, JD, MPA
Associate Academic Director: Lan Luo, PhD
Global Branding Center
Accounting 306E
(213) 740-5033
FAX: (213) 740-7828
Email: globalbrandingcenter@marshall.usc.edu
marshall.usc.edu/gbc
Director: C.W. Park, PhD
Center for Global Supply Chain Management
AT&T Center
1150 S. Olive Street, Suite 2906
(213) 821-4079
Email: Nick.Vyas@Marshall.usc.edu
Director: Nick Vyas, MBA
Center for Investment Studies
Accounting 301A
(213) 821-1126
FAX: (213) 740-6650
Director: Suh-Pyng Ku, PhD
Jerry and Nancy Neely Center for Leadership and
Ethics
Bridge Hall 306
Director: James O'Toole, PhD
Center for Technology Commercialization
Bridge Hall 1
(213) 740-0659
FAX: (213) 740-2976
Email: kallen@marshall.usc.edu
marshall.usc.edu/faculty/centers/ctc
Director: Kathleen Allen, PhD
Initiative and Referendum Institute
USC Gould School of Law
(213) 740-9690
Email: gsilsby@law.usc.edu
Executive Director: John Matsusaka, PhD
Institute for Communication Technology Management
(CTM)
3434 South Grand Avenue
(213) 821-2477
FAX: (213) 740-1602
Email: ctm@marshall.usc.edu
marshall.usc.edu/CTM
SEC and Financial Reporting Institute
Accounting 121
(213) 740-0572
FAX: (213) 747-2815
Email: lori.smith@marshall.usc.edu
Director: Lori Smith. BS, CPA
Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab
Stonier Hall, 3rd Floor
(213) 740-3371
Email: Brittinghamlab@marshall.usc.edu
Director: Adlai Wertman, MBA
Sports Business Institute
AT&T Center
1150 S. Olive Street, Suite 2900
(213) 740-5591
FAX: (213) 740-3582
Email: David.Carter@marshall.usc.edu
Executive Director: David Carter, MBA
USC Lusk Center for Real Estate
Ralph and Goldy Lewis Hall 331B
(213) 740-5000
FAX: (213) 740-6170
usc.edu/lusk
Director: Richard Green, PhD
The Office of Executive Education offers two- to seven-day, non-degree professional development programs designed to help working professionals excel in their career. The Office of Executive Education is located at the AT&T Center in Downtown Los Angeles, (213) 740-8990; Fax (213) 740-6406 or email: execed@marshall.usc.edu.
Return to: USC Marshall School of Business
The department offers classes in operations management, statistics and information systems. These three areas are critical to the success of any firm in a globalized economy: technology and information management, gathering and understanding data, and effective management of day-to-day operations. Students learn to leverage technology and information systems to gather critical market data on a global basis; use statistics to turn this data into critical forecasts and competitive analysis; and manage projects with international teams, develop innovative products, and skillfully manage the creation and delivery of goods and services to anywhere on the globe. Career opportunities in these areas include consulting, product development, supply chain management, global marketing and manufacturing. Course work in this department is especially important to students interested in entering technology fields.
Return to: USC Marshall School of Business
The department offers classes in the fields of finance, business economics, business law and real estate. Subjects include microeconomics, macroeconomics, economic forecasting, corporate finance, investments and valuation, financial institutions and markets, risk management, and real estate finance, among others. These subjects are important for business planning and consulting, evaluation of capital investments and corporate strategies, and securities investment analysis, advising and trading.
Return to: USC Marshall School of Business
The department offers classes in human resources, negotiations, organizational behavior, organization theory and management strategy. The management function is concerned with setting corporate strategy to gain competitive advantage in a dynamic, global environment; designing the organization to implement the strategy; and leading organizational members to achieve strategic objectives. In carrying out their responsibilities, managers must balance the demands of the competitive environment with the resources and capabilities inside the organization. The department's classes help students learn how to be effective managers by developing skills in team building, decision-making, strategy formulation, organizational design, motivating employees and human resource development.
Return to: USC Marshall School of Business
Marketing is the process of planning and executing the conception, pricing, promotion and distribution of ideas, goods and services to create exchanges that satisfy individual and organizational objectives. Modern marketing stresses research and analysis to understand consumer behavior and to identify customer needs, new product research and development, competitive pricing, coordinated promotional or sales programs, and efficient logistics and distribution. Students interested in careers in marketing management, logistics management, retailing or wholesaling, sales program administration, advertising or marketing research will find courses in marketing valuable.
Return to: USC Marshall School of Business
The center offers classes in a variety of topics relating to communication in organizations, ethics, business presentations, business writing, interpersonal interactions, group processes and teamwork, persuasion and leadership. The importance of effective communication to the success of business leaders and organizations has increased exponentially in the age of globalization, the Internet and instant media reporting that takes business news to the world in seconds. Communication theory, practice and skills will help students advance themselves and their organizations regardless of their positions or industries. Business leaders at all levels need the ability to communicate strategically in times of crisis or calm.
Return to: USC Marshall School of Business
The Greif Center offers a wide range of courses in entrepreneurship designed for students who want to start or own a high-growth business, join an emerging business or participate in an entrepreneurial venture in a mature corporation (intrapreneurship). Students can develop an entrepreneurial mindset, gain confidence that they can be successful entrepreneurs, learn about the entrepreneurial process and enhance their conceptual and practical skills to pursue new business opportunities. Wide exposure is given to all types of entrepreneurs and industries. The highly experiential courses span the entrepreneurial process from opportunity discovery to venture initiation, growth and exit, and are designed to teach relevant frameworks and theory as well as to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and skills through hands-on application. The Greif Center also offers co-curricular programs such as venture competitions, speaker events and a new venture incubator, and it actively provides contact with and support for its alumni.
Return to: USC Marshall School of Business
USC Leventhal School of Accounting students Oluwambe
Ekundayo and Linwei Li prepare tax returns for the local community
and students as part of VITA's (Volunteer Income Tax Association)
annual free program. As part of the Marshall School of
Business, Leventhal enables students to combine real-world skills
with technical proficiency.
Photo by Joseph Chen.
The USC Leventhal School of Accounting is dedicated to maintaining a leadership position in accounting education and research. We are committed to educational programs that seek to establish in each graduate the potential for career development into the highest executive levels of public accounting, controllership, financial management and management of accounting information systems. The accounting curriculum explores not only the state of the art but also seeks to explore the accounting discipline's future structures and directions. Relevant concepts and techniques from other academic disciplines are drawn upon and integrated into all accounting programs.
Accounting education has been an integral part of USC since 1920, when the Department of Accounting offered a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting. The Leventhal School of Accounting was established in 1979 in recognition of the growing importance of accounting to our economy and broader society. It continues to rank as one of the premier AACSB-accredited accounting programs in the nation.
Currently the Leventhal School of Accounting undergraduate program offers a Bachelor of Science accounting degree. Honors students may be eligible for early admission to the graduate program, an efficient way to complete both undergraduate and graduate degrees. An accounting minor is also offered to students outside the USC Marshall School of Business. Graduate programs include a full-time Master of Accounting or Master of Business Taxation; a Master of Business Taxation for working professionals; and a Juris Doctor/Master of Business Taxation in conjunction with the USC Gould School of Law. A PhD degree with an accounting major is offered through the doctoral program in the Marshall School of Business.
USC Leventhal School of Accounting
Accounting 101
(213) 740-4838
FAX: (213) 747-2815
Email (graduate students): MAcc.MBT@marshall.usc.edu;
(undergraduate students) lsoa_undergrad@marshall.usc.edu
marshall.usc.edu/lsoa
William W. Holder, DBA, CPA, Dean, Alan Casden Dean's Chair at the Leventhal School of Accounting
Mark L. DeFond, PhD, CPA, Associate Dean, Faculty Affairs
Shirley Maxey, BA*, Associate Dean, Master's Programs
Mildred G. Penner, MA, Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Program
George Bozanic and Holman G. Hurt Chair in Sports and Entertainment Business: S. Mark Young, PhD*
Deloitte & Touche LLP Chair in Accountancy: Kenneth A. Merchant, PhD, CPA
A.N. Mosich Chair in Accounting: Mark L. DeFond, PhD, CPA*
Accounting Circle Professor of Accounting: Randolph P. Beatty, PhD, CPA
KPMG Foundation Professor of Accounting: K.R. Subramanyam, PhD
Ernst & Young Professor of Accounting: Sarah E. Bonner, PhD, CPA*
Arthur Andersen & Co. Alumni Associate Professor of Accounting: Mark Soliman, PhD*
Accounting Associates Professor of Accounting: Clive Lennox, PhD
Professors: Randolph P. Beatty, PhD, CPA; Sarah E. Bonner, PhD, CPA*; Mark L. DeFond, PhD, CPA*; William W. Holder, DBA, CPA; Clive Lennox, PhD; Thomas W. Lin, PhD, CMA; Kenneth A. Merchant, PhD, CPA; Daniel E. O'Leary, PhD, CPA, CMA, CISA; K.R. Subramanyam, PhD; Charles W. Swenson, PhD*, CPA; S. Mark Young, PhD*
Associate Professors: John J. Barcal, JD, CPA*; Shane M. Heitzman, PhD; Mark Soliman, PhD, CPA; Shiing-Wu Wang, PhD*; Regina Wittenberg-Moerman, PhD
Assistant Professors: Eric Allen, PhD, CPA; Elizabeth Chuk, PhD; David Erkens, PhD; Maria Loumioti, PhD; Maria Ogneva, PhD; Julie Suh, PhD; David Tsui, PhD; Marshall Vance, PhD
Professors of Clinical Accounting: Ruben A. Davila, JD, MBA, CPA; Chrislynn Freed, MBA, CPA*; Merle Hopkins, PhD*; Cecil W. Jackson, PhD, CPA; Joseph L. Keller, MS, CPA; Rose M. Layton, MAcc, CPA*; Shirley Maxey, BA*; Patricia Mills, JD, LLM; Leslie R. Porter, PhD*; Kendall Simmonds, MBA, CPA*
Associate Professor of Clinical Accounting: Robert Kiddoo, MBA, CPA
Assistant Professors of Clinical Accounting: Smrity Randhawa, PhD; Lori Smith, BS, CPA; Zivia Sweeney, MBA, CPA*
Professor of the Practice of Accounting: Thomas P. Ryan, MBA
Emeritus Professors: Jerry L. Arnold, PhD, CPA; E. John Larsen, DBA, CPA; Theodore J. Mock, PhD; ZoeVonna Palmrose, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
The USC Leventhal School of Accounting offers the Bachelor of Science, Accounting (BS) degree designed to provide students with a broad foundation in accounting and business to prepare them for entry into the professional program leading to a Master of Accounting or Master of Business Taxation degree. The undergraduate curriculum also provides the background necessary for direct entry into the accounting profession.
The Master of Accounting (MAcc) program provides an integrated curriculum designed to prepare graduates for careers in professional accounting, public accounting, industry and government. Students have the opportunity to study accounting in greater depth and in more areas of specialization than in undergraduate accounting programs or MBA programs with concentrations in accounting. Students have flexibility in elective choices to reflect their career goals.
Admission does not require an accounting or business undergraduate degree, nor is work experience a requirement. For students with an undergraduate degree in accounting, the program requires 30 units for completion; for students without the prerequisite accounting course work, the program requires 45–48 units. The variation in units depends on the student's educational background and completed course work. This degree is designed to be completed by full-time students.
The Master of Business Taxation (MBT) degree is offered to both full-time and part-time students. This specialized program in taxation requires 30 units for students with the required accounting education. For students without the prerequisite accounting knowledge, the program requires 45-48 units. The program is designed for accountants, attorneys and business professionals who wish to learn or improve skills and knowledge through participation in advanced tax study. Students have flexibility in elective choices to reflect their career focus and goals. The part-time program is referred to as the MBT for Working Professionals (MBTWP).
The USC Gould School of Law and the Leventhal School of Accounting offer this dual degree program. Admission to the JD program offered by the Law School is required before applying to the MBT program offered by the Leventhal School of Accounting.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is offered by the Marshall School of Business and is also serviced by the Leventhal School of Accounting. For additional information, consult the USC Marshall School of Business section in this catalogue.
The Marshall School of Business offers the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in conjunction with the Graduate School. A student electing to major in accounting may design a research program that emphasizes auditing, financial accounting, information systems, management accounting or taxation. More information on the doctoral program is available in the USC Marshall School of Business section of this catalogue, or contact the doctoral office at (213) 740-0674 or the director of doctoral studies in accounting at (213) 740-4838.
The USC Leventhal School of Accounting offers two graduate degrees: the Master of Accounting (MAcc) and the Master of Business Taxation (MBT). The MAcc program provides an integrated curriculum designed to prepare graduates for careers in professional accounting, public accounting, industry and government. Students have the opportunity to study accounting in greater depth and in more areas of specialization than in undergraduate accounting programs or MBA programs with concentrations in accounting. The MBT program provides in-depth specialization in taxation to prepare the student for a successful career as a tax professional whether in public accounting, industry, government, the investment arena, or entrepreneurship.
The Leventhal School of Accounting also offers the dual Juris Doctor/Master of Business Taxation (JD/MBT) degree program in conjunction with the USC Gould School of Law. The combination of broad legal education with detailed tax specialization prepares graduates for fast-track careers in law and tax practices.
The Marshall School of Business offers the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in conjunction with the Graduate School. A student electing to major in accounting may design a research program that emphasizes auditing, financial accounting, information systems, management accounting or taxation. For more information on the doctoral program, see the Marshall School of Business section of this catalogue, or contact the doctoral office at (213) 740-0670 or the director of doctoral studies in accounting at (213) 740-5025.
The Leventhal School of Accounting seeks individuals who have the potential for outstanding achievement in accounting or taxation. The Admissions Committee uses the holistic review model. Candidates are reviewed on the merits of their application and the merits of the applicant pool for the year in which they seek admission.
Applicants to the full-time programs are not required to have previous work experience. Applicants to the parttime MBT program (MBTWP) are required to have a minimum of one year full-time professional experience related to taxation after receiving an undergraduate degree.
An admission decision requires the following: (1) a completed USC Leventhal School of Accounting online graduate application (available at www.marshall.usc.edu/admissions/applyonline); (2) a non-refundable application fee; (3) one official transcript from the registrar of each college or university attended (undergraduate and/or postgraduate); (4) two letters of recommendation; (5) a professional resume; (6) an official Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score report or, for JD/MBT applicants or attorneys, an official Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score report; and (7) an essay. Finalist must also complete an interview.
Applicants for the JD/MBT dual degree program should apply to the Leventhal School of Accounting for admission to the MBT program in the second semester of their first year in the USC Gould School of Law. In addition, current Law School transcripts and a "letter in good standing" from the registrar of the Law School must be submitted as part of the application. The same Leventhal School of Accounting admission criteria apply to the MBT portion of the JD/MBT program.
In addition to the application requirements noted above, all international students must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. A letter of financial support is also required.
The Leventhal School of Accounting offers the opportunity to earn both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in five years or less. This simplified, early admission process is for current USC students who have demonstrated exceptional academic success in undergraduate studies and who have completed a minimum of 70 units of course work. Strong SAT scores may be substituted for GMAT scores for continuing USC students only.
Please see a Leventhal School of Accounting academic adviser for further information and to develop a course plan proposal.
Full-time MAcc and MBT – Applicants are urged to file a completed application as early as possible. For applications to the full-time programs that begin in summer or fall, the online application system is generally open from early October through March 31. International students must apply no later than January 10. Applicants asking for scholarship consideration should apply by mid-January to increase the likelihood of funds being available. Application decisions will be made on a rolling admission basis until the programs are filled. Applications that arrive after the regular deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.
Part-Time MBT for Working Professionals – Students may begin in the MBT.WP program in the fall or summer semester. The application deadline for summer applicants is March 31; for fall applicants, June 30. Applications that arrive after the regular deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.
Subject to approval of the Leventhal School of Accounting, the maximum number of transfer credits that may be applied toward the master's degree is three units. To be applied to the degree, transfer work must have been completed within five years of admission to the master's program. Graduate transfer credit will not be granted for course work taken elsewhere after a student has been admitted and enrolled at USC. Credit will only be allowed for courses (1) from an AACSB-accredited graduate school, (2) of a quality of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale, (3) constituting a fair and reasonable equivalent to current USC course work at the graduate level, and (4) fitting into the logical program for the degree. Transfer course work is applied as credit (CR) toward the degree and is not included in the calculation of a minimum grade point average for graduation.
With the written approval of the Leventhal School of Accounting, waiver of required courses may be granted to students based upon prior academic work. All waived courses must be replaced with approved electives. Students should carefully read their program evaluation form to know what electives must be taken if they are granted subject waivers.
The USC Leventhal School of Accounting Bachelor of Science, Accounting (BS) degree is designed to provide students with a broad foundation in accounting and business to prepare them for entry into the professional program leading to a Master of Accounting or Master of Business Taxation degree. The undergraduate curriculum also provides the background necessary for direct entry into the accounting profession. The BS, Accounting degree is a 128-unit program.
Students may be admitted to the program as incoming freshmen, as USC undergraduates transferring from another major or as students transferring from another college or university. Admission to Leventhal is dependent on admission to the university and on academic performance, particularly in quantitative areas. USC students who have not been admitted to the major or the minor in the Marshall School of Business and/or the Leventhal School of Accounting may complete a maximum of 12 units from the Marshall School of Business and/or the Leventhal School of Accounting. No further course work may be taken unless a student is admitted.
Leventhal/Marshall Honors is available upon graduation to majors in accounting or business administration and results in a special designation of departmental honors on a student's transcript. Acceptance to the program requires completion of at least 64 units of course work (including transfer units), a GPA of 3.5 or higher in course work to be applied to the major, an application, and a successful interview with the director of the program. Achievement of Leventhal/Marshall Honors requires completion of ACCT 493 Honors Research Seminar 4 prior to the senior year, a thesis (research project and paper) conducted under the guidance of a Leventhal or Marshall faculty member during the senior year, and minimum GPA of 3.5 in upper-division Leventhal School of Accounting and Marshall School of Business courses applied to the major. For additional information, contact the Leventhal School of Accounting Undergraduate Program Office in ACC 101, (213) 740-4838.
Academic advisement is provided through the Leventhal School of Accounting Undergraduate Program Office in Accounting 101, (213) 740-4838. Students are required to meet with an academic adviser before registering and this requirement remains in effect until 24 USC units are completed. However, all students are encouraged to see an academic adviser on a regular basis. A record of each student is kept on file. Appointments for advisement may be scheduled at most times during the academic year. However, during busy times such as the preregistration, registration and drop/add periods, advisers may be available on a walk-in basis only.
The Leventhal Undergraduate Program Office and Marshall Undergraduate Student Services offer students assistance in networking, finding internships, resume writing, interviewing techniques and other career-related issues.
USC has established articulation agreements with most community colleges throughout California. Most academic courses are acceptable for transfer credit from a two-year school, but students may not receive credit for specialized, technical or remedial courses.
Courses that do not appear on the articulation agreement are not transferable. A maximum of 64 semester units may be transferred. Check with the Degree Progress Department (JHH 010) for questions about transferable courses or see a counselor in Accounting 101.
Official transcripts of college work taken elsewhere must be submitted, at the time of application, to the USC Office of Admission. A credit evaluation will be completed which will list transfer courses accepted for credit. All business courses completed at a two-year college, if transferable, will be considered elective credit.
There is one exception to this policy. Students may transfer two semesters of introductory accounting and receive credit equivalent to one semester of introductory accounting at USC. Then students can register for BUAD 305 Abridged Core Concepts of Accounting Information and complete their accounting course requirement in one semester at USC. In this case, students would not be required to take BUAD 285a, BUAD 285b or BUAD 286a, BUAD 286b.
Most courses are acceptable for unit credit from all fully accredited four-year institutions. If the courses do not satisfy specific subject requirements at USC, they will be accepted for elective course credit.
Students are urged to complete all their required business administration courses at USC. All business courses from four-year institutions, if transferable, will be considered elective credit unless a challenge examination is passed. Only core classes, with the exception of BUAD 497, may be challenged. Students should consult with an academic adviser in Bridge Hall 104 to initiate the challenge examination process.
Transfer students are required to meet the following grade requirements to be admitted to the Leventhal School of Accounting. An average grade of B in the two transferred accounting courses and BUAD 305 (with no grade lower than B-). Grades in accounting courses taken at other institutions will only be considered in meeting the admission requirement for the Leventhal School of Accounting. Once a transfer student completes a minimum of two accounting courses at USC, the student's accounting grades at the prior institution will no longer be considered in determining whether the student meets the 2.5 grade point average standard (see Grade Point Average Prerequisites following).
In the computation of grade point averages for accounting courses taken at other colleges or universities, the courses will be weighted in terms of the number of units provided for the equivalent USC accounting courses.
The following are grade point average prerequisites for any undergraduate student enrolled in any accounting course. Individual instructors may not waive these standards: (1) an average grade of B or better in BUAD 285a, BUAD 285b or BUAD 286a, BUAD 286b with no grade lower than a B-; and (2) a minimum 2.7 grade point average (A = 4.0) for all accounting courses taken previously.
In meeting the B average required in BUAD 285a, BUAD 285b or BUAD 286a, BUAD 286b, only one of the courses may be repeated. If the repeated course grade is higher, that grade will be considered in determining whether the student meets the B average, and the original course grade will be disregarded by the Leventhal School of Accounting in the administration of its grade point average requirements. See Repeated Course Work at USC for further restrictions on including grades in repeated courses in the overall university grade point average computation.
In computing grade point average prerequisites, BUAD 285a, BUAD 285b or BUAD 286a, BUAD 286b or BUAD 305 and BUAD 302T will be considered accounting courses.
When a student's cumulative accounting grade point average falls below 2.7, the student is placed on probation. If a student on probation does not regain a minimum accounting cumulative GPA of 2.7 after completing the next 12 semester hours in all courses (including accounting units) attempted within the university, that student will not be permitted to continue as an accounting major in the Leventhal School of Accounting. Exceptions to this policy may be granted only in unusual circumstances by the Academic Standards Committee of the Leventhal School of Accounting. Decisions of the Academic Standards Committee are final.
To be removed from probationary status, a student may elect to take another accounting course or courses for which prerequisites are met or to repeat an accounting course or courses in an attempt to earn a higher grade. Regardless of the course of action taken, all courses completed will be counted in computing the cumulative accounting grade point average.
A grade of "W" in an accounting course taken while on probation will not extend probation. The probation period ends at the end of that semester during which the student completes a cumulative total of 12 semester hours of courses in any subject(s) at the university. Under no conditions will the student be permitted more than two successive semesters, including the summer semester, to complete the 12 semester hours of courses.
Students must attain a minimum 2.7 cumulative accounting grade point average (A = 4.0) to graduate with a Bachelor of Science, Accounting degree.
All USC undergraduates take the USC Core, which comprises the general education, the writing, and the diversity requirement. The general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally welleducated person. The general education program requires six courses in different categories. The writing program requires two courses: WRIT 150 and WRIT 340. The diversity requirement is met by passing any one course with the "m" designation. See The USC Core and the General Education Program for more information. In addition, a total of 60 units of non-business course work is required for the BS Accounting degree.
All students in the Leventhal School accounting undergraduate degree program take business foundation courses that focus on necessary analytic skills and theoretical knowledge in math, statistics, accounting and economics. Fundamental knowledge of the functional business disciplines and the strategic interplay among them completes the business core.
*If an accounting student has already completed
the course in a section not designated for accounting majors, he or
she must check with an academic adviser in the Leventhal School of
Accounting for advisement.
**Placement into MATH 118 is contingent on
successful completion of MATH 117 or obtaining an acceptable
score on the math placement exam or AP calculus or IB mathematics
exam.
All prerequisites for business and all accounting and business courses must be taken for a letter grade.
A maximum of 24 units of undergraduate course work taken on a pass/no pass basis may be used toward the BS, Accounting degree. No more than four units of credit (or one course) counting toward the general education categories may be taken on a pass/no pass basis. The writing course cannot be taken on a pass/no pass basis.
The Bachelor of Science, Accounting degree includes the following required accounting courses in addition to the accounting/business foundation courses listed above.
Choose one of the following courses:
*If not already completed as a required course
A minor in accounting is available to students in all schools and departments except the Marshall School of Business. The minor provides the opportunity for non-business majors to gain an understanding, from the perspective of the user of accounting information, of how accounting is used in the business world. To be approved for the accounting minor, students must have completed a minimum of 32 units of college-level courses and attained a minimum GPA of 2.75. Successful completion of the 20 units for the accounting minor requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the following courses:
*Students who have taken ECON 203 or ECON 351 and ECON 205 or ECON 352 will be waived out of BUAD 200.
**Prerequisite ACCT 415.
The Master of Accounting program (MAcc) prepares graduates for careers in public accounting, industry and government. The program offers students technical and conceptual knowledge, professional development, research and lifelong learning, ethical and professional standards and globalization and diversity. For details on these student learning outcomes, see the program Website at marshall.usc.edu/macc.
The program employs a rigorous case analysis approach that requires students to exercise their analytical abilities and develop both teamwork and professional communication skills.
An undergraduate accounting or business major is not necessary, nor is work experience a requirement. The program enrolls students in the summer or fall based on their academic backgrounds. For application information visit marshall.usc.edu/macc/admissions.
The Leventhal School of Accounting Master's Program Office evaluates the academic background of each admitted student to determine the courses required to complete the program. Typically, a student with an undergraduate degree in accounting will complete the 30-unit program. Candidates for the Bachelor of Science in Accounting at USC may be able to earn the Master of Accounting in as few as 24 units. Students should meet with a graduate adviser during their junior year to determine if they qualify. A student with an undergraduate degree in any other subject usually needs preparatory course work totaling 15–18 additional units.
Each summer the Leventhal School of Accounting offers an eight-week, 40 hours-per-week course to students who have not completed undergraduate degrees or other extensive course work in accounting. ACCT 525 x Intensive Accounting Principles and Practices 15 must be completed successfully prior to beginning the core program.
If students have not taken a finance course as part of their undergraduate degree, they will also be required to take GSBA 548 Corporate Finance 2, 3 prior to or during the program.
Understanding taxation is critical to every business decision and many personal decisions as well. Whether you are preparing for a career as a tax professional in public accounting, industry, government or the investment arena or are starting your own business, tax planning must be done. Because of the complexity of the tax law and its pervasive influence, people facing tax decisions routinely call on tax professionals for advice in planning and structuring their affairs in order to comply with the law and to ensure economic good sense.
The Master of Business Taxation (MBT) program is designed to develop the skills and expertise professionals need to assist individuals and firms trying to cope with myriad tax legislation and regulation at both the federal and local levels. The program offers students: 1) technical and conceptual knowledge; 2) professional development; 3) research and lifelong learning; 4) ethical and professional standards; and 5) globalization and diversity. For details on these student learning outcomes, see the program website at marshall.usc.edu/mbt/academics.
An undergraduate accounting or business major is not necessary, nor is work experience a requirement. The program enrolls students in the summer or fall based on their academic backgrounds. For application information visit marshall.usc.edu/mbt/admissions.
The Leventhal School of Accounting Master's Program Office evaluates the academic background of each admitted student to determine the courses required to complete the program. Typically, a student with an undergraduate degree in accounting will complete the 30-unit program. Candidates for the Bachelor of Science in Accounting at USC may be able to earn the Master of Business Taxation in as few as 24 units. Students should meet with a graduate adviser during their junior year to determine if they qualify. A student with an undergraduate degree in any other subject usually needs preparatory course work totaling 15–18 additional units.
Each summer the Leventhal School of Accounting offers an eight-week, 40 hours-per-week course to students who have not completed undergraduate degrees or other extensive course work in accounting. ACCT 525 x Intensive Accounting Principles and Practices 15 must be completed successfully prior to beginning the core program.
If students have not taken a finance course as part of their undergraduate degree, they will also be required to take GSBA 548 Corporate Finance 2, 3 prior to or during the program.
Select at least 9 units from the following list. Three additional units may be selected from this list or any 500-level elective from ACCT, BAEP, BUCO, DSO, FBE, GSBA, MKT or MOR.
The Master of Business Taxation — Working Professionals (MBT.WP) program is designed for students who wish to remain fully employed while pursuing their graduate studies. The program is very flexible, allowing students to complete classes either on ground at the University Park Campus or online. Entering students must have a minimum of one year of experience in tax.
The Master of Business Taxation (MBT.WP) program offers students: 1) technical and conceptual knowledge; 2) professional development; 3) research and lifelong learning; 4) ethical and professional standards; and 5) globalization and diversity. For details on these student learning outcomes, see the program Website at marshall.usc.edu/mbt/academics.
An undergraduate accounting or business major is not necessary though one year of work experience in tax is required. The program enrolls students in the summer or fall. For application information visit http://www.marshall.usc.edu/mbtwp/admissions.
The program requires completion of 30 units. Degree requirements consist of five core courses and five elective courses. Applicants who hold a master's degree from an AACSB accredited institution may be able to waive out of the communication requirement and complete the MBT.WP in 27 units.
(to be determined by previous course work)
Select at least 9 units from the following list. Six additional units may be selected from this list or any 500-level elective from ACCT, BAEP, BUCO, DSO, FBE, GSBA, MKT or MOR.
The Leventhal School of Accounting, in conjunction with the USC Gould School of Law, offers a dual degree program leading to the degrees of Juris Doctor and Master of Business Taxation (JD/MBT). This program permits a student to pursue a specialized program in taxation through courses in the Marshall School of Business, the Leventhal School of Accounting and the USC Gould School of Law. The MBT portion of the program requires 42 units, including 9 units of law school courses that are recognized by the Leventhal School of Accounting toward the JD/MBTJD/MBT Students must complete 76 law units to satisfy the JD portion of the dual degree.
The total number of units required for the MBT portion of the JD/MBT program will vary, depending on the educational background of the individual student. Units are divided into four categories and students are required to maintain an overall graduate grade point average of 3.0.
The Leventhal School of Accounting Master's Program Office evaluates the academic background of each admitted student to determine if any of the 12 units of course work in Group I can be waived.
The courses in Groups II, III and IV are required of all JD/MBT students and total 30 units, including no more than 9 units of Law School courses.
Required USC Gould School of Law courses (33 units)
Forty-three units of law courses, including the law courses listed below, and 21-33 units of Marshall School of Business and Leventhal School of Accounting courses as follows:
*Students should seek counseling at the Law School regarding all LAW courses.
Select at least 15 units from the following list. Three additional units may be selected from this list or any Marshall (ACCT, BAEP, BUCO, DSO, FBE, GSBA, MKT or MOR) 500-level elective.
The nation's preeminent program in the development of cinema, television and interactive media, the USC School of Cinematic Arts challenges students to unleash their imaginations with the latest in storytelling technology. Here two students work on a project on the Performance Capture Soundstage at the Robert Zemeckis Center for Digital Arts. Photo by Roberto Gomez.
The USC School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) is one of the nation's preeminent centers for the creation, study, research and development of film, television and interactive media. With nearly 200,000 square feet of facilities, the school confers degrees ranging from the bachelor's to the doctorate. SCA is composed of seven divisions: the John C. Hench Division of Animation and Digital Arts; the Bryan Singer Division of Cinema and Media Studies; Film and Television Production; Interactive Media and Games; Peter Stark Producing Program; Writing for Screen and Television; and Media Arts and Practice. The school also has two organized research units — the Institute for Multimedia Literacy and the Entertainment Technology Center.
Since its founding in 1929 as the first course of study in film at any college or university in the United States, USC's cinema program has consistently set academic and professional standards for excellence. In addition, the school has a record-breaking number of endowed chairs in the discipline; production facilities that rival industry counterparts and extraordinary faculty and staff.
Thanks to SCA's location in Los Angeles, students have access to the country's leading film, television, animation and video game producers; world-class literary and talent agencies; libraries and archives brimming with research materials; and alumni that support the school and the men and women in its academic body. The school is also home to USC's Trojan Vision television station.
The USC School of Cinematic Arts recognizes that a student can only truly excel in his or her chosen area of expertise after exposure to all elements of the art form. Consequently, there is an emphasis on cross-disciplinary course work that ensures writers get behind the camera; critical studies scholars edit footage; and production majors examine the canon from a rigorous academic perspective.
Elizabeth M. Daley, PhD, Dean
Office of Student Services
Brian Harke, EdD, Dean of Students
(213) 740-8358
Email: admissions@cinema.usc.edu;
studentaffairs@cinema.usc.edu
cinema.usc.edu
The John C. Hench Division of Animation and Digital
Arts
Tom Sito, Division Chair
School of Cinematic Arts — Building B 210
(213) 740-3986*
FAX: (213) 740-5869
The Bryan Singer Division of Cinema and Media
Studies
Aniko Imre, Division Chair
School of Cinematic Arts 320
(213) 740-3334*
Film and Television Production
Michael Fink, Division Chair
School of Cinematic Arts 434
(213) 740-3317*
Interactive Media and Games Division
Tracy Fullerton, Division Chair
SCI 201M
(213) 821-4472*
FAX: (213) 821-2665
Media Arts and Practice
Holly Willis, Division Chair
School of Cinematic Arts — Building I 101
(213) 821-5860*
*For information regarding admission, call (213) 740-8358.
The Peter Stark Producing Program
Lawrence Turman, Division Chair
School of Cinematic Arts 366
(213) 740-3304
FAX: (213) 745-6652
Writing for Screen and Television
Jack Epps Jr., Division Chair
School of Cinematic Arts 335
(213) 740-3303*
FAX: (213) 740-8035
Steven J. Ross/Time Warner Endowed Dean's Chair in Cinema-Television: Elizabeth M. Daley, PhD
Dana and Albert "Cubby" Broccoli Endowed Chair in Producing: John Watson, MA
The Larry Auerbach Endowed Chair: Larry Auerbach
The Sergei Eisenstein Endowed Chair in Cinematic Design: Bruce A. Block, MFA
Electronic Arts Endowed Chair in Interactive Entertainment: Tracy Fullerton, MFA
Conrad Hall Chair in Cinematography and Color Timing: Judy Irola
Hugh M. Hefner Chair for the Study of American Film: Richard B. Jewell, PhD
Alma and Alfred Hitchcock Chair for the Study of American Film: Drew Casper, PhD
The Michael Kahn Endowed Chair in Editing: Nancy Forner, BA
The Mona and Bernard Kantor Endowed Chair in Production: Mark J. Harris, BA
The Kortschak Family Endowed Division Chair in Film and Television Production: Michael Fink, MFA
The George Méliès Endowed Chair in Visual Effects: Michael Fink, MFA
William Cameron Menzies Endowed Chair in Production Design: Alex McDowell, BFA
Stephen K. Nenno Endowed Chair in Television Studies: Ellen Seiter, PhD
Jack Oakie Chair in Comedy: Jack Epps Jr., BA
Mary Pickford Foundation Endowed Chair: Doe Mayer, MA
The Katherine and Frank Price Endowed Chair for the Study of Race and Popular Culture: Todd Boyd, PhD
Kay Rose Endowed Chair in the Art of Sound and Dialogue Editing: Midge Costin, MA
Fran and Ray Stark Endowed Chair for the Study of American Film: Lawrence Turman, BA
Charles S. Swartz Endowed Chair in Entertainment Technology: Richard Weinberg, PhD
Ken Wannberg Endowed Chair in Music Editing: Kenneth Hall, MA
Dino and Martha De Laurentiis Endowed Professorship: Mary Sweeney, MA
Microsoft Endowed Professorship: Dennis Wixon, PhD
Presidential Professor of Cinematic Arts: George Lucas, BA
Judge Widney Professor: Robert Zemeckis
Provost Professor of Communication, Journalism, and Cinematic Arts: Henry Jenkins, PhD
Distinguished Professor: Mark J. Harris, BA
Professors: Bruce Block, MFA; Don Bohlinger, MFA; Todd Boyd, PhD; Drew Casper, PhD; Elizabeth M. Daley, PhD; Michael Fink, MFA; Scott Fisher, MS; Norman Hollyn, BA; David Howard, MFA; Judy Irola; David Isaacs, BA; David James, PhD; Henry Jenkins, PhD; Richard Jewell, PhD; Robert Jones; Jeremy Kagan, MFA; Barnet Kellman, PhD; Akira Lippit, PhD; Doe Mayer, MA; Christine Panushka, MFA; Michael Peyser, BA; Amanda Pope, BA; Michael Renov, PhD; Howard A. Rodman, BA; Ellen Seiter, PhD; Tom Sito, BFA; Michael Taylor, BA; Lawrence Turman, BA; John Watson, MA
Associate Professors: Tom Abrams, MFA; Mark Bolas, MS; Ted Braun, MFA; Linda Brown, MFA; Midge Costin, MA; Pamela Douglas, MA; Jack Epps Jr., BA; Tracy Fullerton, MFA; Nitin Govil, PhD; Kenneth Hall, MA; Helaine Head, BA; Aniko Imre, PhD; Priya Jaikumar, PhD; Georgia Jeffries, BA; Kara Keeling, PhD; Richard Lemarchand, BA; Everett Lewis, MFA; Tara McPherson, PhD; Laura Isabel Serna, PhD; Kathy Smith, BA; Sheila M. Sofian, MFA; Mary Sweeney, MA; Dennis Wixon, PhD
Assistant Professors: Andreas Kratky, PhD; Jeff Watson, PhD
Professors of Practice: David Balkan, BA; Jed Dannenbaum, PhD; Stephen Flick, BA; Pablo Frasconi, BFA; Brenda Goodman, BS; Don Hall, BA; Alexander McDowell, BFA; Michael Patterson, BFA; Paul Wolff, BFA; William Yahraus, MA
Associate Professors of Practice: Christine Acham, PhD; Steve Albrezzi, BA; Steven Anderson, PhD; Vicki Callahan, PhD; Christopher Chomyn, MFA; Reine-Claire Dousarkissian, MA; Nancy Forner, BA; Robert Gardner; Eric Hanson, BA; Virginia Kuhn, PhD; Elisabeth Mann, MFA; Thomas Miller, MD, MFA; Angelo Pacifici, BArch; Mark Shepherd, MFA; Peter Sollett, BFA; Jason Squire, MA; Michael Uno, MFA; Douglas Vaughan, MA; Jennifer Warren, BA; Shelly Wattenbarger, MFA; David Weber; Tristan Whitman, MFA
Assistant Professors of Practice: Michael Bodie, MFA; Peter Brinson, MFA; Evan Hughes, MA; DJ Johnson, MFA; Angela Jones, BFA; Robert Kositchek, BFA; Margaret Moser, MFA; Maks Naporowski, BA
Research Professor: Larry Auerbach
Research Associate Professor: Richard Weinberg, PhD
Research Assistant Professors: Marientina Gotsis, MFA; Jennifer Stein, PhD; Holly Willis, PhD
Instructor of Cinema Practice: Richard Burton, BA
Part-time Faculty: Ioan Allen; Kate Amend; Tom Anderson; Wendy Apple; Harold Apter; Larissa Bank; David Baron; Deborah Baron; Janet Batchler; Irving Belateche; Sandra Berg; Alan Berger; Fred Bernstein; Danny Bilson; Mitch Block; John Bowman; Elizabeth Brauer; John Brennan; Paul Bricault; Musa Brooker; Robert Brown; Bonnie Bruckheimer; Robert Buerkle; Bobette Buster; Ed Callahan; Trey Callaway; Will Carter; Michael Cassutt; Ramiro Cazaux; Bonnie Chi; Peter Chung; David Clawson; Ken Cosby; Tim Curnen; Martin Daniel; Kristen W. Davis; Paul DeMeo; Paul Demeyer; Dariush Derakhshani; Heather Desurvire; Vincent Diamante; Sharon Doyle; Frederic Durand; James Egan; Peter Exline; David Fain; Siavash Farahani; Ron Fernandez; Paul Foley; Eric Furie; Maureen Furniss; Bonnie Garvin; Lance Gentile; Andrew Given; David Goetsch; Eric Goldberg; Janet Graham-Borba; Amanda Green; Chevon Hicks; John Hight; Perry Hoberman; Joe Hoffman; Todd Hoffman; Michael Hoggan; Sean Hood; Caroline Hu; Joan Hyler; Peter Kang; Aaron Kaplan; Thomas Kemper; Darren Kiner; Randal Kleiser; Richard Kletter; Michael Kontopoulos; Jeffrey Korchek; Stu Krieger; Jon Kroll; Lucas Kuzma; Michael Lane; Neil Landau; Clifford Latimer; Ken LaZebnik; Lisa Leeman; Robert Levin; Ken Levine; Andrew Licht; David Lloyd; John Mahoney; Laird Malamed; Leonard Maltin; Peter Marx; Frank McAdams; Jim McGinn; Denise McKenna; Bill Mechanic; Lou Morton; Barbara Nance; Robert Nashak; Rob Nederhorst; Noel Nosseck; Jim O'Keeffe; Joseph Olin; Bob Osher; Rick Parks; Rod Perth; Brian Peterson; Wendy Phillips; Anne Postman; Bill Prady; Robert Ramsey; Gary Randall; Candace Reckinger; Sandy Reisenbach; Vincent Robert; Peter Robinson; Howard Rosenberg; Mike Saltzman; Julie Sayres; Nevin Schreiner; Debby Seibel; Bethany Sparks; Jim Staahl; Bill Steinkellner; Noah Stern; Sean Stewart; Noreen Stone; Jeffrey Stott; Mark Stratton; Scott Sturgeon; Danny Sussman; Neely Swanson; Adam Targum; Ella Taylor; Aaron Thomas; John Underkoffler; Marcel Valcarce; Pam Veasey; Jon Wagner; Jordan Weisman; David Weitzner; William Whittington; Tyger Williams; Chase Winton; Russ Woody; Frank Wuliger; Maureen Yeager; Laura Yilmaz; Gil Zimmerman
Emeritus Professors: Ron Curfman, MFA; Trevor Greenwood, MA; Richard Harber, MA; Edward Kaufman, PhD; Marsha Kinder, PhD; K. Kenneth Miura, MA; Woody Omens, MA; Morton Zarcoff, MA
The USC School of Cinematic Arts offers professional and academic degree programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels.
This program combines a broad liberal arts background with specialization in a profession. The degree is granted through the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences in conjunction with the School of Cinematic Arts. The degree requires 128 units. For more information, see here.
This degree is granted through the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences in conjunction with the School of Cinematic Arts and requires 128 units. For more information, see here.
This degree is a two-year program for transfer students. The BA is granted through the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences in conjunction with the School of Cinematic Arts and requires 128 units. For more information, see here.
This degree is a four-year program only available to incoming freshmen. The BFA in Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production is granted through the School of Cinematic Arts and requires 128 units. For more information, see here.
The Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Entertainment is granted through the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences in conjunction with the School of Cinematic Arts. The degree requires 128 units. For more information, see here.
This program is for students who want to harness the power of digital storytelling and media design to communicate across diverse fields beyond the entertainment industry. This degree is granted through the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences in conjunction with the School of Cinematic Arts. The degree requires 128 units. For more information, see here.
This is a unique program designed for students who wish to receive intensive training for non-fiction and fiction writing for screen and television. The BFA in Writing for Screen and Television is granted through the School of Cinematic Arts. The degree requires 128 units. For more information, see here.
This program offers a unique coupling of the USC Marshall School of Business and the School of Cinematic Arts in a four-year interdisciplinary degree. In addition to the Marshall School of Business core classes, the students will also take a total of 24 units from the School of Cinematic Arts. This competitive program is offered to freshmen admitted to the Marshall School of Business as Business Scholars. Upon completion of all requirements, students will receive a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Cinematic Arts). See the Marshall School of Business for course requirements.
This degree, with an emphasis in Critical Studies, is granted by the USC Graduate School in conjunction with the School of Cinematic Arts. This program requires 36 units. For more information, see here.
This program requires 36 units. For more information, see here.
This professional degree requires 52 units. For more information, see here.
This program requires 44 units. For more information, see here.
This program requires 50 units. For more information, see here.
This program requires 50 units. For more information, see here.
This program requires 50 units. For more information, see here.
The Peter Stark Producing Program requires 44 units. For more information, see here.
The PhD is based on a program of study and research culminating in the completion of a dissertation in the major field of study. A minimum of 68 semester units (exclusive of dissertation registration) beyond the baccalaureate is required. Applicants who have completed a Bachelor of Arts or Master of Arts degree in Cinematic Arts, or a closely related field, may apply to the PhD program. The doctoral degree is granted by the Graduate School in conjunction with the School of Cinematic Arts. For more information, see here.
The PhD in Media Arts and Practice program offers a rigorous and creative environment for scholarly innovation as students explore the intersection of design, media and critical thinking while defining new modes of research and scholarship for the 21st century. Core to the program is its transdisciplinary ethos; after completing foundational course work, students design their own curricula, drawing on expertise across all divisions and research labs within the School of Cinematic Arts. The doctoral degree is granted by the Graduate School in conjunction with the School of Cinematic Arts. For more information, see here.
The Writing for Screen and Television Certificate provides an established writer, domestic or international, with a one-year program of study. It is meant to accommodate a writer who has already attained significant recognition and would like to learn the craft of screenwriting. Sixteen units are required. For more information, see here.
This certificate program provides graduate-level education in various aspects of the business of film, television and new media. It requires 16 units. For more information, see here.
This certificate program is for graduate students from across the USC campus who want to explore the shifting nature of scholarly expression, pedagogical practice and research in the 21st century. It combines seminars with hands-on, lab-based workshops devoted to basic image manipulation, video editing, social media and Web design to facilitate sophisticated critical thinking and practice in and through multimedia. The program requires 12 units. For more information, see here.
The School of Cinematic Arts does not accept courses taken in film and/or television production at other institutions to fulfill degree and minor requirements. Basic film or television history courses can sometimes be accepted for transfer credit.
No transfer credit will be accepted in lieu of CTPR 290, CTPR 294, CTPR 295, CTPR 310, CTPR 507 and CTPR 508 and any advanced production courses.
No transfer credits are accepted for the Peter Stark producing track, the graduate programs in animation and digital arts, screenwriting and interactive media.
Transfer policy for the PhD requires advisement and approval of the division chair.
Under special circumstances waivers and substitutions are granted; check with the Cinematic Arts Office of Student Affairs. All course waivers and substitutions must be approved by the associate dean of academic affairs.
The following courses cannot be waived for students majoring in Film and Television Production: CTIN 584a, CTIN 584b, CTIN 584c, CTIN 584z, CTPR 290, CTPR 294, CTPR 295, CTPR 310, CTPR 480, CTPR 507, CTPR 508, CTPR 546L, CTPR 547L, CTPR 581a, CTPR 581b, CTPR 581c, CTPR 581z, CTPR 582a, CTPR 582b, CTPR 582z, CTPR 583, CTPR 587a, CTPR 587b, CTPR 587c, CTPR 587z.
Each program has its own advisement system. Check with the program administrator or with the Cinematic Arts Office of Student Affairs. Cinematic Arts student affairs counselors are available to answer questions about degree programs, grades, advisement and other matters.
A minimum grade of C, 2.0 (A = 4.0), must be earned in all required and prerequisite courses in order to progress to the next course level. Students may attempt to improve a grade lower than a C (2.0) only one time by registering and retaking the specific course. Departmental approval is required in order to retake a School of Cinematic Arts course.
In addition, a minimum grade point average must be achieved to earn all cinematic arts degrees (see the individual program descriptions). For example, undergraduates and graduates must earn a minimum grade of C (2.0) in all required cinematic arts courses. However, graduate students must also achieve a B (3.0) average in all courses required for the degree.
Undergraduate students in the film and television production program who achieve a grade lower than a C (2.0) in CTPR 290 (BFA only), CTPR 294, CTPR 295 and CTPR 310, and graduate students in the production program who earn a grade lower than a C (2.0) in CTPR 507 and CTPR 508 may petition to retake the required sequence only once. Permission to retake any prerequisite or core production courses requires prior departmental committee approval.
Students who do not satisfy the degree requirement after repeating a class will be disqualified from the program.
Students in the School of Cinematic Arts' graduate programs pay differential tuition (see the Tuition and Fees section for current tuition rates). Undergraduate programs are assessed the university-wide tuition rate with a once-a-semester access fee of $50. In addition, some classes are charged lab fees, as noted in the Schedule of Classes, and insurance fees. The university reserves the right to assess new fees or charges. The rates listed are subject to change without notice by action of the Board of Trustees.
The minor in animation offers students an introduction to the theory and practice of animation, including its relationship to the history of art and cinema, creative writing, and basic film production. It provides students with an opportunity to create both personal and collaborative work in a wide range of genres, from traditional character to contemporary experimental and computer animation. The program requires 24 units. For more information, see here.
A minor in cinematic arts is available to USC undergraduate students in all schools and departments. The minor provides the opportunity for students to become familiar with various aspects of media study. The program requires 20 units. For more information, see here.
The minor in comedy is designed to train students in the creation of comedic entertainment in film, television and new media. The program utilizes both analysis courses and creative workshops to train students in comedic theory and practice. Through elective choices students may focus their studies on a number of cinematic disciplines as they pertain to the creation of comedic content, including writing sit-coms, directing comedic actors and producing sketch comedy. The program requires 16 units. For more information, see here.
The minor in digital studies explores the rich potential of digital media for critical analysis and creative discovery. Learning the exciting and dynamic potential of a broad array of tools and technologies, students create innovative projects, from photo essays to Web-based documentaries, from interactive videos to sophisticated Websites, and from typography in motion to 3-D visualizations. The program requires 20 units. For more information, see here.
The minor in entertainment industry provides students interested in media content creation with a focused curriculum that will give them insight into the economic factors and professional practices that influence the creative process, and how they interact with social, historical, technical and aesthetic elements. For more information, see here.
The skills of the modern animator, visual effects artist, motion capture professional and many others are of great value in the games industry when paired with an understanding of how these assets can be used in games and systems. The game animation minor provides an educational path that teaches both systems thinking and the skills and creativity of an animator. The program requires 24 units. For more information, see here.
Game audio professionals must not only be competent in one area (e.g., expressly in music composing or in audio recording), but also in other areas of audio and in theories of procedurality and interaction. This minor provides a grounding in game design and systems thinking, while providing a theoretical backing and skills in audio design and composition to prepare students to design successful audio for the games industry. The program requires 24 units. For more information, see here.
Design for games is a young, exciting field applicable to media artists working all over the world, in different aspects of the industry and with many different tools. The game design minor teaches basic iterative design and prototyping skills while providing students the opportunity to explore design for new technologies and the skills of user assessment and usability testing. The program requires 24 units. For more information, see here.
The modern media, technology and entertainment fields are built on the backs of new businesses and new ideas. To start a successful business, you need skills and knowledge of the processes for setting up a business, finding investment and turning your creative project from prototype to finished project. The game entrepreneurism minor provides an educational path that teaches hard business thinking for creative entrepreneurs. The program requires 24 units. For more information, see here.
Games are a major cultural form, with game sales now exceeding box office revenue in the United States. Attention to games and interactive media is growing, and it has become necessary to understand them as meaningful systems, reflect on their cultural influence, and to help guide their evolution with insightful criticism. The game studies minor prepares students with fundamental underpinnings in media criticism and games. For more information, see here.
Game and interaction design are deeply dependent upon human-computer interaction and the ability to use research methods to improve player experience. This minor is designed to give students an underpinning in game design, interface design and research methods, while teaching a full set of skills for playtesting and usability practice. The program requires 24 units. For more information, see here.
The minor in media and social change provides the opportunity for students who are interested in media content creation and research to take classes in a focused curriculum on the various aspects of media for change. Students will gain insight into the professional practices of creating media content, analyzing existing content, and learning how they can influence the future by integrating social issues into the work they are doing in related fields. The program requires 16 units. For more information, see here.
The minor in science visualization offers an introduction to science visualization methodology and practice focused in an area of relevant research. The minor is structured to provide the skills and knowledge needed in science visualization, and will culminate in a capstone project under the close supervision of faculty in both animation and science. The program requires 16 units. For more information, see here.
The minor in screenwriting provides thorough training in the craft of writing for screen and television. Students learn the fundamentals of character, conflict and scene structure and build on their skills through each course as they write feature and television scripts in all genres and explore areas of their interest. Students may apply in the spring or fall semester. The program requires 16 units. For more information, see here.
This 24-unit minor is designed for students who plan to enter careers or professional programs in medicine after graduation and are interested in working with film and television producers to disseminate accurate health information to the public. See the Keck School of Medicine of USC for course requirements.
This interdisciplinary minor integrates three major disciplines (fine arts, computer science and interactive media) to develop the 2-D visual skills necessary to conceptualize and illustrate images for games. For more information, see USC Roski School of Art and Design.
The focus of the 3-D Art for Games minor is a trans-disciplinary approach that incorporates the creative, technological and team-based communication skills necessary to develop 3-D art skills for video games. For more information, see USC Roski School of Art and Design.
The 3-D animation minor merges theoretical concepts and practical skills, to prepare students for a career in their major field of work with incorporation of 3-D animation and interactive technologies. Through integration of three major disciplines (cinematic arts, fine arts and information technology), students gain a solid foundation in a wide range of important industry and academic skills. See the Information Technology Program for course requirements.
The video game design minor integrates theoretical concepts and practical skills to prepare students for a career in interactive entertainment, specifically the video game industry. Through integration of two major disciplines (cinematic arts and information technology), students will be exposed to a variety of design concepts related to creating video games. See the Information Technology Program for course requirements. For specific information on admission and application procedures, contact the School of Cinematic Arts at (213) 821-2515 or the Information Technology Program at (213) 740-4542.
The minor in Performing Arts provides an interdisciplinary inquiry into the nature and aesthetics of the performing arts. It combines the disciplines of cinematic arts, dance, music and theatre. The minor is a unique course of study that looks at how the performing arts contribute to a culturally literate society. See USC School of Dramatic Arts for requirements.
John C. Hench Animation and Digital Arts and the Division of Media Arts and practice jointly offer, with the Roski School of Art and Design, a fall semester abroad at Studio Art Centers International (SACI) in Florence, Italy. Undergraduate students will be required to take equivalent classes in animation and media arts while also benefiting from the wide range of liberal arts courses offered at SACI.
"Documenting the Global City: Los Angeles and Beijing," is an intensive, seven-week workshop in documentary filming that pairs graduate students from the USC School of Cinematic Arts and the Communication University of China (CUC) to make short documentaries on Los Angeles or Beijing as global cities. The program is held in Los Angeles or Beijing in alternate years. It will be held in Beijing in summer 2016. Participating students enroll in CTPR 515 Global Exchange Workshop (2 units).
With faculty guidance from both universities, the students must negotiate cultural differences both in front of and behind the camera. In the process, both students and faculty directly experience the other culture and learn how it defines globalism in general, sees its own city in global terms, combines theory and practice, and processes a new set of perceptions and lived experience.
Interested students should contact Professor Mark Harris of the division of Film and Video Production at (213) 740-3319, or at mharris@cinema.usc.edu. Airfare to China and lodging expenses in Beijing are provided for all students accepted into the course.
The minor in animation offers students an introduction to the theory and practice of animation, including its relationship to the history of art and cinema, creative writing and basic film production. It provides students with an opportunity to create both personal and collaborative work in a wide range of genres, from traditional character to contemporary experimental and computer animation. This includes painting, cel, stop motion, collage, mixed media, 2- and 3-D computer animation software and interactive digital media. Successful completion of a final project is required.
Most students will enter the minor in animation program in their sophomore year at USC.
A student enrolled on the undergraduate level at USC may apply to minor in animation if he or she is maintaining normal degree progress.
Animation minor applications are reviewed by a panel of faculty members, with admissions made for the fall semester only. A maximum of 12 students will be admitted per year.
To be considered for admission to the minor in animation, the applicant is required to submit the following materials: (1) Cinematic Arts departmental application, (2) academic records including current USC transcripts, (3) personal statement, (4) two letters of recommendation, and (5) portfolio (prints, slides, CD, DVD, film and/or video). Applications and admission information can be obtained from the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Animation and Digital Arts Program Office, (213) 740-3986 or online at cinema.usc.edu.
A minimum grade of C (2.0) in each course is required. A grade of C- (1.7) or lower does not fulfill a minor requirement.
The following courses are to be taken in a prescribed sequential order. Twenty-four units are required.
In addition, CTAN 450c is a capstone production class. It is a very time intensive class that will require a very large amount of work. The film project undertaken under CTAN 450c must be completed by the end of the semester enrolled in CTAN 450c in order to pass the class and receive the minor. It is recommended that you do not take a heavy course load during the semester that you enroll in CTAN 450c.
Please note that by the time you enroll in CTAN 450c, you must have completed all of the other minor requirements before requesting access to CTAN 450c.
Year One
Year Two
Year Three
The minor in cinematic arts combines an introduction to this exciting and influential field with a diversified set of classes in critical studies, production, screenwriting, the entertainment industry, animation, and interactive media. The curriculum is purposely flexible; students may choose to sample different areas in their upperdivision courses or emphasize a single primary interest, such as production.
To be eligible for the cinematic arts minor, a student must be in good academic standing and have a declared major. To declare the cinematic arts minor a student must submit a Change of Major/Minor form to Cinematic Arts Office of Student Services, SCB 105.
A total of 20 units is required for the minor in cinematic arts, one 4-unit lower-division course and 16 upperdivision units.
*Gateway course
A minimum grade of C (2.0) in each course is required. A grade of C- (1.7) or lower does not fulfill a minor requirement.
The minor in comedy is designed to train students in the creation of comedic entertainment in film, television and new media.
To apply to the minor in comedy, a student must be in good academic standing, have a declared major, and be currently enrolled in or have completed with a passing grade CTWR 404 Foundations of Comedy.
Applicants are required to submit the following materials: (1) Cinematic Arts departmental application, (2) curriculum vitae highlighting comedy experience, and (3) a comedic short film script or comedy sketch script. Applications and admission information can be obtained from the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Writing for Screen and Television division, (213) 740-3303.
A total of 16 units is required to complete the comedy minor.
*Prerequisite required.
A minimum grade of C (2.0) in each course is required. A grade of C- (1.7) or lower does not fulfill a minor requirement.
The minor in digital studies explores the rich potential of digital media for critical analysis and creative discovery. Learning the exciting and dynamic potential of a broad array of tools and technologies, students create innovative projects, from photo essays to Web-based documentaries, from interactive videos to sophisticated Websites, and from typography in motion to 3-D visualizations. Elective courses explore media for social change, tangible computing, transmedia expression and more, allowing students to use media in pursuit of their own interests and to enhance their major.
All digital studies courses combine theory and practice in lab-based seminars featuring hands-on tutorials to support students in producing sophisticated media-rich work. Participants in this minor gain powerful skills useful in future endeavors within or beyond academia, where the ability to work effectively with media is a crucial job skill.
Information about courses and other program offerings can be obtained by emailing the Media Arts and Practice program at map@cinema.usc.edu.
A total of 20 units is required to complete the minor: 4 units of introductory course work, 14 units of intermediate course work and 2 units of advanced course work. All courses must be taken for a letter grade.
Applicable courses include: IML 309, IML 340, IML 385, IML 400, IML 404, IML 420, IML 450, IML 466, IML 475 and IML 499.
Applicable courses include: COMM 450, CTCS 400, REL 341 and SOCI 365. Other courses may be applicable; please see an adviser for approval.
The minor in the entertainment industry provides students interested in media content creation with a focused curriculum that will give them insight into the economic factors and professional practices that influence the creative process, and how they interact with social, historical, technical and aesthetic elements. To be eligible for the entertainment industry minor, a student must be in good academic standing, have a declared major, and have completed CTCS 190 Introduction to Cinema with a C or better. To declare the minor, a student must submit a Change of Major/Minor form to Cinematic Arts Student Services, SCB 105.
A total of 18 upper-division units is required for the minor in the Entertainment Industry.
* Prerequisite required.
A minimum grade of C (2.0) in each course is required. A grade of C- (1.7) or lower does not fulfill a minor requirement.
To create animations for a game requires an understanding that visual art forms one part of a game system or algorithm, and even animation poses and rigging must often be thought of in terms of programming-like logic. The skills of the modern animator, visual effects artist, motion capture professional and many others are of great value in the games industry, but very few of these professionals have both training in visual artistry and the systemic thinking necessary for game design. This minor provides an educational path that teaches both systems thinking and the skills and creativity of an animator.
To be eligible for the game animation minor, a student must be in good academic standing and have a declared major. To declare the game animation minor a student must get permission from the Interactive Media Division (SCA 222) and submit a Change of Major/Minor form to Cinematic Arts Student Services (SCB 105).
A total of 24 units is required for the game animation minor, including a minimum of 16 upper-division units.
*Prerequisite required.
**CTAN 432, CTAN 451, CTIN 101, and CTIN 332 may only be taken as electives if they are not used to fulfill a core requirement for the minor.
***CTIN 484 and CTIN 489 must be taken concurrently, and require CTIN 483 and CTIN 488 as prerequisites.
+Enrollment in CTAN 564 and CTAN 565 requires special permission.
A minimum grade of C (2.0) in each course is required. A grade of C- (1.7) or lower does not fulfill a minor requirement.
To implement audio into a game requires an understanding that audio forms one part of a game system or algorithm, and even composition must often be thought of in terms of programming-like logic. Game audio professionals must not only be competent in one area (e.g., expressly in music composing, or in audio recording), but in other areas of audio as well. This minor provides a grounding in game design and systems thinking, while providing a theoretical backing and skills in audio design and composition to prepare students to design successful audio for the games industry.
To be eligible for the game audio minor, a student must be in good academic standing and have a declared major. To declare the game audio minor a student must get permission from the Interactive Media Division (SCA 222) and submit a Change of Major/Minor form to Cinematic Arts Student Services (SCB 105).
A minimum of 24 units is required for the game audio minor, 6 lower-division units and a minimum of 16 upper-division units.
*CTIN 484 and CTIN 489 must be taken concurrently, and require CTIN 483 and CTIN 488 as prerequisites.
**Prerequisite required.
A minimum grade of C (2.0) in each course is required. A grade
of C- (1.7) or lower does not fulfill a minor
requirement.
Game design is the next great design field, and individuals of many professions and skill sets will benefit from understanding how to design for interactivity and new technology. The game design minor teaches basic iterative design and prototyping skills while providing students the opportunity to explore design for new technologies and the skills of user assessment and usability testing.
To be eligible for the game design minor, a student must be in good academic standing and have a declared major. To declare the game design minor a student must get permission from the Interactive Media Division (SCA 222) and submit a Change of Major/Minor form to Cinematic Arts Student Services (SCB 105).
A total of 24 units is required for the game design minor, 6 lower-division units and 18 upper-division units.
*CTIN 484 and CTIN 489 must be taken concurrently and require CTIN 483 and CTIN 488 as prerequisites.
**Prerequisite required.
A minimum grade of C (2.0) in each course is required. A grade of C- (1.7) or lower does not fulfill a minor requirement.
A minor for students interested in building a business in the games and digital media industry. Building on the business, production and management courses in the Interactive Media Division, this minor culminates in our advanced game project course and provides students with hands-on mentorship in starting actual companies based on the work they are doing in these concurrent classes. The minor provides a basis in theories of design and production for games, as well as a strong grounding in the business knowledge necessary to become an entrepreneur.
To be eligible for the game entrepreneurism minor, a student must be in good academic standing and have a declared major. To declare the game entrepreneurism minor a student must get permission from the Interactive Media Division (SCA 222), and submit a change of major/minor form to Cinematic Arts Student Services (SCB 105).
A minimum of 23 units is required for the game entrepreneurism minor, including 2 lower-division units and a minimum of 17 upper-division units.
*Prerequisite required.
A minimum grade of C (2.0) in each course is required. A grade of C- (1.7) or lower does not fulfill a minor requirement.
Games are a major cultural form, with game sales now exceeding box office revenue in the United States. Attention to games and interactive media is growing, and it has become necessary to understand them as meaningful systems, reflect on their cultural influence, and to help guide their evolution with insightful criticism. The game studies minor prepares a student with fundamental underpinnings in media criticism and games.
To be eligible for the game design minor, a student must be in good academic standing and have a declared major. To declare the game design minor a student must get permission from the Interactive Media and Games Division (SCI 201) and submit a Change of Major/Minor form to Cinematic Arts Student Affairs (SCB 105).
A total of 24 units is required for the game design minor, 6 lower-division units and 18 upper-division units.
A minimum grade of C (2.0) in each course is required. A grade of C- (1.7) or lower does not fulfill a minor requirement.
Game and interaction design are deeply dependent upon human-computer interaction and the ability to use research methods to improve player experience. Game user research is a critical aspect of game design and development that involves management of playtests and usability tests of the software, technology and rules. Along with the ability to analyze and design for optimal player experience, this field combines the ability to analyze large batches of data, and an understanding of how to build applications that mine data from users; these skills form the backbone of an incredibly valuable team member for digital entertainment products. The Interactive Media and Games Division at the School of Cinematic Arts is a leading facility in the teaching of usability, research, and playtesting practices in this field, and the game user research minor is designed to give students an underpinning in game design, interface design and research methods, while teaching a full set of skills for playtesting and usability practice.
To be eligible for the game user research minor, a student must be in good academic standing and have a declared major. To declare the game design minor a student must get permission from the Interactive Media and Games Division (SCI 201) and submit a Change of Major/Minor form to Cinematic Arts Student Affairs (SCB 105).
A total of 24 units is required for the game user research minor, 6 lower-division units and 18 upper-division units.
*CTIN 484 and CTIN 489 must be taken concurrently, and require the student to have passed CTIN 483 and CTIN 488 or the equivalent.
**Prerequisite required.
A minimum grade of C (2.0) in each course is required. A grade of C- (1.7) or lower does not fulfill a minor requirement.
The minor in media and social change provides the opportunity for students who are interested in media content creation and research to take classes in a focused curriculum on the various aspects of media for change. Students will gain insight into the professional practices of creating media content, analyzing existing content, and learning how they can influence the future by integrating social issues into the work they are doing in related fields.
To declare the minor, a student must submit a Change of Major/Minor form to Cinematic Arts Student Services, SCB 105.
A total of 16 upper-division units is required for the minor in media and social change.
A minimum grade of C (2.0) in each course is required. A grade of C- (1.7) or lower does not fulfill a minor requirement.
The minor in science visualization offers an introduction to science visualization methodology and practice focused in an area of relevant research. The minor is structured to provide the skills and knowledge needed in science visualization, and will culminate in a capstone project under the close supervision of faculty in both animation and science. The program requires 16 units.
Most students will enter the minor in science visualization program in their sophomore year at USC.
An undergraduate student at USC may apply to the minor in science visualization if he or she is in good standing and maintaining normal degree progress.
Students should apply after they have completed CTAN 330 with a "B" or better in the course. A signature of support from the CTAN 330 professor is required. Applications and admission information can be obtained from the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Animation and Digital Arts Office SCB 210 (213) 740-3986.
Science visualization minor applications are reviewed by a panel of faculty members, with admissions made for the following fall semester only. A maximum of 12 students will be admitted per year.
A minimum grade of C (2.0) in each course is required. A grade of C- (1.7) or lower does not fulfill a minor requirement.
The following courses are to be taken in the prescribed sequential order, starting with CTAN 330 and finishing with CTAN 423, the capstone class. Sixteen units of course work are required.
*Juniors or seniors with a 3.0 GPA in good standing may elect to take graduate courses CTAN 508L (2), CTAN 564L (2) and CTAN 565L (2). Prerequisite required.
**Prerequisite required.
The minor in screenwriting is designed to train students in the creatively challenging field of writing for screen and television. Students learn the fundamentals of writing for film and television with the opportunity to specialize in writing feature length screenplays, teleplays in both drama and comedy, or analysis of the craft of screenwriting.
To apply to the minor in screenwriting, a student must be in good academic standing, have a declared major, and be currently enrolled in or have completed with a passing grade CTWR 412 Introduction to Screenwriting.
Applications and information can be obtained at the Writing Division office, SCA 335, (213) 740-3303 and online at cinema.usc.edu.
The minor in screenwriting is a specialized course of study for students who desire a solid foundation in the craft of screenwriting. A total of 16 units is required to complete the screenwriting minor, 8 units from four fundamental courses and 8 units of electives.
A minimum grade of C (2.0) in each course is required. A grade of C- (1.7) or lower does not fulfill a minor requirement.
Students may not apply more than 16 units of graduate level course work toward their university degree.
The graduate certificate in the business of entertainment program provides graduate-level education in various aspects of the business of film, television, and new media.
Select 16 units from the following:
Successful completion of a graduate certificate program is acknowledged by a certificate awarded by the university.
Admission to the graduate certificate in the business of entertainment program is only open to current USC graduate students. Courses credited to graduate certificate programs may be completed in conjunction with course work required for a graduate degree program in which the student is already enrolled. Applicability of courses to the student's primary degree program is determined by the student's home department.
Applicants must have earned an undergraduate degree with at least a 3.0 GPA. For further information contact the School of Cinematic Arts Office of Student-Industry Relations, SCA 235, (213) 740-4432.
Return to: USC School of Cinematic Arts
The nation's preeminent program in the development of cinema, television and interactive media, the USC School of Cinematic Arts challenges students to unleash their imaginations with the latest in storytelling technology. Here two students work on a project on the Performance Capture Soundstage at the Robert Zemeckis Center for Digital Arts. Photo by Roberto Gomez.
The USC School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) is one of the nation's preeminent centers for the creation, study, research and development of film, television and interactive media. With nearly 200,000 square feet of facilities, the school confers degrees ranging from the bachelor's to the doctorate. SCA is composed of seven divisions: the John C. Hench Division of Animation and Digital Arts; the Bryan Singer Division of Cinema and Media Studies; Film and Television Production; Interactive Media and Games; Peter Stark Producing Program; Writing for Screen and Television; and Media Arts and Practice. The school also has two organized research units — the Institute for Multimedia Literacy and the Entertainment Technology Center.
Since its founding in 1929 as the first course of study in film at any college or university in the United States, USC's cinema program has consistently set academic and professional standards for excellence. In addition, the school has a record-breaking number of endowed chairs in the discipline; production facilities that rival industry counterparts and extraordinary faculty and staff.
Thanks to SCA's location in Los Angeles, students have access to the country's leading film, television, animation and video game producers; world-class literary and talent agencies; libraries and archives brimming with research materials; and alumni that support the school and the men and women in its academic body. The school is also home to USC's Trojan Vision television station.
The USC School of Cinematic Arts recognizes that a student can only truly excel in his or her chosen area of expertise after exposure to all elements of the art form. Consequently, there is an emphasis on cross-disciplinary course work that ensures writers get behind the camera; critical studies scholars edit footage; and production majors examine the canon from a rigorous academic perspective.
Elizabeth M. Daley, PhD, Dean
Office of Student Services
Brian Harke, EdD, Dean of Students
(213) 740-8358
Email: admissions@cinema.usc.edu;
studentaffairs@cinema.usc.edu
cinema.usc.edu
The John C. Hench Division of Animation and Digital
Arts
Tom Sito, Division Chair
School of Cinematic Arts — Building B 210
(213) 740-3986*
FAX: (213) 740-5869
The Bryan Singer Division of Cinema and Media
Studies
Aniko Imre, Division Chair
School of Cinematic Arts 320
(213) 740-3334*
Film and Television Production
Michael Fink, Division Chair
School of Cinematic Arts 434
(213) 740-3317*
Interactive Media and Games Division
Tracy Fullerton, Division Chair
SCI 201M
(213) 821-4472*
FAX: (213) 821-2665
Media Arts and Practice
Holly Willis, Division Chair
School of Cinematic Arts — Building I 101
(213) 821-5860*
*For information regarding admission, call (213) 740-8358.
The Peter Stark Producing Program
Lawrence Turman, Division Chair
School of Cinematic Arts 366
(213) 740-3304
FAX: (213) 745-6652
Writing for Screen and Television
Jack Epps Jr., Division Chair
School of Cinematic Arts 335
(213) 740-3303*
FAX: (213) 740-8035
Steven J. Ross/Time Warner Endowed Dean's Chair in Cinema-Television: Elizabeth M. Daley, PhD
Dana and Albert "Cubby" Broccoli Endowed Chair in Producing: John Watson, MA
The Larry Auerbach Endowed Chair: Larry Auerbach
The Sergei Eisenstein Endowed Chair in Cinematic Design: Bruce A. Block, MFA
Electronic Arts Endowed Chair in Interactive Entertainment: Tracy Fullerton, MFA
Conrad Hall Chair in Cinematography and Color Timing: Judy Irola
Hugh M. Hefner Chair for the Study of American Film: Richard B. Jewell, PhD
Alma and Alfred Hitchcock Chair for the Study of American Film: Drew Casper, PhD
The Michael Kahn Endowed Chair in Editing: Nancy Forner, BA
The Mona and Bernard Kantor Endowed Chair in Production: Mark J. Harris, BA
The Kortschak Family Endowed Division Chair in Film and Television Production: Michael Fink, MFA
The George Méliès Endowed Chair in Visual Effects: Michael Fink, MFA
William Cameron Menzies Endowed Chair in Production Design: Alex McDowell, BFA
Stephen K. Nenno Endowed Chair in Television Studies: Ellen Seiter, PhD
Jack Oakie Chair in Comedy: Jack Epps Jr., BA
Mary Pickford Foundation Endowed Chair: Doe Mayer, MA
The Katherine and Frank Price Endowed Chair for the Study of Race and Popular Culture: Todd Boyd, PhD
Kay Rose Endowed Chair in the Art of Sound and Dialogue Editing: Midge Costin, MA
Fran and Ray Stark Endowed Chair for the Study of American Film: Lawrence Turman, BA
Charles S. Swartz Endowed Chair in Entertainment Technology: Richard Weinberg, PhD
Ken Wannberg Endowed Chair in Music Editing: Kenneth Hall, MA
Dino and Martha De Laurentiis Endowed Professorship: Mary Sweeney, MA
Microsoft Endowed Professorship: Dennis Wixon, PhD
Presidential Professor of Cinematic Arts: George Lucas, BA
Judge Widney Professor: Robert Zemeckis
Provost Professor of Communication, Journalism, and Cinematic Arts: Henry Jenkins, PhD
Distinguished Professor: Mark J. Harris, BA
Professors: Bruce Block, MFA; Don Bohlinger, MFA; Todd Boyd, PhD; Drew Casper, PhD; Elizabeth M. Daley, PhD; Michael Fink, MFA; Scott Fisher, MS; Norman Hollyn, BA; David Howard, MFA; Judy Irola; David Isaacs, BA; David James, PhD; Henry Jenkins, PhD; Richard Jewell, PhD; Robert Jones; Jeremy Kagan, MFA; Barnet Kellman, PhD; Akira Lippit, PhD; Doe Mayer, MA; Christine Panushka, MFA; Michael Peyser, BA; Amanda Pope, BA; Michael Renov, PhD; Howard A. Rodman, BA; Ellen Seiter, PhD; Tom Sito, BFA; Michael Taylor, BA; Lawrence Turman, BA; John Watson, MA
Associate Professors: Tom Abrams, MFA; Mark Bolas, MS; Ted Braun, MFA; Linda Brown, MFA; Midge Costin, MA; Pamela Douglas, MA; Jack Epps Jr., BA; Tracy Fullerton, MFA; Nitin Govil, PhD; Kenneth Hall, MA; Helaine Head, BA; Aniko Imre, PhD; Priya Jaikumar, PhD; Georgia Jeffries, BA; Kara Keeling, PhD; Richard Lemarchand, BA; Everett Lewis, MFA; Tara McPherson, PhD; Laura Isabel Serna, PhD; Kathy Smith, BA; Sheila M. Sofian, MFA; Mary Sweeney, MA; Dennis Wixon, PhD
Assistant Professors: Andreas Kratky, PhD; Jeff Watson, PhD
Professors of Practice: David Balkan, BA; Jed Dannenbaum, PhD; Stephen Flick, BA; Pablo Frasconi, BFA; Brenda Goodman, BS; Don Hall, BA; Alexander McDowell, BFA; Michael Patterson, BFA; Paul Wolff, BFA; William Yahraus, MA
Associate Professors of Practice: Christine Acham, PhD; Steve Albrezzi, BA; Steven Anderson, PhD; Vicki Callahan, PhD; Christopher Chomyn, MFA; Reine-Claire Dousarkissian, MA; Nancy Forner, BA; Robert Gardner; Eric Hanson, BA; Virginia Kuhn, PhD; Elisabeth Mann, MFA; Thomas Miller, MD, MFA; Angelo Pacifici, BArch; Mark Shepherd, MFA; Peter Sollett, BFA; Jason Squire, MA; Michael Uno, MFA; Douglas Vaughan, MA; Jennifer Warren, BA; Shelly Wattenbarger, MFA; David Weber; Tristan Whitman, MFA
Assistant Professors of Practice: Michael Bodie, MFA; Peter Brinson, MFA; Evan Hughes, MA; DJ Johnson, MFA; Angela Jones, BFA; Robert Kositchek, BFA; Margaret Moser, MFA; Maks Naporowski, BA
Research Professor: Larry Auerbach
Research Associate Professor: Richard Weinberg, PhD
Research Assistant Professors: Marientina Gotsis, MFA; Jennifer Stein, PhD; Holly Willis, PhD
Instructor of Cinema Practice: Richard Burton, BA
Part-time Faculty: Ioan Allen; Kate Amend; Tom Anderson; Wendy Apple; Harold Apter; Larissa Bank; David Baron; Deborah Baron; Janet Batchler; Irving Belateche; Sandra Berg; Alan Berger; Fred Bernstein; Danny Bilson; Mitch Block; John Bowman; Elizabeth Brauer; John Brennan; Paul Bricault; Musa Brooker; Robert Brown; Bonnie Bruckheimer; Robert Buerkle; Bobette Buster; Ed Callahan; Trey Callaway; Will Carter; Michael Cassutt; Ramiro Cazaux; Bonnie Chi; Peter Chung; David Clawson; Ken Cosby; Tim Curnen; Martin Daniel; Kristen W. Davis; Paul DeMeo; Paul Demeyer; Dariush Derakhshani; Heather Desurvire; Vincent Diamante; Sharon Doyle; Frederic Durand; James Egan; Peter Exline; David Fain; Siavash Farahani; Ron Fernandez; Paul Foley; Eric Furie; Maureen Furniss; Bonnie Garvin; Lance Gentile; Andrew Given; David Goetsch; Eric Goldberg; Janet Graham-Borba; Amanda Green; Chevon Hicks; John Hight; Perry Hoberman; Joe Hoffman; Todd Hoffman; Michael Hoggan; Sean Hood; Caroline Hu; Joan Hyler; Peter Kang; Aaron Kaplan; Thomas Kemper; Darren Kiner; Randal Kleiser; Richard Kletter; Michael Kontopoulos; Jeffrey Korchek; Stu Krieger; Jon Kroll; Lucas Kuzma; Michael Lane; Neil Landau; Clifford Latimer; Ken LaZebnik; Lisa Leeman; Robert Levin; Ken Levine; Andrew Licht; David Lloyd; John Mahoney; Laird Malamed; Leonard Maltin; Peter Marx; Frank McAdams; Jim McGinn; Denise McKenna; Bill Mechanic; Lou Morton; Barbara Nance; Robert Nashak; Rob Nederhorst; Noel Nosseck; Jim O'Keeffe; Joseph Olin; Bob Osher; Rick Parks; Rod Perth; Brian Peterson; Wendy Phillips; Anne Postman; Bill Prady; Robert Ramsey; Gary Randall; Candace Reckinger; Sandy Reisenbach; Vincent Robert; Peter Robinson; Howard Rosenberg; Mike Saltzman; Julie Sayres; Nevin Schreiner; Debby Seibel; Bethany Sparks; Jim Staahl; Bill Steinkellner; Noah Stern; Sean Stewart; Noreen Stone; Jeffrey Stott; Mark Stratton; Scott Sturgeon; Danny Sussman; Neely Swanson; Adam Targum; Ella Taylor; Aaron Thomas; John Underkoffler; Marcel Valcarce; Pam Veasey; Jon Wagner; Jordan Weisman; David Weitzner; William Whittington; Tyger Williams; Chase Winton; Russ Woody; Frank Wuliger; Maureen Yeager; Laura Yilmaz; Gil Zimmerman
Emeritus Professors: Ron Curfman, MFA; Trevor Greenwood, MA; Richard Harber, MA; Edward Kaufman, PhD; Marsha Kinder, PhD; K. Kenneth Miura, MA; Woody Omens, MA; Morton Zarcoff, MA
The USC School of Cinematic Arts offers professional and academic degree programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels.
This program combines a broad liberal arts background with specialization in a profession. The degree is granted through the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences in conjunction with the School of Cinematic Arts. The degree requires 128 units. For more information, see here.
This degree is granted through the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences in conjunction with the School of Cinematic Arts and requires 128 units. For more information, see here.
This degree is a two-year program for transfer students. The BA is granted through the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences in conjunction with the School of Cinematic Arts and requires 128 units. For more information, see here.
This degree is a four-year program only available to incoming freshmen. The BFA in Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production is granted through the School of Cinematic Arts and requires 128 units. For more information, see here.
The Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Entertainment is granted through the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences in conjunction with the School of Cinematic Arts. The degree requires 128 units. For more information, see here.
This program is for students who want to harness the power of digital storytelling and media design to communicate across diverse fields beyond the entertainment industry. This degree is granted through the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences in conjunction with the School of Cinematic Arts. The degree requires 128 units. For more information, see here.
This is a unique program designed for students who wish to receive intensive training for non-fiction and fiction writing for screen and television. The BFA in Writing for Screen and Television is granted through the School of Cinematic Arts. The degree requires 128 units. For more information, see here.
This program offers a unique coupling of the USC Marshall School of Business and the School of Cinematic Arts in a four-year interdisciplinary degree. In addition to the Marshall School of Business core classes, the students will also take a total of 24 units from the School of Cinematic Arts. This competitive program is offered to freshmen admitted to the Marshall School of Business as Business Scholars. Upon completion of all requirements, students will receive a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Cinematic Arts). See the Marshall School of Business for course requirements.
This degree, with an emphasis in Critical Studies, is granted by the USC Graduate School in conjunction with the School of Cinematic Arts. This program requires 36 units. For more information, see here.
This program requires 36 units. For more information, see here.
This professional degree requires 52 units. For more information, see here.
This program requires 44 units. For more information, see here.
This program requires 50 units. For more information, see here.
This program requires 50 units. For more information, see here.
This program requires 50 units. For more information, see here.
The Peter Stark Producing Program requires 44 units. For more information, see here.
The PhD is based on a program of study and research culminating in the completion of a dissertation in the major field of study. A minimum of 68 semester units (exclusive of dissertation registration) beyond the baccalaureate is required. Applicants who have completed a Bachelor of Arts or Master of Arts degree in Cinematic Arts, or a closely related field, may apply to the PhD program. The doctoral degree is granted by the Graduate School in conjunction with the School of Cinematic Arts. For more information, see here.
The PhD in Media Arts and Practice program offers a rigorous and creative environment for scholarly innovation as students explore the intersection of design, media and critical thinking while defining new modes of research and scholarship for the 21st century. Core to the program is its transdisciplinary ethos; after completing foundational course work, students design their own curricula, drawing on expertise across all divisions and research labs within the School of Cinematic Arts. The doctoral degree is granted by the Graduate School in conjunction with the School of Cinematic Arts. For more information, see here.
The Writing for Screen and Television Certificate provides an established writer, domestic or international, with a one-year program of study. It is meant to accommodate a writer who has already attained significant recognition and would like to learn the craft of screenwriting. Sixteen units are required. For more information, see here.
This certificate program provides graduate-level education in various aspects of the business of film, television and new media. It requires 16 units. For more information, see here.
This certificate program is for graduate students from across the USC campus who want to explore the shifting nature of scholarly expression, pedagogical practice and research in the 21st century. It combines seminars with hands-on, lab-based workshops devoted to basic image manipulation, video editing, social media and Web design to facilitate sophisticated critical thinking and practice in and through multimedia. The program requires 12 units. For more information, see here.
The School of Cinematic Arts does not accept courses taken in film and/or television production at other institutions to fulfill degree and minor requirements. Basic film or television history courses can sometimes be accepted for transfer credit.
No transfer credit will be accepted in lieu of CTPR 290, CTPR 294, CTPR 295, CTPR 310, CTPR 507 and CTPR 508 and any advanced production courses.
No transfer credits are accepted for the Peter Stark producing track, the graduate programs in animation and digital arts, screenwriting and interactive media.
Transfer policy for the PhD requires advisement and approval of the division chair.
Under special circumstances waivers and substitutions are granted; check with the Cinematic Arts Office of Student Affairs. All course waivers and substitutions must be approved by the associate dean of academic affairs.
The following courses cannot be waived for students majoring in Film and Television Production: CTIN 584a, CTIN 584b, CTIN 584c, CTIN 584z, CTPR 290, CTPR 294, CTPR 295, CTPR 310, CTPR 480, CTPR 507, CTPR 508, CTPR 546L, CTPR 547L, CTPR 581a, CTPR 581b, CTPR 581c, CTPR 581z, CTPR 582a, CTPR 582b, CTPR 582z, CTPR 583, CTPR 587a, CTPR 587b, CTPR 587c, CTPR 587z.
Each program has its own advisement system. Check with the program administrator or with the Cinematic Arts Office of Student Affairs. Cinematic Arts student affairs counselors are available to answer questions about degree programs, grades, advisement and other matters.
A minimum grade of C, 2.0 (A = 4.0), must be earned in all required and prerequisite courses in order to progress to the next course level. Students may attempt to improve a grade lower than a C (2.0) only one time by registering and retaking the specific course. Departmental approval is required in order to retake a School of Cinematic Arts course.
In addition, a minimum grade point average must be achieved to earn all cinematic arts degrees (see the individual program descriptions). For example, undergraduates and graduates must earn a minimum grade of C (2.0) in all required cinematic arts courses. However, graduate students must also achieve a B (3.0) average in all courses required for the degree.
Undergraduate students in the film and television production program who achieve a grade lower than a C (2.0) in CTPR 290 (BFA only), CTPR 294, CTPR 295 and CTPR 310, and graduate students in the production program who earn a grade lower than a C (2.0) in CTPR 507 and CTPR 508 may petition to retake the required sequence only once. Permission to retake any prerequisite or core production courses requires prior departmental committee approval.
Students who do not satisfy the degree requirement after repeating a class will be disqualified from the program.
Students in the School of Cinematic Arts' graduate programs pay differential tuition (see the Tuition and Fees section for current tuition rates). Undergraduate programs are assessed the university-wide tuition rate with a once-a-semester access fee of $50. In addition, some classes are charged lab fees, as noted in the Schedule of Classes, and insurance fees. The university reserves the right to assess new fees or charges. The rates listed are subject to change without notice by action of the Board of Trustees.
The minor in animation offers students an introduction to the theory and practice of animation, including its relationship to the history of art and cinema, creative writing, and basic film production. It provides students with an opportunity to create both personal and collaborative work in a wide range of genres, from traditional character to contemporary experimental and computer animation. The program requires 24 units. For more information, see here.
A minor in cinematic arts is available to USC undergraduate students in all schools and departments. The minor provides the opportunity for students to become familiar with various aspects of media study. The program requires 20 units. For more information, see here.
The minor in comedy is designed to train students in the creation of comedic entertainment in film, television and new media. The program utilizes both analysis courses and creative workshops to train students in comedic theory and practice. Through elective choices students may focus their studies on a number of cinematic disciplines as they pertain to the creation of comedic content, including writing sit-coms, directing comedic actors and producing sketch comedy. The program requires 16 units. For more information, see here.
The minor in digital studies explores the rich potential of digital media for critical analysis and creative discovery. Learning the exciting and dynamic potential of a broad array of tools and technologies, students create innovative projects, from photo essays to Web-based documentaries, from interactive videos to sophisticated Websites, and from typography in motion to 3-D visualizations. The program requires 20 units. For more information, see here.
The minor in entertainment industry provides students interested in media content creation with a focused curriculum that will give them insight into the economic factors and professional practices that influence the creative process, and how they interact with social, historical, technical and aesthetic elements. For more information, see here.
The skills of the modern animator, visual effects artist, motion capture professional and many others are of great value in the games industry when paired with an understanding of how these assets can be used in games and systems. The game animation minor provides an educational path that teaches both systems thinking and the skills and creativity of an animator. The program requires 24 units. For more information, see here.
Game audio professionals must not only be competent in one area (e.g., expressly in music composing or in audio recording), but also in other areas of audio and in theories of procedurality and interaction. This minor provides a grounding in game design and systems thinking, while providing a theoretical backing and skills in audio design and composition to prepare students to design successful audio for the games industry. The program requires 24 units. For more information, see here.
Design for games is a young, exciting field applicable to media artists working all over the world, in different aspects of the industry and with many different tools. The game design minor teaches basic iterative design and prototyping skills while providing students the opportunity to explore design for new technologies and the skills of user assessment and usability testing. The program requires 24 units. For more information, see here.
The modern media, technology and entertainment fields are built on the backs of new businesses and new ideas. To start a successful business, you need skills and knowledge of the processes for setting up a business, finding investment and turning your creative project from prototype to finished project. The game entrepreneurism minor provides an educational path that teaches hard business thinking for creative entrepreneurs. The program requires 24 units. For more information, see here.
Games are a major cultural form, with game sales now exceeding box office revenue in the United States. Attention to games and interactive media is growing, and it has become necessary to understand them as meaningful systems, reflect on their cultural influence, and to help guide their evolution with insightful criticism. The game studies minor prepares students with fundamental underpinnings in media criticism and games. For more information, see here.
Game and interaction design are deeply dependent upon human-computer interaction and the ability to use research methods to improve player experience. This minor is designed to give students an underpinning in game design, interface design and research methods, while teaching a full set of skills for playtesting and usability practice. The program requires 24 units. For more information, see here.
The minor in media and social change provides the opportunity for students who are interested in media content creation and research to take classes in a focused curriculum on the various aspects of media for change. Students will gain insight into the professional practices of creating media content, analyzing existing content, and learning how they can influence the future by integrating social issues into the work they are doing in related fields. The program requires 16 units. For more information, see here.
The minor in science visualization offers an introduction to science visualization methodology and practice focused in an area of relevant research. The minor is structured to provide the skills and knowledge needed in science visualization, and will culminate in a capstone project under the close supervision of faculty in both animation and science. The program requires 16 units. For more information, see here.
The minor in screenwriting provides thorough training in the craft of writing for screen and television. Students learn the fundamentals of character, conflict and scene structure and build on their skills through each course as they write feature and television scripts in all genres and explore areas of their interest. Students may apply in the spring or fall semester. The program requires 16 units. For more information, see here.
This 24-unit minor is designed for students who plan to enter careers or professional programs in medicine after graduation and are interested in working with film and television producers to disseminate accurate health information to the public. See the Keck School of Medicine of USC for course requirements.
This interdisciplinary minor integrates three major disciplines (fine arts, computer science and interactive media) to develop the 2-D visual skills necessary to conceptualize and illustrate images for games. For more information, see USC Roski School of Art and Design.
The focus of the 3-D Art for Games minor is a trans-disciplinary approach that incorporates the creative, technological and team-based communication skills necessary to develop 3-D art skills for video games. For more information, see USC Roski School of Art and Design.
The 3-D animation minor merges theoretical concepts and practical skills, to prepare students for a career in their major field of work with incorporation of 3-D animation and interactive technologies. Through integration of three major disciplines (cinematic arts, fine arts and information technology), students gain a solid foundation in a wide range of important industry and academic skills. See the Information Technology Program for course requirements.
The video game design minor integrates theoretical concepts and practical skills to prepare students for a career in interactive entertainment, specifically the video game industry. Through integration of two major disciplines (cinematic arts and information technology), students will be exposed to a variety of design concepts related to creating video games. See the Information Technology Program for course requirements. For specific information on admission and application procedures, contact the School of Cinematic Arts at (213) 821-2515 or the Information Technology Program at (213) 740-4542.
The minor in Performing Arts provides an interdisciplinary inquiry into the nature and aesthetics of the performing arts. It combines the disciplines of cinematic arts, dance, music and theatre. The minor is a unique course of study that looks at how the performing arts contribute to a culturally literate society. See USC School of Dramatic Arts for requirements.
John C. Hench Animation and Digital Arts and the Division of Media Arts and practice jointly offer, with the Roski School of Art and Design, a fall semester abroad at Studio Art Centers International (SACI) in Florence, Italy. Undergraduate students will be required to take equivalent classes in animation and media arts while also benefiting from the wide range of liberal arts courses offered at SACI.
"Documenting the Global City: Los Angeles and Beijing," is an intensive, seven-week workshop in documentary filming that pairs graduate students from the USC School of Cinematic Arts and the Communication University of China (CUC) to make short documentaries on Los Angeles or Beijing as global cities. The program is held in Los Angeles or Beijing in alternate years. It will be held in Beijing in summer 2016. Participating students enroll in CTPR 515 Global Exchange Workshop (2 units).
With faculty guidance from both universities, the students must negotiate cultural differences both in front of and behind the camera. In the process, both students and faculty directly experience the other culture and learn how it defines globalism in general, sees its own city in global terms, combines theory and practice, and processes a new set of perceptions and lived experience.
Interested students should contact Professor Mark Harris of the division of Film and Video Production at (213) 740-3319, or at mharris@cinema.usc.edu. Airfare to China and lodging expenses in Beijing are provided for all students accepted into the course.
Return to: USC School of Cinematic Arts
The John C. Hench Division of Animation and Digital Arts is an international and multicultural program focusing on animation in all its forms. The fundamental philosophy of the program strongly encourages innovation and experimentation, and emphasizes imagination, creativity and critical thinking.
The Bachelor of Arts in Animation and Digital Arts is a unique four-year program granted through the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences in conjunction with the School of Cinematic Arts. Students study within the framework that combines a broad liberal arts background with specialization in a profession. Areas of concentration might include character animation, experimental animation, visual effects, 3-D computer animation, science visualization and interactive animation.
Undergraduate students take their pre-professional courses in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, including the general education requirements. Major courses are selected from the curriculum of the School of Cinematic Arts. The degree requires 128 units, including a minimum of 16 lower-division units and a minimum of 26 upper-division units in Cinematic Arts.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing. See the General Education Program for more information.
Areas of concentration might include character animation, experimental animation, 3-D computer animation, visualizing science, interactive animation and visual effects. Students work in consultation with the undergraduate coordinator and faculty to help them decide their course of study while at USC.
In the spring semester of their third year students develop their senior project through CTAN 336 Ideation and Pre-Production under the guidance of the lecturer. This project will focus on an area of concentration studied throughout the BA by the student. At the end of this class, students present their senior project concepts for review to the Division of Animation and Digital Arts faculty. Progression into CTAN 401a, CTAN 401b is contingent upon faculty committee approval.
In the final year, students concentrate on their senior projects, completing production and post-production. The student's project will be presented to the committee upon completion.
Completion is defined as a fully rendered, animated piece with a completed sound track. In the case of installation work, the piece must be mounted in a suitable space with all sound and animated components completed and functional.
In the case of an interactive work, the piece must be fully functional with completed animation, sound and interactivity.
In addition to completion of the senior project, the student must provide the faculty committee with written and visual documentation of the research. This can be documented as a publishable paper (2,000 words), Website or interactive DVD.
A minimum grade of C, 2.0 (A = 4.0), must be earned in all required and prerequisite courses. A grade of C- (1.7) or lower will not fulfill a major requirement.
Students who do not earn the minimum grade of C (2.0) in CTAN 101, CTAN 102, CTAN 201, CTAN 202, CTAN 301, CTAN 302 or CTAN 401a, CTAN 401b after repeating these requirements will be disqualified from the program.
Registration in graduate level courses (numbered 500) for undergraduate credit requires prior approval from the School of Cinematic Arts.
Cinematic arts majors are expected to meet with an adviser every semester to review their progress. Contact the Cinematic Arts Animation and Digital Arts Division Office, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211, (213) 740-3986, or online at anim.usc.edu.
John C. Hench Animation and Digital Arts offers a fall semester abroad at Studio Art Centers International (SACI) in Florence, Italy. BA students will be required to take equivalent classes in animation and digital media while also benefiting from the wide range of liberal arts courses offered at SACI.
The Master of Fine Arts degree in Animation and Digital Arts is a three-year (six semester) graduate program designed for students who have clearly identified animation and digital art as their primary interest in cinema. The program focuses on animation production, including a wide range of techniques and aesthetic approaches, from hand-drawn character animation to state-of-the-art interactive digital animation. While embracing traditional forms, the program strongly encourages innovation and experimentation, and emphasizes imagination, creativity and critical thinking. Students should graduate with a comprehensive knowledge of animation from conception through realization; an understanding of the history of the medium and its aesthetics; in-depth knowledge of computer animation software and the most important elements of digital and interactive media.
The program requires a minimum of 50 units: 32 units are in prescribed, sequential courses in the School of Cinematic Arts. The other 18 units are cinematic arts electives, 4 of which must be taken in the Division of Critical Studies. A thesis is required for the MFA degree. Ongoing workshops in new technologies, traditional and digital media provide additional educational opportunities for students.
Admission is granted once a year in the fall; there are no spring admissions. Approximately 14 students will be enrolled in each incoming class. In addition to practical production, the program also provides opportunities for fieldwork experience and internships to facilitate the student's transition into the profession. Prior knowledge of fundamental digital animation concepts and techniques is recommended.
Applicants for the MFA in Animation and Digital Arts must apply online. For specific instructions, including deadline information, please visit cinema.usc.edu.
The school requires 50 units minimum to graduate from the MFA in Animation and Digital Arts program, and two-thirds must be at the 500 level, not including 4 units of CTAN 594a Master's Thesis CTAN 594b Master's Thesis.
*A minimum total of 18 elective units must be taken.
To complete the 50 units required for the MFA in Animation and Digital Arts, students are required to take a minimum of 18 School of Cinematic Arts elective units. Four of those units must be taken from the following Critical Studies courses:
In order to begin work on the thesis project, students must first successfully propose their project to a committee of MFA animation and digital arts program faculty. Their proposal is prepared during the spring semester of their second year as part of their pre-thesis class CTAN 591.
In order to pass the pre-thesis class, the thesis proposal must be presented and approved by the thesis committee at the end of the fourth semester. Students cannot change their approved thesis project after the completion of CTAN 591. Throughout the pre-thesis and thesis years of study, students will meet regularly with an MFA animation and digital arts faculty adviser(s) and thesis committee to develop and refine the proposal and discuss the progress of their work. The adviser(s) will be a member of the thesis committee.
The proposal itself will include a written treatment of the project with a discussion of similar work in the field and its relationship to the proposed project. It will describe aesthetic issues to be explored and specific techniques to be employed in its realization. It will also include a storyboard or visualization, budget and schedule, in addition to supporting materials created by the student demonstrating his/her ability to pursue the project. The thesis committee will make comments and decide whether the student may go forward with his/her project. Upon acceptance, the student will begin work on the project, otherwise revising the proposal and meeting again with the committee.
A mid-residency review of the thesis project will take place in the first semester of the final year of study. The student must show that deadlines set in the proposal have been met and that progress consistent with the proposal has been made. The committee may, if necessary, suggest modifications to the project, which the student is then obligated to implement.
In the final year, students concentrate on their thesis projects, completing production and post-production. The student's thesis will be presented to the committee upon completion.
Completion is defined as a fully rendered, animated piece with a completed sound track (guide mix acceptable). In the case of live action and visual effects projects, at least 70 percent of the final film must be animated. In the case of installation work, the piece must be mounted in a suitable space with all sound and animated components completed and functional. In the case of an interactive work the piece must be fully functional with completed animation, sound and interactivity.
In addition to completion of the thesis project, the student must provide the thesis committee with written and visual documentation of the research. This will be documented as a Website or interactive DVD. The documentation comprises the following and should include a publishable research paper: synopsis; artist's statement and research paper; learning objectives — focus of research; type of project — animation, installation, interactive, etc.; research presentation in the format/medium in which the project is to be seen; script and storyboard or conceptual drawings if applicable; style approach, including source references for image shot structure, etc.; sound design and references; collaborators — if any; audience — who it is intended for and who will benefit from the research; budget; marketing and distribution plan.
Criteria for successful completion include: 40 percent originality, 40 percent quality of execution and 20 percent quality of research documentation.
A grade point average of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0) must be maintained in all USC course work toward the master's degree. Courses in which a grade of C- (1.7) or lower is earned will not apply toward a graduate degree. Courses below a C must be repeated.
Students must maintain satisfactory progress toward their master's degrees at all times. The time limit to complete all requirements is three years from the first course at USC applied toward the Master of Fine Arts degree. Course work more than seven years old is invalidated and will not be applied toward the degree.
Return to: USC School of Cinematic Arts
The Bryan Singer Division of Cinema and Media Studies of the School of Cinematic Arts offers programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. This comprehensive curriculum includes courses that analyze the power and responsibility of American and international film and television and new media technologies from formal/aesthetic, historical, economic and ideological perspectives.
The division is committed to understanding film and television texts in relation to the world they represent; it studies not only the meanings of these texts but also the processes by which these meanings are constructed.
Applicants for the BA or MA or PhD degrees must submit the supplemental application and materials to the Cinema and Media Studies Program. For specific instructions, contact the Cinematic Arts Office of Admission, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211, (213) 740-8358, or online at cinema.usc.edu.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Cinematic Arts, Critical Studies is granted by the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences in conjunction with the School of Cinematic Arts. Undergraduate students take their preprofessional courses in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, including the general education requirements. Major courses are selected from the curriculum of the School of Cinematic Arts. The degree requires 128 units, including 28 lower-division and 24 upper-division units in cinematic arts. A maximum of 40 School of Cinematic Arts upper-division units will apply to the BA degree. Before graduating, critical studies majors are encouraged to take at least one small non-lecture class that emphasizes student critical writing or research papers. This category may include (but is not limited to): CTCS 402, CTCS 411, CTCS 412, CTCS 414, sections of CTCS 464 or CTCS 469 that require a D clearance, CTCS 494, and CTCS 495.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing. See the General Education Program for more information.
Undergraduates admitted to the Critical Studies Program are required to take CTPR 290 Cinematic Communication. CTPR 290 introduces the interrelationship of visuals, sound and editing in cinematic communication. Students participate in directing and producing workshops as well as individual and group projects. Approximately $1,000 should be budgeted for miscellaneous expenses, lab and insurance fees.
*Honors students only.
A minimum grade of C (2.0) must be earned in all required and prerequisite courses. A grade of C- (1.7) or lower will not satisfy a major requirement.
Critical Studies offers an honors track for advanced students. Admission to the honors track is made at the end of the junior year and requires a 3.5 overall GPA. Completion of the honors track is dependent upon successful completion of a designated honors section of CTCS 495 during the senior year. In this course, students will work with faculty in a seminar environment and produce an advanced term paper based on original research and analysis.
No more than 40 upper-division units can be taken within the major without prior approval of the Dean, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
Registration in graduate level courses (numbered 500) for undergraduate credit requires prior approval from the School of Cinematic Arts.
Cinematic arts majors are expected to meet with an academic adviser every semester to review their progress. Contact the Cinematic Arts Student Services Office, SCB 105, (213) 740-8358, for an appointment.
The Master of Arts degree in Cinematic Arts with an emphasis in Critical Studies is administered through the Graduate School. Candidates for the degree are subject to the general requirements of the Graduate School (see the Graduate School section). Thirty-six units are required at the 400 level or higher, including a comprehensive examination. At least two-thirds of these units must be at the 500 level or higher.
Each graduate student must pass CTPR 507 4 with a grade of C or better. This course provides a basic primer in production considered necessary for graduate studies in critical studies.
CTPR 507 Production I 4 introduces the fundamental principles of motion picture production, emphasizing visual and auditory communication. Each student makes several non-dialogue personal projects, serving as a writer, producer, cinematographer, director, sound designer and editor and takes a crew role on a collaborative project. Projects are shot on digital cameras and edited on non-linear systems. Approximately $1,200 should be budgeted for miscellaneous expenses, lab and insurance fees.
In addition, 8 units of cinematic arts electives are required.
As the final requirement for the MA degree, the comprehensive examination will be taken in the final spring semester of course work. There is no thesis option. The examination will consist of written responses to three questions selected from a list of fields, the appropriate fields chosen with the guidance of a faculty adviser.
If the student has completed all course work and is only taking the comprehensive examination, he or she must register in GRSC 810 Studies for Master's Examination .
A grade point average of 3.0 must be maintained in all graduate level course work. Courses in which a grade of C- (1.7) or lower is earned will not apply toward a graduate degree.
The following policies apply to each student admitted to the MA program:
Students must maintain full-time enrollment except in a case of emergency in which the student can petition the department to enroll in fewer units.
Students who do not earn the minimum grade of B (3.0) in CTCS 500 or satisfy the degree requirements after repeating a required course will be disqualified from the program.
Although students are normally expected to complete the degree in two years, the degree must be completed within five years of the beginning of graduate work at USC.
At the beginning of their matriculation, and each semester thereafter, each MA candidate will confer with a designated faculty adviser who will monitor the student's progress.
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy with an emphasis in Critical Studies is administered through the Graduate School. The PhD program is tailored to the individual student's particular needs and interests. The overall course of study will be designed by the student, the student's designated adviser and, following the screening procedure, the student's qualifying exam committee chair (see Screening Procedure under Graduate Preparation Production Courses).
A bachelor's or master's degree in cinematic arts, or a closely related field, is required for admission to the PhD program. Applicants with only a bachelor's degree must successfully fulfill all of the USC Critical Studies MA degree requirements as part of the degree program (see Screening Procedure).
Each PhD candidate must complete 68 units beyond the bachelor's degree, 43 of which must be at the 500 level or higher. (Up to 30 units may be transferred from graduate work completed at other institutions.) Dissertation units are not counted toward the 68-unit total. The required units will include seven to 12 courses in cinematic arts and 8 to 16 units in the minor area. The minor will be chosen by the student in close consultation with the adviser and will be in an academic field which supports the student's dissertation topic. Each student must complete the following course work toward the 68 unit total:
Each candidate for the PhD must complete CTPR 507 4 with a grade of C or better. If the student enters the program with a master's degree in cinematic arts and possesses production experience, the student may request a waiver of this requirement. The waiver requires passing a written examination and submission of films/videos to the production faculty for review.
CTPR 507 Production I 4 is designed to introduce the fundamental principles of motion picture production. The course also introduces students to visual and auditory communication and individual filmmaking. Each student makes several non-dialogue personal projects, serving as writer, producer, director, cinematographer, sound designer and editor and takes a crew role on a collaborative project. Projects are shot on digital cameras and edited on non-linear systems. Approximately $1,200 should be budgeted for miscellaneous expenses, lab and insurance fees. This course should be taken before the beginning of the screening procedure.
The Graduate School requires that programs administer an examination or other procedure at a predetermined point in the student's studies as a prerequisite to continuation in the doctoral program. This procedure is designed to review the student's suitability for continuing in the chosen PhD program. The School of Cinematic Arts has determined that this procedure will occur no later than the end of the student's third semester of graduate course work at USC beyond the master's degree. The screening procedure process will include the following steps:
Following a successful screening procedure, the student, in consultation with the qualifying exam committee chair and the Critical Studies faculty, will formally establish a five-member qualifying exam committee. The composition of the qualifying exam committee will be as specified by the Graduate School. For the PhD in Cinematic Arts (Critical Studies), the committee is ordinarily composed of four Critical Studies faculty members and an outside member from the candidate's minor area.
The Critical Studies faculty will advise each student as to whether or not a foreign language is required. This requirement is determined by the student's dissertation topic. The requirement must be met at least 60 days before the qualifying examination.
Working closely with the qualifying exam committee chair, the student will prepare to present his or her dissertation proposal to the full faculty. This will be a formal written proposal which will include a statement of the proposed topic, four fields for examination derived from the general dissertation topic area (including a field from the minor area), a detailed bibliography, and an appropriate and comprehensive screening list of film/television titles. Formal presentation of the dissertation proposal will occur no later than the end of the semester prior to taking the qualifying examinations. The qualifying exam committee must approve the dissertation topic. Once the dissertation topic has been approved, the student will complete the Request to Take the PhD Qualifying Examination form available from the program coordinator.
Written and oral examinations for the PhD are given twice a year, in November and April. Questions for the written portion of the examination will be drafted by members of the qualifying exam committee who will also grade the examination. The qualifying examination comprises four examinations administered one each day for four days during a five-day period.
The oral examination will be scheduled within 30 days after the written examination. All qualifying exam committee members must be present for the oral portion of the qualifying examination.
A student is eligible for admission to candidacy for the PhD degree after: (1) passing the screening procedure; (2) presenting the dissertation proposal and having it approved; (3) satisfying the language requirement, if applicable; (4) completing at least 24 units in residence; and (5) passing the written and oral portions of the qualifying examination. Admission to candidacy is by action of the Graduate School.
The dissertation committee is composed as specified by regulations of the Graduate School. A dissertation based on original investigation and showing technical mastery of a special field, capacity for research and scholarly ability must be submitted.
Registration for dissertation units, CTCS 794a and CTCS 794b , in the two semesters following admission to candidacy is the minimum requirement. These units cannot be applied toward the required 68 unit total. The student must register for CTCS 794a, CTCS 794b, CTCS 794c, CTCS 794d, CTCS 794z each semester after admission to candidacy until the degree requirements are completed. No more than 8 units of credit can be earned in CTCS 794a, CTCS 794b, CTCS 794c, CTCS 794d, CTCS 794z.
An oral defense of the dissertation is required of each PhD candidate. The dissertation committee will decide whether the examination is to take place after completion of the preliminary draft or the final draft of the dissertation. The oral defense must be passed at least one week before graduation.
The following policies apply to each student admitted to the PhD program.
At least one year of full-time graduate study (24 units excluding registration for CTCS 794a, CTCS 794b, CTCS 794c, CTCS 794d, CTCS 794z) must be completed in residence on the main USC campus. The residency requirement may not be interrupted by study elsewhere. Residency must be completed prior to the qualifying examination.
An overall GPA of 3.0 is required for all graduate work. Courses in which a grade of C- (1.7) or lower is earned will not apply toward a graduate degree.
A leave of absence may be granted under exceptional circumstances by petitioning the semester before the leave is to be taken. Refer to "Leave of Absence" in the Graduate and Professional Education section.
Changes in either the qualifying exam or dissertation committee must be requested on a form available from the Graduate School Website.
Everything involved in approving the dissertation must be completed at least one week before graduation. Approval by the dissertation committee, the Office of Academic Records and Registrar, and the thesis editor must be reported and submitted to the Graduate School by the date of graduation.
The maximum time limit for completing all requirements for the PhD degree is eight years from the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Students who have completed an applicable master's degree at USC or elsewhere within five years from the proposed enrollment in a PhD program must complete the PhD in six years. Extension of these time limits will be made only for compelling reasons upon petition by the student. When petitions are granted, students will be required to make additional CTCS 794a, CTCS 794b, CTCS 794c, CTCS 794d, CTCS 794z registrations. Course work more than 10 years old is automatically invalidated and cannot be applied toward the degree.
Return to: USC School of Cinematic Arts
The Division of Film and Television Production of the School of Cinematic Arts offers programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of Fine Arts and the Master of Fine Arts degrees.
The primary goals of the degree programs in film and television production are to develop the student's ability to express original ideas on film or video and to instill a thorough understanding of the technical and aesthetic aspects of motion pictures and television. Courses in production provide individual and group filmmaking experiences and the opportunity to learn all aspects of filmmaking in a collaborative environment.
The Bachelor of Arts in Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production is granted through the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences in conjunction with the School of Cinematic Arts. Students study within a framework which combines a broad liberal arts background with specialization in a profession. Bachelor of Arts students are enrolled in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, where they take their preprofessional courses, including the general education requirements. Major courses are selected from the curriculum of the School of Cinematic Arts. The degree requires 128 units, including 16 lower-division units and 26 upper-division units in Cinematic Arts. A maximum of 40 School of Cinematic Arts upper-division units will apply to the BA degree.
Applicants must submit a supplemental application and materials to the Undergraduate Production Program. For specific instructions, contact the Cinematic Arts Office of Admission, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211, (213) 740-8358 or online at cinema.usc.edu.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing.
Candidates for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production are required to take CTPR 294 Directing in Television, Fiction, and Documentary and CTPR 295 L Cinematic Arts Laboratory the first semester they are enrolled in the program. These courses are taken in preparation for the next phase of the production sequence, CTPR 310 Intermediate Production.
In CTPR 294, students explore the basic concepts of directing in television, documentary and dramatic narrative by working with actors, documentary production and the creation of short television projects.
In CTPR 295, students study the aesthetics and tools of the major disciplines of cinematic arts: producing, cinematography, sound and editing.
CTPR 310 Intermediate Production is the second phase of the production sequence. In this workshop, students work in small crews, learning to collaborate and explore the expressive principles of visual and audio communication; idea development and realization using image, movement, pace, the spoken word and other sounds. Most equipment and materials are provided by the school; however, approximately $2,000 should be budgeted for miscellaneous expenses, lab and insurance fees.
To qualify for enrollment in CTPR 310, students must fulfill all requirements outlined in the guidelines distributed in CTPR 294.
Following CTPR 310, students must take CTPR 450 The Production and Post-Production Assistant, and refine their areas of interest by taking advanced-level practicum courses within the major disciplines of production: directing, editing, cinematography, sound, producing and production design. Thereafter students complete the final phase of the production sequence by taking one of the following courses: CTAN 448, CTPR 480, CTPR 484 or CTPR 486.
CTAN 448 Introduction to Film Graphics — Animation is a practical course in concepts, media and techniques related to the graphic film.
In CTPR 480 Advanced Production Workshop, production students form crews in which directors, producers, cinematographers, editors and sound designers collaborate to produce, shoot, edit and deliver a fictional narrative, documentary or experimental project in one semester.
Equipment and facilities are provided by the school. There are extra personal expenses associated with all production workshops.
To qualify for enrollment in CTPR 480, students must fulfill all requirements outlined in the CTPR 480 guidelines distributed in CTPR 450.
CTPR 484 Advanced Multi-Camera Television Workshop is a class in which students will produce a half-hour situation comedy pilot in one semester.
CTPR 486 Single Camera Television Dramatic Series (recommended preparation: CTPR 479) is a class in which students collaborate on the production and post-production of an original episodic drama, 44 minutes in length, that is shot on original sets.
CTPR 310, CTPR 480, CTPR 484 and CTPR 486 cannot be waived or substituted with another course or transfer credit under any circumstances.
A minimum grade of C, 2.0 (A = 4.0), must be earned in all required and prerequisite courses. A grade of C- (1.7) or lower will not fulfill a major requirement.
Students who do not earn the minimum grade of C (2.0) in CTPR 294, CTPR 295 and CTPR 310 after repeating these requirements will be disqualified from the program.
No more than 40 upper-division units can be taken in the major without approval of the dean, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
Registration in graduate level courses (numbered 500) for undergraduate credit requires prior approval of the School of Cinematic Arts.
Cinematic arts majors are expected to meet with an adviser every semester to review their progress. Contact the Cinematic Arts Student Services Office (SCB 105), (213) 740-8358, for an appointment.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production is a unique four-year program, offered by the School of Cinematic Arts, that combines a liberal arts background with comprehensive specialization in a profession. Students are provided an intensive production experience combined with requirements and electives from other School of Cinematic Arts programs including Critical Studies, Writing, Animation and Interactive Media. The degree requires 128 units, including 64 units in Cinematic Arts, many of which are taken in a sequential order.
Applicants must submit a supplemental application and materials to the Undergraduate Production Program. For specific instructions, contact the Cinematic Arts Office of Admission, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211, (213) 740-8358 or online at cinema.usc.edu.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing.
Candidates for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Film and Television Production are required to take CTPR 285 Lateral Thinking for Filmmaking Practice, CTPR 290 Cinematic Communication, CTPR 294 Directing in Television, Fiction, and Documentary and CTPR 295 L Cinematic Arts Laboratory. These courses are taken in the first two years of the program in preparation for the next phase of the production sequence, CTPR 310 Intermediate Production.
CTPR 285 introduces contemporary concepts of production, emphasizing the variety of contemporary media and significant related concepts. Students will create mini-projects using laptops, phones and networks.
CTPR 290 introduces the interrelationship of visuals, sound and editing in cinematic communication. Students participate in directing and producing workshops as well as individual and group projects. Approximately $1,000 should be budgeted for miscellaneous expenses, lab and insurance fees.
In CTPR 294, students explore the basic concepts of directing in television, documentary and dramatic narrative by working with actors, documentary production and the creation of short television projects.
In CTPR 295, students study the aesthetics and tools of the major disciplines of cinematic arts: producing, cinematography, sound and editing.
CTPR 310 Intermediate Production is the second phase of the production sequence. In this workshop students work in small crews, learning to collaborate and explore the expressive principles of visual and audio communication; idea development and realization using image, movement, pace, the spoken word and other sounds. Most equipment and materials are provided by the school; however, approximately $2,000 should be budgeted for miscellaneous expenses, lab and insurance fees.
To qualify for enrollment in CTPR 310, students must fulfill all requirements outlined in the CTPR 310 guidelines distributed in CTPR 294.
Following CTPR 310, students must take CTPR 450 The Production and Post-Production Assistant, and refine their areas of interest by taking advanced-level practicum courses within the major disciplines of production: directing, editing, cinematography, sound, producing and production design. Thereafter students complete the final phase of the production sequence by taking one of the following courses: CTPR 480, CTPR 484 or CTPR 486.
In CTPR 480 Advanced Production Workshop, production students form crews in which directors, producers, cinematographers, editors and sound designers collaborate to produce, shoot, edit and deliver a fictional narrative, documentary or experimental project in one semester.
Equipment and facilities are provided by the school. There are extra personal expenses associated with all production workshops.
To qualify for enrollment in CTPR 480, students must fulfill all requirements outlined in the CTPR 480 guidelines distributed in CTPR 450.
CTPR 484 Advanced Multi-Camera Television Workshop is a class in which students will produce a half-hour situation comedy pilot in one semester.
CTPR 486 Single Camera Television Dramatic Series is a class in which students collaborate on the production and post-production of an original episodic drama, 44 minutes in length, that is shot on original sets.
CTPR 285, CTPR 290, CTPR 294, CTPR 295, CTPR 310, CTPR 480, CTPR 484 and CTPR 486 cannot be waived or substituted with another course or transfer credit under any circumstances.
A minimum grade of C, 2.0 (A = 4.0), must be earned in all required and prerequisite courses. A grade of C- (1.7) or lower will not fulfill a major requirement.
Students who do not earn the minimum grade of C (2.0) in CTPR 285, CTPR 290, CTPR 294, CTPR 295 and CTPR 310 after repeating these requirements will be disqualified from the program.
Registration in graduate-level courses (numbered 500) for undergraduate credit requires prior approval from the School of Cinematic Arts.
Cinematic Arts majors are expected to meet with an adviser every semester to review their progress. Contact the Cinematic Arts Student Services Office (SCB 105), (213) 740-8358, for an appointment.
The Master of Fine Arts, Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production, requires a minimum of 52 units in cinematic arts at the 400 or 500 level. A thesis is not required for the MFA degree.
Applications for the graduate production program are accepted for both fall and spring semesters. See a current Graduate Study Application for deadlines. Applicants must submit supplemental applications and materials to the Graduate Production Program. For specific instructions, contact the Cinematic Arts Office of Admission, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211, (213) 740-8358 or online at cinema.usc.edu.
CTPR 507 Production I 4, which brings together students from other School of Cinematic Arts divisions, introduces the fundamental principles of motion picture production, emphasizing visual and auditory communication. Projects are shot using digital cameras and edited on non-linear systems. Approximately $1,200 should be budgeted for miscellaneous expenses, lab and insurance fees. Production students must take CTPR 507 concurrently with CTPR 510 Concepts of Cinematic Production, and CTWR 505 Creating the Short Film in the first semester.
In CTPR 508 Production II 6, students produce short films in small crews. The primary goal is to communicate effectively through sound/image relationships. Most equipment and materials are provided by the school, but approximately $2,000 should be budgeted for miscellaneous expenses, lab and insurance fees.
A minimum grade of C (2.0) in CTPR 507 and CTPR 508 is required in order to continue in the Master of Fine Arts program. Students earning lower than a C (2.0) in any other production course requirement may repeat the requirement on a one time only basis upon approval of the division chair.
Students who do not earn the minimum grade of C (2.0) in CTPR 507 or CTPR 508 or satisfy the degree requirements after repeating a required course will be disqualified from the program.
Our program is distinguished by the understanding and hands-on practice our graduates achieve in all mediamaking disciplines; at the same time, each student pursues specialized interests in years two and three. To qualify for the MFA, each must demonstrate mastery of at least one of six disciplines: writing, producing, directing, cinematography, editing or sound. In the discipline chosen, the candidate must register for and complete an advanced project, as well as the defined prerequisites.
CTPR 507, CTPR 508, CTPR 510,CTPR 546, CTPR 547, CTPR 581a, CTPR 581b, CTPR 581c, CTPR 581z, CTPR 582a, CTPR 582b, CTPR 582z, CTPR 583, CTPR 585a, CTPR 585b, CTPR 585z and CTPR 587a, CTPR 587b, CTPR 587c, CTPR 587z cannot be waived or substituted with transfer credit under any circumstances.
*Students who choose CTPR 479/CTPR 486 in lieu of CTPR 546 or CTPR 547 cannot use CTPR 479 to satisfy this requirement.
**Students must complete the prerequisites and follow the guidelines for these courses.
A grade point average of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0) must be maintained in all USC course work toward the master's degree. Courses in which a grade of C- (1.7) or lower is earned will not apply toward a graduate degree.
Students must maintain satisfactory progress toward their master's degree at all times. The time limit to complete all requirements is three years from the first course at USC applied toward the Master of Fine Arts degree. Course work more than seven years old is invalidated and will not be applied toward the degree. Students are expected to meet with a faculty adviser every semester.
One year prior to graduation, students must see their academic advisers for a curriculum and graduation review. Contact the Production Faculty Office for forms (213) 740-3317.
Return to: USC School of Cinematic Arts
The Interactive Media and Games Division offers a Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Entertainment and a Master of Fine Arts in Interactive Media as well as a number of courses in computer-based entertainment for non-majors. The fundamental philosophy of the division is coherent with that of the school's program, stressing creativity of expression, experimentation and excellence in execution.
The Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Entertainment is granted through the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences in conjunction with the School of Cinematic Arts. Students study within a framework, which combines a broad liberal arts background with specialization in a profession. Undergraduate students take their pre-professional courses in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, including the general education requirements. Major courses are selected from the curriculum of the School of Cinematic Arts. The degree requires 128 units, including a minimum of 48 units in the major.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing. See General Education Program for more information.
Undergraduates admitted to the Interactive Entertainment Program are required to take CTPR 290 .
CTPR 290 introduces the interrelationship of visuals, sound and editing in cinematic communication. Students participate in directing and producing workshops as well as individual and group projects. Approximately $1,000 should be budgeted for miscellaneous expenses, lab and insurance fees.
*Enrollment in CTIN 484 and CTIN 489 is concurrent
*Prerequisite: IML 104 or IML 140 or IML 201.
Four additional upper-division units of Cinematic Arts electives
A minimum grade of C, 2.0 (A = 4.0), must be earned in all required and prerequisite courses. A grade of C- (1.7) or lower will not fulfill a major requirement.
Students who do not earn the minimum grade of C (2.0) in CTIN 190, CTIN 483, CTIN 484, CTIN 488 or CTIN 489 after repeating these requirements will be disqualified from the program.
Registration in graduate-level courses (numbered 500) for undergraduate credit requires prior approval of the School of Cinematic Arts.
Cinematic arts majors are expected to meet with an adviser every semester to review their progress. Contact the Interactive Media Program Office, SCA 223, (213) 821-4472, for an appointment.
The Master of Arts in Cinematic Arts with an emphasis in Media Arts, Games and Health is administered by the Graduate School in conjunction with the Creative Media & Behavioral Health Center. The curriculum is based on center crosscutting initiatives that represent the broadest descriptions of our vision and mission. Students benefit from emerging research, tools and methodologies that converge at the center, as well as the wide range of backgrounds represented by faculty, students and visiting scholars. Research is prioritized based on a combination of factors, including potential impact and benefit to society and overall alignment with center priorities. Some center initiatives include:
The goal of the curriculum is to provide integrative research and practice-based training to enable students to combine prior/concurrent education and experience toward design, development and evaluation of health- and wellness-related interventions that incorporate entertainment media experiences (film, games, virtual reality, mobile media, public interactives, transmedia and emerging genres).
Candidates for the degree are subject to the general requirements of the Graduate School (see the Graduate School section). Thirty-six units are required at the 400 level or higher, including an integrative project. At least two-thirds of these units must be at the 500 level or higher.
Electives (8 units minimum from Cinematic Arts) Units: 18
Electives
Electives
Electives
Electives
In addition, 18 units of electives related to the student's area of study will be recommended by the student's adviser; at least 8 of these units should be from Cinematic Arts.
At least 8 units from the following:
*Prerequisite required.
**Courses not listed may satisfy this requirement with approval of
the program chair.
All students are required to complete a project that showcases their integrative mastery of prior and newly acquired knowledge, skills and interests in CTIN 593. It is recommended that preparatory work for this project begins with a directed research proposal in CTIN 590, but the student can begin work sooner. Students are permitted to complete collaborative integrative projects if they can successfully articulate a clear timeline, feasibility, individual contributions and an alternate plan for completion if the collaboration becomes unsustainable. Building upon prior art and research (e.g., MFA thesis projects, sponsored research) is highly recommended because the project will be graded on the merit and impact of the intervention as a whole (vs. the aesthetic qualities or innovation of a standalone interactive artifact). Students need to form a committee of at least three members (USC faculty member, scientist or health professional, stakeholder). The criteria for successful completion will be set by the program director and the project committee advisers.
The following are examples of integrative projects:
(a) Design/development of an original creative intervention based on rigorous formative research, or
(b) Design adaptation of an existing intervention based on rigorous formative research, or
(c) Deployment and evaluation of an original or adapted intervention.
An overall GPA of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0) must be maintained in all USC course work toward the master's degree. A minimum grade of B (3.0) must be earned in all required courses. Students who do not achieve a grade of B (3.0) in the required courses after repeating these requirements will be disqualified from the program. The core courses as well as CTIN 593 cannot be waived or substituted with transfer credits under any circumstances.
Students must maintain satisfactory progress toward their master's degrees at all times. The degree must be completed five years from the first course at USC applied toward the Master of Arts degree. Course work more than seven years old is invalidated and will not be applied toward the degree. The degree director will review progress toward degree completion on an annual basis. Students who are not making satisfactory progress will be provided a remediation plan with required action deadlines.
Students are required to provide six hours of peer and/or team mentoring per month to other students via advising, critique or skills workshops. Requests for mentoring will be submitted ad-hoc by students and faculty with a sign-up sheet.
The Master of Fine Arts in Interactive Media with an emphasis in Games and Health is administered in conjunction with the Creative Media & Behavioral Health Center. The curriculum is based on center crosscutting initiatives that represent the broadest descriptions of our vision and mission. Students benefit from emerging research, tools and methodologies that converge at the center, as well as the wide range of backgrounds represented by faculty, students and visiting scholars. Research is prioritized based on a combination of factors, including potential impact and benefit to society, and overall alignment with center priorities. Some center initiatives include:
This emphasis aims to provide specialized training and hands-on experience to enrolled MFA students toward design, development and evaluation of interactive entertainment for health and happiness. Students will obtain a broad perspective on theory, methods and practice through an intensive overview of core concepts of science with a lifespan perspective on brain development, lifelong resilience, wellness and illness. On a practical level, students will learn how to: (a) perform transdisciplinary formative research (e.g., literature reviews, prior art analyses) in order to establish background data and rationale for design and evaluation; (b) tailor intervention design and program design requirements to target population using transdisciplinary methodologies (e.g., ethnography, surveys, observation studies); (c) iteratively develop and/or adapt existing interventions focused on health and wellness in transdisciplinary team environments; (d) design and administer small studies for ecologically valid assessment of interventions (e.g., feasibility pilots, experimental designs, pilot clinical studies).
The degree requires 50 units.
At least 2 units from the following:
At least 4 units from the following:
*Courses not listed may satisfy this requirement with approval of the program chair.
**Prerequisite required.
An overall GPA of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0) must be maintained in all USC course work toward the master's degree.
A minimum grade of C (2.0) must be earned in all required courses. Students who do not achieve a grade of C (2.0) in the core courses CTIN 532, CTIN 534, CTIN 542 and CTIN 544 after repeating these requirements will be disqualified from the program. The core courses as well as CTIN 594a, CTIN 594b cannot be waived or substituted with transfer credits under any circumstances.
Students must maintain satisfactory progress toward their master's degrees at all times. The degree must be completed three years from the first course at USC applied toward the Master of Fine Arts degree. Course work more than seven years old is invalidated and will not be applied toward the degree.
One year prior to graduation, students are required to file MFA forms for a curriculum and graduation review. Contact the Interactive Media Program Office for forms.
The Interactive Media and Games Division offers a Master of Fine Arts in Interactive Media as well as a number of courses in computer-based entertainment for non-majors. The fundamental philosophy of the division is coherent with that of the programs of the school, stressing creativity of expression, experimentation and excellence in execution.
The Interactive Entertainment track is part of the MFA in Interactive Media. This track focuses on game design and innovation and offers a list of suggested electives best suited for interests in interactive entertainment. Students in the Interactive Entertainment track are required to follow the MFA in Interactive Media curriculum.
The MFA in Interactive Media is a three-year intensive program that requires 50 units of which 32 are requirements and 18 are electives. Of these electives, a minimum of 6 units must be taken in the School of Cinematic Arts. Students are required to do an internship or professional work during the summer between their first and second year and must take at least 2 units of business oriented electives. Students are required to complete an advanced interactive project which they design and produce in CTIN 594a Master's Thesis and CTIN 594b Master's Thesis.
Computer and digital production facilities for the program are provided by the school. However, students should budget additional funds for incidental expenses for intermediate and advanced projects. Cost will vary depending on the scope of a student's project. For the first year production course, approximately $1,000 will be needed for miscellaneous costs, lab and insurance fees.
The program is intended to prepare students for creative careers in the emerging field of interactive entertainment. While the program does not require advanced computer capabilities, familiarity and comfort with computer-based authoring and production/post-production tools is recommended.
The creation of interactive media requires a combination of skills from the traditional media of film and television as well as a deep understanding of the effects of interactivity upon the quality of experience. Therefore, we emphasize and encourage collaboration with students in other Cinematic Arts programs. Approximately 15 students are admitted in the fall semester (there are no spring admissions).
Applicants for the MFA in Interactive Media must submit a supplemental application and materials to the Interactive Media Program. For specific instructions contact the Cinematic Arts Office of Admission, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211, (213) 740-8358 or online at cinema.usc.edu.
*Courses suggested as part of the Interactive Entertainment track.
**Courses not listed may satisfy this requirement with approval of the program chair.
In order to begin work on the thesis/advanced project, students must first successfully propose their project to a committee of MFA interactive media program faculty. The proposal is prepared during the second year of study in CTIN 548 Preparing the Interactive Project and is submitted at the end of the second year. Throughout the three years of study, students will meet regularly with an MFA interactive media program adviser to develop and refine the proposal and discuss the progress of their work. The adviser will be a member of the thesis committee.
The proposal itself will include a written treatment of the project with a discussion of similar work in the field and its relationship to the proposed project. It will describe aesthetic issues to be explored and specific techniques to be employed in its realization. It will also include a project visualization, budget and schedule, in addition to supporting materials created by the student demonstrating his or her ability to pursue the project. The faculty committee will make comments and decide whether the student may go forward with his or her project. Upon acceptance, the student will begin work on the project, otherwise revising the proposal and meeting again with the committee.
In the third and final year, students concentrate on their thesis projects in CTIN 594a Master's Thesis and CTIN 594b Master's Thesis, completing production and post-production. A final review will take place in the second semester of the third year. The committee will meet and the student must show and defend the work. The student does not need to submit a thesis paper in conjunction with this project, though students interested in doing so may take CTIN 510 and prepare a paper for academic publication.
Criteria for successful completion include: 50 percent originality and 50 percent quality of execution.
Though the Internship class is not required, the division requires all MFA students to do work at an internship or in a professional context while enrolled in the program. The graduate students adviser will work with each student to find an appropriate work environment and certify the student's completion thereof.
An overall GPA of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0) must be maintained in all USC course work toward the master's degree.
A minimum grade of C (2.0) must be earned in all required courses. Students who do not achieve a grade of C (2.0) in the core courses CTIN 532, CTIN 534, CTIN 542 and CTIN 544 after repeating these requirements will be disqualified from the program. The core courses as well as CTIN 594a CTIN 594b cannot be waived or substituted with transfer credits under any circumstances.
Students must maintain satisfactory progress toward their master's degrees at all times. The degree must be completed three years from the first course at USC applied toward the Master of Fine Arts degree. Course work more than seven years old is invalidated and will not be applied toward the degree.
One year prior to graduation, students are required to file MFA forms for a curriculum and graduation review. Contact the Interactive Media Program Office for forms.
Return to: USC School of Cinematic Arts
The Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts and Practice offers a robust curriculum centered on the history, theory and practice of digital media in creative and scholarly contexts. Students will study the evolution of media in concert with new cinematic technologies, from the work of early innovators such as Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, through the pioneering experiments in information theory embodied by thinkers such as Claude Shannon, Norbert Wiener and Vannevar Bush, and on to the experiments of artists and designers working with interactivity, immersion, stereoscopy and performance for over a century. Students will also learn how to understand the relationship among media forms, emerging technologies and culture, and how to author in diverse media platforms for both critical and creative practice. The media arts and practice major is ideal for students who are interested in the expanded array of cinematic technologies that can be used for the creative and critical expression of ideas, as well as those who want to develop skills in visual communication for use in diverse fields.
Information about courses and other program offerings can be obtained by emailing the Media Arts and Practice program at map@cinema.usc.edu.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing. See the General Education Program for more information.
The media arts and practice major culminates in a digital thesis project that students research, develop and construct during their senior year. These projects will engage a key issue faced by contemporary media arts practitioners and will represent the convergence of conceptual excellence and digital innovation.
A total of 56 units is required to complete the major: 14 units of introductory course work, 30 units of intermediate course work and 12 units of advanced course work. All courses must be taken for a letter grade.
This requirement allows students to expand their technical skillset by taking courses in other academic departments. Applicable courses include: CTAN 330, CTAN 448, CTAN 452, CTIN 483 and CTPR 385. Other courses may be applicable; please see an adviser for approval. Courses may be lower-division or upper-division, but they must incorporate a hands-on media production component and tool-based instruction appropriate to the medium.
This requirement allows students to expand their inquiry into media arts as a discipline. Applicable courses include: IML 309, IML 340, IML 385, IML 420, IML 450, IML 475 and IML 499.
This requirement allows students to expand their knowledge of the theory, history and critical analysis of digital media. Applicable courses include: CTCS 478 and CTCS 482. Other courses may be applicable; please see an adviser for approval. Courses must be upper-division and must include a weekly reading of critical texts.
A minimum grade of C (2.0) must be earned in all required and prerequisite courses. A grade of C- (1.7) or lower will not satisfy a major requirement.
Media arts and practice majors are expected to meet with an academic adviser every semester to review their progress. Contact the Media Arts and Practice program at map@cinema.usc.edu for an appointment.
A century of mass media and the advent of digital communication have transformed the way ideas are expressed and understood across the university. As a result, the notion of literacy, which has traditionally referred to the reading and writing of printed materials, has fundamentally expanded to include new forms of expression. The Honors in Multimedia Scholarship program offers students an opportunity to learn new approaches to the production of knowledge through the critical application of multimedia. The program includes a systematic introduction to the history, theory and practice of multimedia scholarship within a range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary contexts. Students develop and refine their abilities to conduct research and publish work in formats appropriate to their field of study: video, audio, image, Web or some integration of these forms. The program is open to students from all disciplines.
Students are expected to integrate theory into the practice of multimedia scholarship; for this reason, courses include discussion of historical and theoretical material, instruction in basic research practices, as well as opportunities to develop skills in multimedia authorship, collaboration, leadership and creative thinking. Students earn Honors in Multimedia Scholarship by completing a minimum of 24 units of required course work culminating in a capstone interdisciplinary thesis during their final year.
To maintain small classes and allow for extensive discussion and project development, the Honors in Multimedia Scholarship program requires students to be highly motivated; there is extensive reading, writing and multimedia authoring. The required courses are not available for pass/no pass registration.
Information about courses and other program offerings can be obtained by emailing the Media Arts and Practice program at map@cinema.usc.edu.
A total of 24 units is required to complete the honors program; 4 units of introductory course work, 12 units of intermediate course work, and 8 units of advanced course work. All courses must be taken for a letter grade.
Applicable courses include:
Contemporary scholarship is undergoing profound shifts as new technologies alter how scholars interact, conduct research, author and visualize their work, as well as how they teach. The certificate program in digital media and culture explores the shifting nature of scholarly expression, pedagogical practice and research in the 21st century, combining seminars with hands-on, lab-based workshops in order to facilitate sophisticated critical thinking and practice in and through multimedia.
Open to graduate students interested in emerging modes of creative, networked and media-rich scholarship, the program seeks to provide participants with a sophisticated conceptual framework for considering the emerging landscape of scholarship in the digital age, as well as a broad overview of contemporary scholarly multimedia as it intersects with media art, information design, interactive media and communication studies.
Choose a minimum of 12 units from the following:
The PhD in Media Arts and Practice program offers a rigorous and creative environment for scholarly innovation as students explore the intersection of design, media and critical thinking while defining new modes of research and scholarship for the 21st century. Core to the program is its transdisciplinary ethos; after completing foundational course work, students design their own curricula, drawing on expertise across all divisions and research labs within the School of Cinematic Arts.
A bachelor's or master's degree in media arts, or a closely related field, is required for admission to the PhD program. In addition to submitting an application to USC Graduate Admissions, applicants for the PhD must submit the supplemental application and materials to the Media Arts and Practice Division. For specific instructions, contact the School of Cinematic Arts Office of Admission, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211, (213) 840-8358, or online at cinema.usc.edu/imap.
Each PhD candidate must complete 64 units beyond the bachelor's degree, exclusive of IML 794a, IML 794b, IML 794c, IML 794d, IML 794z. (Up to 28 units may be transferred from graduate work completed at other institutions.) At least two-thirds of the units applied towards the degree (including transfer work and not including IML 794a, IML 794b, IML 794c, IML 794d, IML 794z ) must be at the 500 level or higher. The required units will include 8 to 16 units in a minor area. The minor will be chosen by the student in close consultation with the adviser and will be in an academic field that supports the student's dissertation topic and project. Each student must complete the following course work:
The Graduate School requires that programs administer an examination or other procedure at a predetermined point in the student's studies as a prerequisite to continuation in the doctoral program. The screening procedure in the School of Cinematic Arts is designed to review the student's suitability for continuing in the chosen PhD program. Two separate screening procedures will measure a student's progress at two points in their work toward the degree. The first screening will occur no later than the end of the student's third semester of graduate course work beyond the master's degree or after 46 units of graduate work beyond the bachelor's degree. The second screening will occur no earlier than one-half of a semester following the first screening. The screening procedure process will include the following steps:
Following a successful screening procedure, the student, in consultation with the qualifying exam committee chair and the Media Arts and Practice faculty, will formally establish a five-member qualifying exam committee. The composition of the qualifying exam committee will be as specified by the Graduate School. For the PhD in Cinematic Arts (Media Arts and Practice), the committee is ordinarily composed of four cinematic arts faculty members and an outside member from the candidate's minor area.
The Cinematic Arts faculty will advise each student as to whether or not a foreign language is required. This requirement is determined by the student's dissertation topic. The requirement must be met at least 60 days before the qualifying examination.
Written and oral examinations for the PhD are given twice a year, generally in November and April. Questions for the written portion of the examination will be drafted by members of the qualifying exam committee who will also assess the examination. The qualifying examination comprises three examinations administered one day each for three days over a five-day period. The oral examination will be scheduled within 30 days after the written examination. All qualifying exam committee members must be present for the oral portion of the qualifying examination.
A student is eligible for admission to candidacy for a PhD degree after: (1) passing the second screening procedure; (2) presenting the dissertation proposal and having it approved; (3) satisfying the language requirement, if applicable, (4) completing at least 24 units in residence; and (5) passing the written and oral portions of the qualifying examination. Admission to candidacy is by action of the Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Programs.
The dissertation committee is composed as specified by regulations of the Graduate School. A dissertation project based on original investigation and showing technical mastery of a special field, capacity of research and scholarly ability must be submitted.
Registration for dissertation units, IML 794a IML 794b, in the two semesters following admission to candidacy is the minimum requirement. These units cannot be applied towards the required 64 unit total. The student must register for IML 794a, IML 794b, IML 794c, IML 794d, IML 794z each semester after admission to candidacy until the degree requirements are completed. No more than 8 units of credit can be earned in IML 794a, IML 794b, IML 794c, IML 794d, IML 794z.
An oral defense of the dissertation is required of each PhD candidate. The dissertation committee will decide whether the examination is to take place after completion of the preliminary draft or the final draft of the dissertation. The oral defense must be passed at least one week before graduation.
The following policies apply to each student admitted to the PhD program.
At least one year of full-time graduate study (24 units excluding registration for IML 794a, IML 794b, IML 794c, IML 794d, IML 794z) must be completed in residence on the main USC campus. The residency requirement may not be interrupted by study elsewhere. Residency must be completed prior to the qualifying examination.
An overall GPA of 3.0 is required for all graduate work. Courses in which a grade of C- (1.7) or lower is earned will not apply toward a graduate degree.
A leave of absence may be granted under exceptional circumstances by petitioning the Graduate School the semester before the leave is to be taken.
Changes to either the qualifying exam or dissertation committee must be requested on a form available from the Graduate School.
Everything involved in approving the dissertation must be completed at least one week before graduation. Approval by the dissertation committee, the Office of Academic Records and Registrar, and the thesis editor must be reported on the triple card and submitted to the Graduate School by the date of graduation.
The maximum time limit for completing all requirements for the PhD degree is eight years from the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Students who have completed an applicable master's degree at USC or elsewhere within five years from the proposed enrollment in a PhD program must complete the PhD in six years. Extension of these time limits will be made only for compelling reasons upon petition by the student.
When petitions are granted, students will be required to make additional IML 794a IML 794b IML 794c IML 794d IML 794z registrations. Course work more than 10 years old is automatically invalidated and cannot be applied toward the degree.
Return to: USC School of Cinematic Arts
The Peter Stark Producing Program is a two-year (four semester) full-time graduate program.
Approximately 24 Peter Stark Program students are enrolled each fall (there are no spring admissions). The curriculum places equal emphasis on the creative and the managerial, to enhance and develop artistic skills and judgment while providing a sound background in business essentials. Each course is continually updated to ensure that the Stark program remains responsive to the needs of our students and the ever-changing film, television and new media landscape, and prepare students for careers as creative decision-makers in those fields.
A minimum of 44 units of 500-level courses is required for the Peter Stark Producing Program leading to the MFA degree. There are no electives; all Stark students take the same classes at the same time in a mandated sequence. In CMPP 541a and CMPP 541b, first-year students get hands-on filmmaking experience, working on collaborative projects in different roles. Projects are shot and edited digitally. Equipment is provided by the school.
The thesis completion requirement is a detailed plan for a film, documentary, television or webseries project comprising a developed script and notes for improvement, a schedule, budget assumptions and a marketing/distribution plan.
The completion of an entertainment industry internship of at least eight weeks, at some point in the program, is a requirement for graduation. One possible way of doing this is the summer internship program (in the summer between the two years) in which the Stark program solicits paid internships for students at film, television and new media companies. However, though the program has been fortunate in securing enough paid positions in the past, they are dependent on how many companies sign up, so the paid summer internships are not guaranteed. Therefore, students often find internships (some paid, some unpaid) on their own or through opportunities the program receives, during the two-year program.
During the second year, Peter Stark Producing Program students have an opportunity to initiate and produce a 20-minute short film financed by the program. Projects are selected on a competitive basis.
Films must be produced by a Stark student or team of two Stark students. Each Stark student may only perform one major task on the film, i.e., director or writer or producer. Each team has a professional adviser available as needed.
Inquiries regarding the program should be addressed to: The Peter Stark Program, USC School of Cinematic Arts, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211. Telephone (213) 740-3304, FAX (213) 745-6652 or email pstark@cinema.usc.edu.
An overall GPA of 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for graduation. Courses in which a grade of C- (1.7) or lower is earned will not apply toward a graduate course. A grade of C-, D or F in any course may be cause for termination.
Students must maintain satisfactory progress toward their master's degrees at all times. The degree must be completed three years after the beginning of graduate work at USC.
Return to: USC School of Cinematic Arts
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Writing for Screen and Television is a unique, four-year program for students who seek intensive professional preparation for a career in screen and television writing. This rigorous program emphasizes small, workshop-style classes, and attracts students from all over the world. Students attend a variety of guest speaker presentations, take high level industry internships, are provided with mentors and taught by world-class professors.
Each fall, a class of 30 undergraduate writing students is selected to begin the program. A total of 128 units is required for completion of the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree; 66 of these units are taken in a prescribed sequential order. There are no spring admissions.
Applicants must submit supplemental application and materials to the program office. For specific instructions, contact Writing for Screen and Television, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211 or telephone (213) 740-3303, or online at cinema.usc.edu.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing. For more information about USC's general education requirements, see General Education.
Undergraduate writing students are required to take CTPR 290 Cinematic Communication. This introductory production course is taken during the sophomore year.
CTPR 290 introduces the interrelationship of visuals, sound and editing in cinematic communication. Students participate in directing and producing workshops as well as individual and group projects. Approximately $1,000 should be budgeted for miscellaneous expenses, lab and insurance fees.
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Suggested electives in Cinematic Arts include:
A minimum grade of C (2.0) must be earned in all required and prerequisite courses (a grade of C- (1.7) or lower will not fulfill a major requirement).
The Master of Fine Arts degree in Writing for Screen and Television, is an intensive two-year degree program that concentrates on writing for narrative film and television. During the course of their studies, students benefit from a wide array of internship and mentorship opportunities available as a result of the university's close links to the Los Angeles film industry's top screenwriters, directors, production companies and studios.
Course work includes practical instruction in everything a working writer needs to learn about the filmmaker's art and craft. Writing is taught in small workshop-style classes. The approach focuses on the visual tools of storytelling, developing stories from characters and then on an Aristotelian three act structure. Fractured narratives, ensemble stories, experiments with time and points of view, as well as other idiosyncratic styles of storytelling, are also addressed. The curriculum covers other professional concerns, including legal issues, agents and the Writer's Guild, as well as the history and analysis of cinema and television. Classes are taught by working writers with a wide variety of skills, experience and approaches.
Each fall 32 students are selected to begin the Graduate Writing for Screen and Television Program; there are no spring admissions. Applicants must submit a supplemental application and materials to the Graduate Writing for Screen and Television Program. For specific instructions, contact the Cinematic Arts Office of Admission, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211, (213) 740-8358 or online at cinema.usc.edu.
A total of 44 units is required. A minimum of 30 units must be 500-level or above.
A minimum of two units of course work with a production component is required.
A minimum of four units of critical studies course work is required.
Students may choose from the following electives to complete their degree. Additional courses beyond the required 4 units of CTCS course work, from the critical studies list of courses, may be taken as electives, as can additional courses from the list of courses with a production component. Electives outside of cinematic arts are available with departmental approval.
Courses listed as writing intensive electives are considered heavy writing classes; students may take a maximum of three courses and 10 units of writing intensive courses per semester, required and/or elective.
An overall grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) must be maintained in all courses. In addition, an overall grade point average of 3.0 in all units attempted is required to qualify for registration in CTWR 515a, CTWR 515b, CTWR 517a, CTWR 517b or CTWR 519a, CTWR 519b. Courses in which a grade of C- (1.7) or lower is earned will not apply toward a graduate degree.
In lieu of a thesis the student is required to either complete a full-length screenplay, which will be developed in CTWR 515a, CTWR 515b; or a pilot script and a series bible for a half-hour television comedy, which will be developed in CTWR 517a, CTWR 517b; or an original one-hour drama television pilot, mid-season episode and series bible, which will be developed in CTWR 519a, CTWR 519b; this final work must be accepted by the Division of Writing Graduation Committee.
Students must maintain satisfactory progress toward their master's degrees at all times. The time limit to complete all requirements is three years from the first course at USC applied toward the Master of Fine Arts degree. Course work more than seven years old is automatically invalidated and may not be applied toward the degree.
The Writing for Screen and Television Certificate is awarded for one year of study.
Applicants must be recognized writers outside of the field of screenwriting.
The course of study is no less than 16 units total, over two semesters. Writers, both U.S. and international, should appeal directly to the chair for admission in the fall semester.
Admission is granted to only one or two scholars a year, and is of the highest selectivity. Applicants must have earned an undergraduate degree with at least a 3.0 GPA. Additionally, candidates must show compelling reason for not applying to a formal degree program.
The general course of study is as follows:
The Writing for Screen and Television Certificate is awarded for one year of study.
Applicants must be recognized writers outside of the field of screenwriting.
The course of study is no less than 16 units total, over two semesters. Writers, both U.S. and international, should appeal directly to the chair for admission in the fall semester.
Admission is granted to only one or two scholars a year, and is of the highest selectivity. Applicants must have earned an undergraduate degree with at least a 3.0 GPA. Additionally, candidates must show compelling reason for not applying to a formal degree program.
The general course of study is as follows:
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CTWR Electives
The USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences enriches the undergraduate experience with discovery-based learning opportunities, such as research partnerships with faculty members across the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. Assistant Professor of Chemistry Matt Pratt and a student analyze protein expression data in his laboratory.
The USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the University of Southern California. The oldest, largest and most diverse of USC's academic divisions, USC Dornsife is composed of approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and nearly 800 faculty. The breadth and depth of USC Dornsife is vast with more than 30 academic departments and programs across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, and dozens of research centers and institutes.
USC Dornsife fosters the liberal arts ethos of small classes and close working relationships between students and faculty within the context of a great research university, where internationally recognized scholars are constantly pursuing new ventures. Undergraduates select from more than 150 courses of study as well as explore opportunities such as overseas studies, service-learning and internships. With more than 75 doctoral degree and master's programs administered through the USC Graduate School, USC Dornsife not only trains the next generation of scholars, but also ensures that America's research enterprise remains competitive.
By immersing its students in deep scholarship and discovery-based learning opportunities, USC Dornsife prepares its graduates to become tomorrow's leaders, prepared to succeed in any field or advanced degree program.
Steve A. Kay, PhD, DSc, Anna H. Bing Dean's Chair in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and Professor of Biological Sciences, Neurology, Physiology and Biophysics
Dani Byrd, PhD, Executive Vice Dean
Steven Lamy, PhD, Vice Dean for Academic Programs
George Sanchez, PhD, Vice Dean for College Diversity and Strategic Initiatives
Donal Manahan, PhD, Vice Dean for Students
Charles McKenna, PhD, Vice Dean for Natural Sciences
Peter C. Mancall, PhD, Vice Dean for the Humanities
Wendy Wood, PhD, Vice Dean for Social Sciences
Emily Cavalcanti, Executive Director for the Office of Communication
Eddie Sartin, Senior Associate Dean for Advancement
Stephen Mackey, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Associate Dean
Kathleen Speer, Senior Associate Dean
Vance Ito, Chief Finance Officer and Associate Dean
Jane M. Cody, PhD, Associate Dean for Academic Programs
Wayne Combs, Associate Dean for Advancement Operations
Richard Fliegel, PhD, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs
Erin Quinn, PhD, Associate Dean for Science and Health
Alexis Moreno, PhD, Assistant Dean for Diversity and Strategic Initiatives
Karen Rowan-Badger, Assistant Dean for Admission
James R. McElwain, AIA, Architect
Graduate studies leading to the master's and PhD degrees are available within most departments of the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Candidates for graduate degrees must complete both the departmental requirements listed for each degree and the general requirements set by The Graduate School.
The USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences awards the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Science (BS) in a number of disciplines. Each degree requires a minimum of 128 units.
Students in the college may major in a single discipline or combine several interests in an interdisciplinary program.
A major may be chosen because the student is especially interested in a subject, because of particular abilities in certain areas, or because it is an especially fitting preparation for a profession. The choice of a major may thus become part of planning for a career. But a choice in the college does not limit the student to a single career or line of work. Liberal arts majors are unusually adaptable; they are suitable preparations for many careers.
A student may declare a major at any time, but is expected to record his or her major in the Office of Academic Records and Registrar at or before the beginning of the junior year or completion of 64 units. This allows sufficient time to fulfill the course requirements of the major in the student's third and fourth years. For some majors, however, and especially for a major in one of the natural sciences aiming for the BS degree, it is advantageous to declare the major sooner, so the program can be spaced over the full four years.
If, after a major has been declared, the student wishes to change to a different field (or add another field of study to the existing one), a Change of Major form must be filed. The form may be obtained in the Dornsife College Advising Office or the Office of Academic Records and Registrar in John Hubbard Hall. The form must be completed and returned to the Office of Academic Records and Registrar. When a major is changed, the new department adviser must sign the form.
A departmental major for the BA degree consists of specified lower-division courses and, generally, not less than 24 or more than 32 upper-division units in a single department or discipline. A greater concentration of units in a single discipline is usually required in majors for the BS degree than in majors for the BA degree.
The specific requirements for each department major will be found in the departmental sections of this catalogue.
A double major consists of two majors that allow the student to earn the same degree, either a BA or BS degree, within the college. The student must complete the requirements for both majors and whatever other course work is needed to complete 128 units. Combinations of interdepartmental and department majors are also possible. See the Undergraduate Degree Programs page for rules governing the overlap of courses allowed for a double major.
A humanities or social sciences major consists of not less than 32 upper-division units within departments in the humanities or departments in the social sciences. Of the 32 required upper-division units for the interdepartmental major, 20 are typically taken in one department, and the additional 12 units are taken from applicable courses in the area in which the department of concentration is housed. See the departmental listing for more specific requirements for the interdepartmental major, including lower-division requirements.
The departments of chemistry, earth sciences, and physics and astronomy, cooperating with one another, offer a physical sciences major in the natural sciences and mathematics. The major requires specific lower-division courses in chemistry, earth sciences, mathematics, physics and 28 upper-division units of major courses in the four departments. Of the 28 required upper-division units, at least four units must be taken in each of the four cooperating departments.
A program major consists of designated courses and not less than 24 upper-division units chosen from the list of courses which make up the program. The college has a number of special programs, many of which offer majors.
Because programs are often organized around the study of a region or a topic, and hence are not specific to any single discipline, or because two or more disciplines have joined to deal with a common problem, program majors are interdisciplinary. An interdisciplinary major offers unusual range to students who have topical interests. Specific requirements for all program majors are listed under the program titles.
A dual degree is one that has course work from two schools or two different degree programs within the same school which has been organized into a single program. Listings of graduate dual degrees can be found here. The student receives two diplomas.
A progressive degree program enables a USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences undergraduate to begin work on a master's degree while completing requirements for the bachelor's degree. The progressive degree may be in the same or different departments, but should be in a closely-related field of study. Students in a progressive degree program must fulfill all requirements for both the bachelor's degree and the master's degree except for the combined number of units for the two separate degrees. The master's degree may be awarded at the same time as, but not prior to, the bachelor's degree. The student receives two diplomas. Further details about progressive degrees can be found on here.
A second bachelor's degree requires a minimum of 32 units beyond the number required for the first. If the first bachelor's degree was earned at USC, a minimum of 32 units for the second must be completed at USC. If the first bachelor's degree was earned at another institution, a minimum of 64 units toward the second must be completed at USC. (See the policy on residence requirement for a second bachelor's degree.)
For some degrees, more than the 32 units beyond the first bachelor's degree will be required because all requirements for both degrees must be met. The student receives a separate diploma for each degree upon completion.
The first and second bachelor's degrees may be completed at the same time but there is no requirement that they be.
If a student wishes an adjustment to the major requirements in his or her department or program, the department adviser may, with the support of the department, substitute a comparable upper-division course for a required one. Substitutions and waivers of USC or transfer courses for upper-division requirements for programs are to be limited to a combination of 25 percent. Lower-division courses cannot be substituted for upper- division requirements.
No more than 40 upper-division units in the major may be applied to any degree under the jurisdiction of the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. A student wishing to exceed this limit must obtain the - approval of the major department and the dean of undergraduate programs.
The USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences offers a wide array of minors that can provide unique breadth and complement or enhance the major field of study. Many of the college minors themselves are interdisciplinary and combine classes in two or more college departments or work in college departments with classes or internships in one of USC's professional schools.
For those undergraduate students earning a degree in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, a minimum of 104 units applicable to the degree must be earned in college academic departments. For students graduating with a minor or a second bachelor's degree, this minimum is reduced to 96 units. Other exceptions will be considered by the dean of undergraduate programs in Dornsife College.
Students who are completing major degree programs in a professional school, but whose degree is conferred by Dornsife College, are exempt from this policy.
This policy also applies to transferable courses (see here).
The student is expected to complete about 16 units each semester; 18 units are generally considered to be the maximum number in a manageable program. If the student wants to enroll in more than 18 units, he or she may do so, but should consult first with the academic adviser.
A grade point average of at least C (2.0) on all units attempted at USC is required for undergraduate degrees. The college requires a minimum 2.0 grade point average in upper-division courses applied toward the major. Some departments require grades of C or higher in specified courses. A grade point average of at least B (3.0) on all units attempted at USC is required for master's degrees. A grade point average of at least B (3.0) on all units attempted at USC is required for doctoral degrees.
Debra Bernstein
Dornsife College Advising Office
College Academic Services Building,
Room 120
(213) 740-2534
FAX: (213) 740-3664
Email: cas@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/dornsife-college-advising/
The Dornsife College Advising Office provides a wide range of advising services and programs that integrate students, faculty, staff, academic disciplines and curricula into a meaningful educational experience. Academic advisers work closely with students to help familiarize them with the academic life of the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, choose or change their majors and fulfill core requirements so they can graduate in a timely manner.
Academic advising is mandatory for all students entering the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences until they have completed 32 units at USC. Students without declared majors are required to receive academic advising every semester. All students in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences are strongly encouraged to seek individual academic advisement at least once each semester until graduation. Guidance regarding academic requirements, policies and program planning is available in the Dornsife College Advising Office by appointment or on a walk-in basis. Advising in major course requirements is available within the department of the student's major.
The services of a college ombudsman are available to students who have academic concerns that cannot be adequately addressed by the usual mechanisms of consulting instructors, department chairs or other university offices. The ombudsman can be particularly helpful in the case of grade appeals that are complex in nature. The ombudsman functions as an intermediary between the student, the faculty and other offices on campus.
Students who are interested in going to law school consult one-on-one with academic advisers in the of Dornsife College Advising Office who specialize in this area. Pre-law advisers assist students in crafting an undergraduate academic program designed to lead to law school admission and success. Pre-law students are supported in all aspects of the law school application process, including how to write an effective personal statement and how to request appropriate letters of recommendation.
Pre-law advisers also help students target the most appropriate law school, put students in contact with pre-law societies and notify students of relevant pre-law and law-related events. Pre-law students are also invited to subscribe to an email listserv sponsored by the Dornsife College Advising Office in order to connect with pre-law resources.
The pre-graduate school adviser assists USC undergraduates and alumni interested in applying to all graduate programs other than law and medicine. The adviser helps students determine when and if they should apply to graduate school and guides students in the process of researching and choosing appro priate schools and programs. Students can expect support in such areas as navigating the admissions process, writing statements of purpose, requesting letters of recommendation, exploring test preparation resources, and identifying and pursuing sources of funding.
The Office of Overseas Studies provides semester and year-long opportunities for students to study in other countries. Eligible students can choose between 51 academic programs in 29 countries and study for one or two semesters. The Office of Overseas Studies is located in the College House, Room 201. For more information, call (213) 740-3636, email overseas@usc.edu or visit usc.edu/overseas.
Dornsife College also offers short-term course work abroad in several different formats. For more information, contact the associate dean at (213) 740-4949 or Overseas Studies at (213) 740-3636.
Office of Pre-Health Advisement
3535 S. Figueroa Street, FIG 107
(213) 740-4844
FAX: (213) 740-5653
Email: prehealth@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/pre-health
Director: Kenneth Geller, MD, MSEd
The Office of Pre-Health Advisement serves all current USC students, alumni and post-baccalaureate students who are interested in pursuing a career within the health professions (e.g., medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, etc.). Pre-health advisers are committed to providing an array of student-centered advisement services and support tools tailored to meet the individual needs, interests and goals of pre-health students. The program values a sense of community; meaningful relationships with students, staff and faculty; academic excellence; leadership; wellness; and learning through community service, clinical exposure, laboratory research and campus organizations.
Pre-health students are supported in all aspects of the health professional school application process, including how to write an effective personal statement and how to request appropriate letters of recommendation. The Office of Pre-Health Advisement provides a letter of recommendation storage and forwarding service to help streamline the health professional school or graduate school application process. In addition, it offers pre-health curriculum planning; assistance with major and minor selection; workshops and events; and opportunities for clinical, research and volunteer activities. The office encourages involvement in the campus community and pre-health student organizations.
3501 Trousdale Parkway
Taper Hall 355
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0355
The Office of Advanced and Professional Programs administers the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences multidisciplinary graduate programs not housed in traditional departments or units.
(213) 740-1349
FAX: (213) 740-5002
Email: mls@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/mls
Acting Director: Richard Fliegel, PhD
A multidisciplinary degree program, the Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) is designed for motivated, college-educated individuals who wish to further their intellectual growth and pursue graduate work part-time in the evenings. See here for course requirements.
(213) 740-3252
FAX: (213) 740-5775
Email: mpw@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/mpw
Director: Brighde Mullins, MFA
The program is designed for individuals pursuing writing as a career in fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, television writing and theatre. See here for course requirements.
This program offers qualified undergraduate students an opportunity to approach their discipline(s) of study through the critical application of multimedia expression and scholarship. The student experience will be characterized by smaller classes taught by leading faculty members and enriched by a program of lecture series, visiting scholars, symposia and conferences. For complete program requirements, see the USC School of Cinematic Arts section.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
The USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences enriches the undergraduate experience with discovery-based learning opportunities, such as research partnerships with faculty members across the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. Assistant Professor of Chemistry Matt Pratt and a student analyze protein expression data in his laboratory.
The USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the University of Southern California. The oldest, largest and most diverse of USC's academic divisions, USC Dornsife is composed of approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and nearly 800 faculty. The breadth and depth of USC Dornsife is vast with more than 30 academic departments and programs across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, and dozens of research centers and institutes.
USC Dornsife fosters the liberal arts ethos of small classes and close working relationships between students and faculty within the context of a great research university, where internationally recognized scholars are constantly pursuing new ventures. Undergraduates select from more than 150 courses of study as well as explore opportunities such as overseas studies, service-learning and internships. With more than 75 doctoral degree and master's programs administered through the USC Graduate School, USC Dornsife not only trains the next generation of scholars, but also ensures that America's research enterprise remains competitive.
By immersing its students in deep scholarship and discovery-based learning opportunities, USC Dornsife prepares its graduates to become tomorrow's leaders, prepared to succeed in any field or advanced degree program.
Steve A. Kay, PhD, DSc, Anna H. Bing Dean's Chair in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and Professor of Biological Sciences, Neurology, Physiology and Biophysics
Dani Byrd, PhD, Executive Vice Dean
Steven Lamy, PhD, Vice Dean for Academic Programs
George Sanchez, PhD, Vice Dean for College Diversity and Strategic Initiatives
Donal Manahan, PhD, Vice Dean for Students
Charles McKenna, PhD, Vice Dean for Natural Sciences
Peter C. Mancall, PhD, Vice Dean for the Humanities
Wendy Wood, PhD, Vice Dean for Social Sciences
Emily Cavalcanti, Executive Director for the Office of Communication
Eddie Sartin, Senior Associate Dean for Advancement
Stephen Mackey, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Associate Dean
Kathleen Speer, Senior Associate Dean
Vance Ito, Chief Finance Officer and Associate Dean
Jane M. Cody, PhD, Associate Dean for Academic Programs
Wayne Combs, Associate Dean for Advancement Operations
Richard Fliegel, PhD, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs
Erin Quinn, PhD, Associate Dean for Science and Health
Alexis Moreno, PhD, Assistant Dean for Diversity and Strategic Initiatives
Karen Rowan-Badger, Assistant Dean for Admission
James R. McElwain, AIA, Architect
Graduate studies leading to the master's and PhD degrees are available within most departments of the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Candidates for graduate degrees must complete both the departmental requirements listed for each degree and the general requirements set by The Graduate School.
The USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences awards the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Science (BS) in a number of disciplines. Each degree requires a minimum of 128 units.
Students in the college may major in a single discipline or combine several interests in an interdisciplinary program.
A major may be chosen because the student is especially interested in a subject, because of particular abilities in certain areas, or because it is an especially fitting preparation for a profession. The choice of a major may thus become part of planning for a career. But a choice in the college does not limit the student to a single career or line of work. Liberal arts majors are unusually adaptable; they are suitable preparations for many careers.
A student may declare a major at any time, but is expected to record his or her major in the Office of Academic Records and Registrar at or before the beginning of the junior year or completion of 64 units. This allows sufficient time to fulfill the course requirements of the major in the student's third and fourth years. For some majors, however, and especially for a major in one of the natural sciences aiming for the BS degree, it is advantageous to declare the major sooner, so the program can be spaced over the full four years.
If, after a major has been declared, the student wishes to change to a different field (or add another field of study to the existing one), a Change of Major form must be filed. The form may be obtained in the Dornsife College Advising Office or the Office of Academic Records and Registrar in John Hubbard Hall. The form must be completed and returned to the Office of Academic Records and Registrar. When a major is changed, the new department adviser must sign the form.
A departmental major for the BA degree consists of specified lower-division courses and, generally, not less than 24 or more than 32 upper-division units in a single department or discipline. A greater concentration of units in a single discipline is usually required in majors for the BS degree than in majors for the BA degree.
The specific requirements for each department major will be found in the departmental sections of this catalogue.
A double major consists of two majors that allow the student to earn the same degree, either a BA or BS degree, within the college. The student must complete the requirements for both majors and whatever other course work is needed to complete 128 units. Combinations of interdepartmental and department majors are also possible. See the Undergraduate Degree Programs page for rules governing the overlap of courses allowed for a double major.
A humanities or social sciences major consists of not less than 32 upper-division units within departments in the humanities or departments in the social sciences. Of the 32 required upper-division units for the interdepartmental major, 20 are typically taken in one department, and the additional 12 units are taken from applicable courses in the area in which the department of concentration is housed. See the departmental listing for more specific requirements for the interdepartmental major, including lower-division requirements.
The departments of chemistry, earth sciences, and physics and astronomy, cooperating with one another, offer a physical sciences major in the natural sciences and mathematics. The major requires specific lower-division courses in chemistry, earth sciences, mathematics, physics and 28 upper-division units of major courses in the four departments. Of the 28 required upper-division units, at least four units must be taken in each of the four cooperating departments.
A program major consists of designated courses and not less than 24 upper-division units chosen from the list of courses which make up the program. The college has a number of special programs, many of which offer majors.
Because programs are often organized around the study of a region or a topic, and hence are not specific to any single discipline, or because two or more disciplines have joined to deal with a common problem, program majors are interdisciplinary. An interdisciplinary major offers unusual range to students who have topical interests. Specific requirements for all program majors are listed under the program titles.
A dual degree is one that has course work from two schools or two different degree programs within the same school which has been organized into a single program. Listings of graduate dual degrees can be found here. The student receives two diplomas.
A progressive degree program enables a USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences undergraduate to begin work on a master's degree while completing requirements for the bachelor's degree. The progressive degree may be in the same or different departments, but should be in a closely-related field of study. Students in a progressive degree program must fulfill all requirements for both the bachelor's degree and the master's degree except for the combined number of units for the two separate degrees. The master's degree may be awarded at the same time as, but not prior to, the bachelor's degree. The student receives two diplomas. Further details about progressive degrees can be found on here.
A second bachelor's degree requires a minimum of 32 units beyond the number required for the first. If the first bachelor's degree was earned at USC, a minimum of 32 units for the second must be completed at USC. If the first bachelor's degree was earned at another institution, a minimum of 64 units toward the second must be completed at USC. (See the policy on residence requirement for a second bachelor's degree.)
For some degrees, more than the 32 units beyond the first bachelor's degree will be required because all requirements for both degrees must be met. The student receives a separate diploma for each degree upon completion.
The first and second bachelor's degrees may be completed at the same time but there is no requirement that they be.
If a student wishes an adjustment to the major requirements in his or her department or program, the department adviser may, with the support of the department, substitute a comparable upper-division course for a required one. Substitutions and waivers of USC or transfer courses for upper-division requirements for programs are to be limited to a combination of 25 percent. Lower-division courses cannot be substituted for upper- division requirements.
No more than 40 upper-division units in the major may be applied to any degree under the jurisdiction of the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. A student wishing to exceed this limit must obtain the - approval of the major department and the dean of undergraduate programs.
The USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences offers a wide array of minors that can provide unique breadth and complement or enhance the major field of study. Many of the college minors themselves are interdisciplinary and combine classes in two or more college departments or work in college departments with classes or internships in one of USC's professional schools.
For those undergraduate students earning a degree in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, a minimum of 104 units applicable to the degree must be earned in college academic departments. For students graduating with a minor or a second bachelor's degree, this minimum is reduced to 96 units. Other exceptions will be considered by the dean of undergraduate programs in Dornsife College.
Students who are completing major degree programs in a professional school, but whose degree is conferred by Dornsife College, are exempt from this policy.
This policy also applies to transferable courses (see here).
The student is expected to complete about 16 units each semester; 18 units are generally considered to be the maximum number in a manageable program. If the student wants to enroll in more than 18 units, he or she may do so, but should consult first with the academic adviser.
A grade point average of at least C (2.0) on all units attempted at USC is required for undergraduate degrees. The college requires a minimum 2.0 grade point average in upper-division courses applied toward the major. Some departments require grades of C or higher in specified courses. A grade point average of at least B (3.0) on all units attempted at USC is required for master's degrees. A grade point average of at least B (3.0) on all units attempted at USC is required for doctoral degrees.
Debra Bernstein
Dornsife College Advising Office
College Academic Services Building,
Room 120
(213) 740-2534
FAX: (213) 740-3664
Email: cas@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/dornsife-college-advising/
The Dornsife College Advising Office provides a wide range of advising services and programs that integrate students, faculty, staff, academic disciplines and curricula into a meaningful educational experience. Academic advisers work closely with students to help familiarize them with the academic life of the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, choose or change their majors and fulfill core requirements so they can graduate in a timely manner.
Academic advising is mandatory for all students entering the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences until they have completed 32 units at USC. Students without declared majors are required to receive academic advising every semester. All students in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences are strongly encouraged to seek individual academic advisement at least once each semester until graduation. Guidance regarding academic requirements, policies and program planning is available in the Dornsife College Advising Office by appointment or on a walk-in basis. Advising in major course requirements is available within the department of the student's major.
The services of a college ombudsman are available to students who have academic concerns that cannot be adequately addressed by the usual mechanisms of consulting instructors, department chairs or other university offices. The ombudsman can be particularly helpful in the case of grade appeals that are complex in nature. The ombudsman functions as an intermediary between the student, the faculty and other offices on campus.
Students who are interested in going to law school consult one-on-one with academic advisers in the of Dornsife College Advising Office who specialize in this area. Pre-law advisers assist students in crafting an undergraduate academic program designed to lead to law school admission and success. Pre-law students are supported in all aspects of the law school application process, including how to write an effective personal statement and how to request appropriate letters of recommendation.
Pre-law advisers also help students target the most appropriate law school, put students in contact with pre-law societies and notify students of relevant pre-law and law-related events. Pre-law students are also invited to subscribe to an email listserv sponsored by the Dornsife College Advising Office in order to connect with pre-law resources.
The pre-graduate school adviser assists USC undergraduates and alumni interested in applying to all graduate programs other than law and medicine. The adviser helps students determine when and if they should apply to graduate school and guides students in the process of researching and choosing appro priate schools and programs. Students can expect support in such areas as navigating the admissions process, writing statements of purpose, requesting letters of recommendation, exploring test preparation resources, and identifying and pursuing sources of funding.
The Office of Overseas Studies provides semester and year-long opportunities for students to study in other countries. Eligible students can choose between 51 academic programs in 29 countries and study for one or two semesters. The Office of Overseas Studies is located in the College House, Room 201. For more information, call (213) 740-3636, email overseas@usc.edu or visit usc.edu/overseas.
Dornsife College also offers short-term course work abroad in several different formats. For more information, contact the associate dean at (213) 740-4949 or Overseas Studies at (213) 740-3636.
Office of Pre-Health Advisement
3535 S. Figueroa Street, FIG 107
(213) 740-4844
FAX: (213) 740-5653
Email: prehealth@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/pre-health
Director: Kenneth Geller, MD, MSEd
The Office of Pre-Health Advisement serves all current USC students, alumni and post-baccalaureate students who are interested in pursuing a career within the health professions (e.g., medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, etc.). Pre-health advisers are committed to providing an array of student-centered advisement services and support tools tailored to meet the individual needs, interests and goals of pre-health students. The program values a sense of community; meaningful relationships with students, staff and faculty; academic excellence; leadership; wellness; and learning through community service, clinical exposure, laboratory research and campus organizations.
Pre-health students are supported in all aspects of the health professional school application process, including how to write an effective personal statement and how to request appropriate letters of recommendation. The Office of Pre-Health Advisement provides a letter of recommendation storage and forwarding service to help streamline the health professional school or graduate school application process. In addition, it offers pre-health curriculum planning; assistance with major and minor selection; workshops and events; and opportunities for clinical, research and volunteer activities. The office encourages involvement in the campus community and pre-health student organizations.
3501 Trousdale Parkway
Taper Hall 355
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0355
The Office of Advanced and Professional Programs administers the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences multidisciplinary graduate programs not housed in traditional departments or units.
(213) 740-1349
FAX: (213) 740-5002
Email: mls@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/mls
Acting Director: Richard Fliegel, PhD
A multidisciplinary degree program, the Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) is designed for motivated, college-educated individuals who wish to further their intellectual growth and pursue graduate work part-time in the evenings. See here for course requirements.
(213) 740-3252
FAX: (213) 740-5775
Email: mpw@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/mpw
Director: Brighde Mullins, MFA
The program is designed for individuals pursuing writing as a career in fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, television writing and theatre. See here for course requirements.
This program offers qualified undergraduate students an opportunity to approach their discipline(s) of study through the critical application of multimedia expression and scholarship. The student experience will be characterized by smaller classes taught by leading faculty members and enriched by a program of lecture series, visiting scholars, symposia and conferences. For complete program requirements, see the USC School of Cinematic Arts section.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
College Academic Services Building, Room 200
(213) 740-2961
FAX: (213) 740-4839
usc.edu/ge
Director: Richard Fliegel, PhD
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing. For more information about USC's general education requirements, see here .
For a complete list of general education courses, see the general education section.
In addition, all students at USC must complete a two-course writing requirement. All students in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and some in the professional schools (see listing for each school's requirements) must also satisfy the foreign language requirement.
In their writing classes students learn to think critically, to build sound arguments and to express their ideas with clarity. The writing requirement comprises two courses (which cannot be taken on a pass/no pass basis).
Most undergraduates take WRIT 150 Writing and Critical Reasoning–Thematic Approaches as their first writing course. Students enroll in this writing course either in the fall or spring of their freshman year.
Students in the Thematic Option program satisfy this requirement with CORE 111.
Some students are better served by taking a preparatory course before they enroll in WRIT 150. Entering freshmen who score below a specified level on the verbal portion of the SAT take the University Writing Examination. Based on the result of this examination, certain students enroll in WRIT 120 Introduction to College Writing or WRIT 121 Introduction to College Writing in a Second Language during their first semester at USC. Clearance to register for these preparatory courses may be obtained at the Writing Program Office.
International students take the University Writing Examination after having completed any course work required by the American Language Institute.
An advanced writing course, taken in a student's junior or senior year, is geared toward students' areas of special interest, such as the arts and humanities, science, law, engineering or business. In this course, students learn to integrate more complex information and construct more sophisticated arguments.
Students may satisfy the foreign language requirement only by (1) earning a passing grade in Course III of a foreign language sequence at USC or its equivalent elsewhere or (2) scoring on the placement examination at a level considered by the department as equivalent to the completion of Course III or (3) scoring on a national or statewide examination at a level set by the department and approved by the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Students who can supply proof of at least two years of full-time secondary schooling beyond the age of 14 taught in a foreign language may request exemption from the foreign language requirement. The USC Language Center has established a procedure for students who have demonstrated chronic difficulties with foreign language acquisition. Students may in some cases be approved to complete the requirement using an alternative set of courses. For additional information contact the USC Language Center, THH 309, (213)740-1188, language.usc.edu.
All students earning degrees granted by or under the jurisdiction of the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences or earning degrees in programs of other schools that require three semesters of foreign language who do not meet the criteria of (1), above, must take a placement examination to determine their level of language proficiency. Placement in elementary and intermediate foreign language courses is made by the appropriate placement examination. Transfer courses, which meet foreign language level I and level II subject requirements will not meet the prerequisite for the next course in a sequence. Students may be advised to repeat, without additional credit, a semester or semesters of instruction if their skills are judged insufficient at the time of testing.
All students who as freshmen enrolled in degree programs that have a foreign language requirement are expected to fulfill that requirement by the time they have completed 64 units at USC. Students who do not satisfy the foreign language requirement before the completion of 48 units at USC will have a "mandatory advisement requirement" warning them of the need to complete the foreign language requirement. Students who do not satisfy the requirement before the completion of 64 units at USC will be required to seek approval to register.
Students admitted as transfers for whom foreign language is a requirement should fulfill it before they have completed 48 units at USC. Students who do not satisfy the foreign language requirement before the completion of 32 units at USC will have a "mandatory advisement requirement" warning them of the need to complete the foreign language requirement. Students who do not satisfy the requirement before the completion of 48 units at USC will be required to seek approval to register.
Students admitted into programs without a foreign language requirement who subsequently make a change of major into a program with a foreign language requirement must satisfy the requirement before completion of 48 units at USC after switching into the major.
International students whose native language is not English are exempt from the foreign language requirement. Students with advanced skills in languages other than those taught at USC may request exemption from the foreign language requirement if (1) they can supply proof of at least two years of full-time secondary schooling taught in a foreign language beyond the age of 14, or (2) if they can pass a competency exam testing for advanced language skills and administered at USC subject to the availability of suitable academic examiners; the competency exam will test proficiency in speaking, reading and writing skills. Students with documented learning disabilities or physical impairments inhibiting language acquisition may petition for substitution.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
3620 S. Vermont Ave., KAP 462
Los Angeles, CA 90089-2534
(213) 740-2426
FAX: (213) 821-0409
Email: aseinfo@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/ase
Interim Chair: Viet Nguyen, PhD
King Faisal Chair in Islamic Thought and Culture and Professor of Religion and American Studies and Ethnicity: Sherman Jackson, PhD (Religion)*
Turpanjian Chair in Civil Society and Social Change and Professor of Sociology and American Studies and Ethnicity: Manuel Pastor, Jr., PhD* (Sociology)
USC Associates Chair in Humanities: John Carlos Rowe, PhD (English)
Professors: Sarah Banet-Weiser, PhD* (Communication); J. Jack Halberstam, PhD; Dorinne Kondo, PhD (Anthropology); Laura Pulido, PhD; David Román, PhD* (English); George J. Sánchez, PhD*; Nayan B. Shah, PhD
Associate Professors: Judith Jackson Fossett, PhD*; Macarena Gómez-Barris, PhD; Sarah Gualtieri, PhD* (History); Thomas Gustafson, PhD* (English); Stanley Huey, Jr., PhD (Psychology); Lanita Jacobs, PhD* (Anthropology); Kara Keeling, PhD (Cinematic Arts); Joshua David Kun, PhD (Communication); Viet Nguyen, PhD* (English); Shana Redmond, PhD; Francille Rusan Wilson, PhD
Assistant Professor: Juan De Lara, PhD
Emeritus Professor: Felix Gutierrez, PhD (Journalism)
*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award.
American Studies and Ethnicity integrates humanistic and social scientific perspectives and brings them to bear on an examination of the United States with a particular emphasis on comparative study of the peoples, - cultures, history and social issues of the Western United States. The department offers four separate majors in American Studies and Ethnicity, African American Stud ies, Asian American Studies, and Chicano/Latino Studies; and minors in American Studies and Ethnicity, American Popular Culture and Jewish American Studies. The graduate program offers a PhD for students interested in broad interdisciplinary training at an advanced level to study the peoples, cultures and institutions of the United States in courses that integrate modes of inquiry from the humanities and the social sciences.
Drawing upon the cultural resources of a cosmopolitan city on the Pacific Rim and upon the strength and diversity of its professional schools as well as departments in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, these degree programs provide a richly interdisciplinary curriculum that is unique for its constitution of American Studies and Ethnic Studies as comparative and interethnic program that takes as its focus a region — Los Angeles, California and the West — marked by challenging social and cultural changes.
The program offers a two-semester honors program for qualified students, first identified in AMST 350 or by the program adviser. Students spend their first semester in the program in an honors senior seminar, AMST 492, focused on developing their research and methods for the honors thesis. During the second semester, all honors students are required to take AMST 493 in which each completes a thesis project on a topic of his or her own choosing under faculty direction. Contact the program adviser for further information. To graduate with honors, program majors must successfully complete an honors thesis and have a minimum GPA of 3.5 in their major course work.
American Studies and Ethnicity offers challenging and diverse opportunities to study the peoples, cultures and institutions of the United States in interdisciplinary courses. Combining the study of history with literature, the arts and the social sciences, American Studies and Ethnicity seeks to bring together these various disciplines and modes of inquiry in a common project: the effort to understand the diverse peoples and cultures that have composed the United States and to provide critical perspectives on the words, deeds, myths and material practices that have shaped this country in its full regional, ethnic, class and gender diversity. An education in American Studies and Ethnicity will be particularly appropriate for students interested in pursuing careers in law, journalism, government, foreign service, social work, international business, public administration and education.
American Studies and Ethnicity is administered by an executive committee comprising the chair, directors of the four majors and other faculty members. In addition to the college academic adviser, the directors of the majors serve as advisers to majors and minors, providing, in conjunction with the sequence of courses, the opportunity for students to undertake an interdisciplinary concentration under close faculty supervision. It is recommended that students meet with the appropriate major director to plan a coherent set of courses to fulfill the major or minor requirements.
See the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies.
See the Department of Political Science.
The major objective of the graduate program in American Studies and Ethnicity is to prepare future faculty with the research and teaching abilities to understand and communicate the diversity of American society and culture. This is accomplished by stressing the importance of an interdisciplinary perspective which integrates social analysis with cultural approaches. The program's most significant areas of specialization are: (1) the theoretical study of race and ethnicity, particularly as it is constructed through gender, class, sexuality and the state; (2) a regional focus on Los Angeles and the American West; and (3) an emphasis on the study of cultural production in the United States, with particular attention on the theoretical directions and methodological innovations in the interdisciplinary study of American culture.
Requirements for admission include: scores satisfactory to the program in the verbal, quantitative and analytical General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations; evidence of competence in writing English and analytical abilities; a satisfactory written statement by the applicant of aims and interests in pursuing interdisciplinary graduate work; letters of recommendation from at least three college instructors; and grades satisfactory to the department earned by the applicant at other institutions.
All applicants are required to take the GREs and submit their complete undergraduate record; at least three letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose should be sent to the director of the program. Applicants are urged to submit written materials as supportive evidence.
These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the USC Graduate School. Refer to The Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
African American Studies is a multidisciplinary program designed to provide students with a critical understanding of the historical, cultural, social and political experience of African Americans, with a particular emphasis on the development and culture of the African American communities in California and the West as well as on both historical and contemporary effects of global issues on African American communities. By drawing upon courses in American Studies and Ethnicity and by emphasizing comparative as well as interdisciplinary study, this program offers training in the analytic tools and methods of interpretation appropriate for studying the African American experience in its particularity and ethnic and cultural study in general. The program is particularly appropriate for students interested in integrating studies in the humanities and social sciences and for students preparing to work and interact with diverse communities and cultures in the United States and abroad in such fields as education, human services, business, journalism and public administration.
African American Studies is administered by an executive committee comprising the chair, directors of the four majors and other faculty members. In addition to the college academic adviser, the directors of the majors serve as advisers to majors and minors, providing, in conjunction with the sequence of courses, the opportunity for students to undertake an interdisciplinary concentration under close faculty supervision. It is recommended that students meet with the appropriate major director to plan a coherent set of courses to fulfill the major or minor requirements.
Ten courses in African American Studies, or courses certified for African American Studies credit, are required. The 10 courses must be distributed as follows: the three core requirement courses of AMST 200, AMST 350 and AMST 498; one course from each of the following three lists: History, Literature and Culture, and Social and Political Issues; and additional elective courses for a total of 16 units chosen from the courses certified in African American Studies at the 300 level or above.
*Honors students will substitute AMST 492 Research Methods in American Studies and Ethnicity.
Additional courses for a total of 16 units from the lists above or below, or other American Studies and Ethnicity courses with the approval of the African American Studies director, 300 level or higher. No more than two total courses in the major may be taken outside the college.
Asian American Studies is a multidisciplinary program designed to provide students with a critical understanding of the historical, cultural, social and political experience of Asian Pacific Americans, with a particular emphasis on the development and culture of the Asian American communities in California and the West as well as on both historical and contemporary effects of global issues on Asian American communities. By drawing upon courses in American Studies and Ethnicity and by emphasizing comparative as well as interdisciplinary study, this program offers training in the analytic tools and methods of interpretation appropriate for studying the Asian American experience in its particularity and ethnic and cultural study in general. The program is particularly appropriate for students interested in integrating studies in the humanities and social sciences and for students preparing to work and interact with diverse communities and cultures in the United States and abroad in such fields as education, human services, business, journalism and public administration.
Asian American Studies is administered by an executive committee comprising the chair, directors of the four majors and other faculty members. In addition to the college academic adviser, the directors of the majors serve as advisers to majors and minors, providing, in conjunction with the sequence of courses, an opportunity for students to undertake an interdisciplinary concentration under close faculty supervision. It is recommended that students meet with the appropriate major director to plan a coherent set of courses to fulfill the major or minor requirements.
Ten courses in Asian American Studies, or courses certified for Asian American Studies credit, are required. The 10 courses must be distributed as follows: the three core requirement courses of AMST 200, AMST 350 and AMST 498; one course from each of the following three lists: History, Literature and Culture, and Social and Political Issues; and additional elective courses for a total of 16 units chosen from the courses certified in Asian American Studies at the 300 level or above.
*Honors students will substitute AMST 492 Research Methods in American Studies and Ethnicity.
Additional courses for a total of 16 units from the lists above or below, or other American Studies and Ethnicity courses with the approval of the Asian American Studies director, 300 level or higher. No more than two total courses in the major may be taken outside the college.
Ten courses in American Studies and Ethnicity or courses certified for American Studies and Ethnicity credit are required. The 10 courses must be distributed as follows: the three core requirement courses of AMST 200, AMST 350 and AMST 498; one course from each of the following three lists: History, Literature and Culture, and Social and Political Issues; and additional elective courses for a total of 16 units chosen from the courses certified in American Studies and Ethnicity at the 300 level or above.
*Honors students will substitute AMST 492 Research Methods in American Studies and Ethnicity.
Additional courses for a total of 16 units from the lists above or below, or other American Studies and Ethnicity courses with the approval of the Chicano/Latino Studies director, 300 level or higher. No more than two total courses in the major may be taken outside the college.
Chicano/Latino Studies is a multidisciplinary program designed to provide students with a critical understanding of the historical, cultural, social and political experience of Chicanos and Latinos, with a particular emphasis on the development and culture of the Chicano/Latino communities in California and the West as well as on both historical and contemporary effects of global issues on Chicano/Latino communities. By drawing upon courses in American Studies and Ethnicity and by emphasizing comparative as well as interdisciplinary study, this program offers training in the analytic tools and methods of interpretation appropriate for studying the Chicano/Latino experience in its particularity and ethnic and cultural study in general. The program is particularly appropriate for students interested in integrating studies in the humanities and social sciences and for students preparing to work and interact with diverse communities and cultures in the United States and abroad in such fields as education, human services, business, journalism and psublic administration.
Chicano/Latino Studies is administered by an executive committee comprising the chair, directors of the four majors, and other faculty members. In addition to the college academic adviser, the directors of the majors serve as advisers to majors and minors, providing, in conjunction with the sequence of courses, an opportunity for students to undertake an interdisciplinary concentration under close faculty supervision. It is recommended that students meet with the appropriate major director to plan a coherent set of courses to fulfill the major or minor requirements.
Ten courses in Chicano/Latino Studies, or courses certified for Chicano/Latino Studies credit, are required. The 10 courses must be distributed as follows: the three core requirement courses of AMST 200, AMST 350 and AMST 498; one course from each of the following three lists: History, Literature and Culture, and Social and Political Issues; and additional elective courses for a total of 16 units chosen from the courses certified in Chicano/Latino Studies at the 300 level or above.
*Honors students will substitute AMST 492 Research Methods in American Studies and Ethnicity.
Additional courses for a total of 16 units from the lists above or below, or other American Studies and Ethnicity courses with the approval of the Chicano/Latino Studies director, 300 level or higher. No more than two total courses in the major may be taken outside the college.
The interdisciplinary minor in American Popular Culture helps students to assess from a variety of perspectives the icons and ideas they encounter every day, to think critically about the images and assertions of the mass media and commercial culture, and to see the experience of popular culture as it interacts with questions of gender and ethnicity in the American context. Students choose five classes, including one upper-division elective, from a curriculum organized to explore: critical approaches to popular culture; gender and ethnicity in American popular culture; and popular culture in the arts. Twenty units are required, four at the lower-division and 16 at the upper-division level.
Choose one additional upper-division course from the lists above, in a department you have not already chosen for the minor.
For the minor in American Studies and Ethnicity, five courses in American Studies and Ethnicity, or courses certified for American Studies and Ethnicity credit, are required. The five courses must be distributed as follows: two core requirement courses and three additional elective courses chosen from the courses certified in American Studies and Ethnicity at the 300 level or above.
Three courses from the American Studies and Ethnicity major lists, or other American Studies and Ethnicity courses with the approval of the American Studies and Ethnicity director, at the 300 level or higher. No more than one course in the minor may be taken outside the college.
Jewish American Studies is a multidisciplinary program designed to provide students with a critical understanding of the historical, cultural, social, political and religious experience of Jewish Americans, with a particular emphasis on the development and culture of Jewish communities in California and the West as well as on both historical and contemporary effects of global issues on American Jewish communities. By drawing upon courses in American Studies and by emphasizing comparative as well as interdisciplinary study, this program offers training in the analytical tools and methods of interpretation appropriate for studying the American Jewish experience in its particularity and ethnic and cultural study in general. The program is particularly appropriate for students interested in integrating studies in the humanities and social sciences and for students preparing to work and interact with diverse communities and cultures in the United States and abroad in such fields as education, human services, business, journalism and public administration.
Successful completion of 20 units in American Studies and Judaic Studies are required to qualify for the minor.
The department does not accept applicants for a Master of Arts degree. All graduate work in American Studies and Ethnicity at USC is taken as part of a PhD program, and the MA in American Studies and Ethnicity is intended only as a transitional degree in the process of completing requirements for the PhD, although in some cases students may be invited to attempt a terminal MA
After completing at least 30 units, taking AMST 500 and at least one research seminar, maintaining a GPA of at least 3.0, making successful academic progress and taking the qualifying exam, students will either be granted a transitional master's degree and continue on towards the PhD or be granted a terminal master's degree.
Application deadline: December 1
Students may earn the PhD in American Studies and Ethnicity by successfully completing the following requirements.
The student's course work must total at least 64 units. No more than eight units of 794 Doctoral Dissertation and no more than four units of 790 Research may count toward the 64 units.
AMST 500 Introduction to American Studies and Ethnicity is required of all doctoral students, and it is highly recommended that students complete this course in the first year of residence. Two 600-level graduate seminars are required for the degree, with at least one of these being an interdisciplinary seminar offered by American Studies and Ethnicity. The second 600-level course must be approved by the director of graduate studies.
PhD students are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language. This requirement must be met before a student is eligible to take the qualifying examination. Competency may be demonstrated by completing a course in the literature of that language at the 400 or 500 level (with a grade of B [3.0] or better), or by passing a foreign language exam that tests proficiency in reading comprehension and translation.
Students are required to show competency in two theoretical methodologies from a list approved by the American Studies and Ethnicity department. In most cases, competency is established by successfully completing one course concentrating in a specific method offered by a department or school, although more advanced courses in that method may be suggested by a qualifying exam committee. The following methodologies fulfill the methods requirement: literary/textual analysis; historical/archival analysis; ethnography; cultural/visual analysis; spatial practices and analysis; and, quantitative analysis.
The department of American Studies and Ethnicity believes that the strongest interdisciplinary research is conducted alongside a strong background in at least one disciplinary field by successfully completing at least four graduate courses in one discipline. These four courses must include at least one methodology course, one 600-level or above advanced seminar and two graduate reading courses at the 500- or 600-level. Each of these courses can also fulfill other requirements in the PhD program, particularly the methods requirement and the course requirements listed above.
The performance of every first-year doctoral student is formally assessed by the director of the program and the student's assigned adviser at the end of the spring semester and before a student has completed 24 units toward the degree. Unsatisfactory progress toward the degree requires either remedy of the deficiencies or termination of the student's graduate program. After successfully passing the assessment procedures, each student will be encouraged to establish a qualifying exam committee.
At the end of the second year, student progress will be evaluated and each student will formally establish the members of his or her interdisciplinary examination committee from faculty he or she has worked with during the first two years. A meeting of the director of the program, qualifying exam committee members and potential members of this examination committee will take place directly after the second year to identify remaining deficiencies in a student's training and identify solutions before the qualifying examination process begins.
Following completion of course work, the student must sit for a qualifying examination at a time mutually agreed upon by the student and the qualifying exam committee. Students seeking the PhD will select four fields for examination. Every student must be examined by faculty from at least two different disciplines, as well as having one outside member on his or her examination committee.
This five-person examination committee will direct the student toward his or her qualifying examination, which will consist of both written and oral parts, in the third year. Examinations are graded honors, pass, low-pass or fail. The qualifying examination has two phases: written examinations in each field followed by a single oral examination on all four fields. Students with one fail, a low-pass in their dissertation field or more than two lowpass grades will not be permitted to enter the oral phase of the examination process. The qualifying exam committee determines whether the candidate may retake any exam graded low-pass or fail.
After the qualifying examination has been passed, an interdisciplinary dissertation committee of at least three faculty members from the examination committee must approve a dissertation prospectus before full-time research commences. Only at this point is a student admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree and will thereafter concentrate on the dissertation. After students become candidates for the PhD degree, they must register for 794 Doctoral Dissertation each semester thereafter until the dissertation is completed.
The final state of the program is the submission of a dissertation that makes an original and substantial contribution to its field of study. The final copy of the dissertation must conform to the regulations of the Graduate School.
Upon entering the program, each student will be assigned an academic adviser from among the faculty closest to the student's own academic interests. Students should seek advice on their program of studies from this academic adviser, the director of the program and the director of graduate and professional studies.
Once a student formally establishes an interdisciplinary examination committee, the chair of this committee becomes the student's main academic adviser, along with other members of this qualifying exam committee. The committee must be in place and approved by the Graduate School at the time the student schedules a qualifying examination.
The dissertation committee becomes the student's main advising unit after the qualifying examination, with the chair having the principal responsibility of advisement. At all stages of the student's progress through the program, the director of the program and the director of graduate and professional studies will be available for advisement and counsel as well.
A transfer of credit statement is prepared by the Degree Progress Department for students admitted to full graduate standing. The application of any available transfer credit is contingent on successful completion of the screening exam and is determined by the director of the program no later than the end of the second year according to the following guidelines: credit will only be allowed for courses (1) from accredited graduate schools; (2) of grade B (3.0 on a four-point scale); (3) constituting a fair and reasonable equivalent to current USC course work at the graduate level and fitting into the program for the degree; and (4) approved by the Graduate School. Graduate transfer credit will not be granted for life experience, credit by examination, noncredit extension courses, correspondence courses, thesis course supervision or creative writing courses.
The maximum number of transfer credits which may be applied toward the MA degree is four units, and a maximum of 24 units of transfer credits may be applied toward the PhD degree. The Graduate School stipulates that transfer units must have been completed within 10 years of admission for the doctoral program to be applied toward the degree.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Grace Ford Salvatori 120
(213) 740-1900
FAX: (213) 747-8571
Email: anthro@dornsife.usc.edu
Chair: Gary Seaman, PhD
University Professor and ARCO/William F. Kieschnick Chair in the Neurobiology of Aging and Professor of Gerontology, Biological Sciences, Anthropology and Psychology: Caleb E. Finch, PhD (Gerontology)
Andrew W. Mellon Professor of the Humanities, Linda and Harlan Martens Director of the Early Modern Studies Institute and Professor of History and Anthropology: Peter C. Mancall, PhD (History)
Albert G. and Frances Lomas Feldman Professor of Social Policy and Health: Lawrence Palinkas, PhD (Social Work)
Professors: Eugene Cooper, PhD; Gelya Frank, PhD (Occupational Science); Janet Hoskins, PhD; Dorinne Kondo, PhD; Nancy Lutkehaus, PhD; Cheryl Mattingly, PhD; Alison Renteln, PhD (Political Science); Andrei Simic, PhD; Craig Stanford, PhD* (Biological Sciences)
Associate Professors: Lanita Jacobs, PhD; Gary Seaman, PhD
Distinguished Adjunct Professor: Jane Goodall, PhD
Adjunct Professor of the Practice: Andre Singer, PhD
Associate Professors (Teaching): Erin Moore, PhD; Tok Thompson, PhD; Thomas Ward, PhD
Assistant Professor (Teaching): Thomas Garrison, PhD
Emeritus Professor: G. Alexander Moore, PhD
Associate Professor Emerita: Joan Weibel-Orlando, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award.
The Department of Anthropology offers a BA in Anthropology with tracks in cultural anthropology, medical anthropology and biological anthropology; a BA in Anthropology with a concentration in visual anthropology; a BA in Global Studies; minor programs in cultural anthropology, medical anthropology, folklore and popular culture; an MA in Anthropology; a certificate in visual anthropology; a progressive master's degree in visual anthropology; and a PhD in Anthropology.
The Department of Anthropology encourages students to become involved in ethnographic research and fieldwork while gaining a firm theoretical foundation in anthropology. Special areas of emphasis in the department are provided by visual anthropology, biocultural approaches to human evolution, a medical anthropology program that examines the body, illness and healing from a cultural perspective, a folklore oriented course of study that links cultural practice to interpretive strategies and a newly initiated Global Studies major that seeks to provide conceptualizations of linkages of the global with the local. All of these topical interests are unified by a methodological approach that puts ethnography at the core and views personally experienced fieldwork as the foundation of our academic discipline.
See the Department of Political Science.
See Sociology.
The primary goals of the Center for Visual Anthropology (CVA) are: to promote the incorporation of visual modes of expression into the academic discipline of anthropology; to promote mutual understanding and collaboration between professionals in the visual media and in anthropology; to create an awareness of the anthropological perspective in documentaries produced for mass audiences; to improve the materials and techniques available for using film in teaching anthropology; to encourage the collection, archiving and analysis of visual documentation for anthropological research. The Ethnographics laboratory is a part of the Center for Visual Anthropology, which provides archival and computer facilities for students and faculty who work with non linear editing systems and interactive media in anthropology. The primary mission of the Ethnographics Lab is to promote the integration of all forms of information, whether text, graphics of time-based media, into a new synthesis of anthropological knowledge. It provides support for research and representation in multimedia formats carried out in a new laboratory facility based on computer AV technologies and software.
The Jane Goodall Research Center is the designated repository of field data from Jane Goodall's work among the primates of Gombe National Park in Tanzania. A computer interactive multimedia archive of these materials is being implemented to make them available to students, faculty and other interested scholars.
The CVA housed at the Social Science Building on the USC campus and at the C-Lab, is equipped with - broadcast-quality production and editing facilities in video.
These include Super 8 systems and highband 3/4″ as well as 1/2″ videos. Editing facilities include Super 8 editors, JVC 1/2″ editing systems, a Sony 3/4″ time code system, an online editing system and an AVID system. Editing and viewing facilities are also located in the School of Cinematic Arts. The CVA maintains a complete still photography lab and darkroom.
All films and videos produced with school equipment, funding or facilities are the property of USC. Any income from distribution of student-produced films and videos will be used for the benefit of CVA students through production budgets, equipment purchases or scholarships.
The BA, Anthropology has three tracks: cultural anthropology and archaeology, medical anthropology and biological anthropology. Each track has five core courses and five additional required courses depending on the track. The total number of units for each program is 40-44.
In addition to the general education requirements, the following courses are required.
Five additional courses are required, of which at least two must be topical and at least one must represent an area of world ethnography.
Five additional Anthropology courses are required, which should include at least three courses from the following list, one of which may be lower-division:
Five additional upper-division Anthropology courses are required, which should include at least three from the following:
In addition to the general education requirements, the following courses are required.
The Department of Anthropology offers a course of study that leads to a BA degree in Global Studies. As with any degree in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, students are required to complete all applicable general education, writing, diversity and language requirements. Specific degree requirements include 16 units of required core courses within anthropology (4 lower level, 12 upper level), 16 units of required humanities or social science electives, and 8 units of language courses (in addition to the 8 units required of all USC Dornsife students), for a total of 40 units. The Department of Anthropology offers a course of study that leads to a BA degree in Global Studies. As with any degree in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, students are required to complete all applicable general education, writing, diversity and language requirements. Specific degree requirements include 16 units of required core courses within anthropology (4 lower level, 12 upper level), 16 units of required humanities or social science electives, and 8 units of language courses (in addition to the 8 units required of all USC Dornsife students), for a total of 40 units.
The 16 units of required courses in the humanities and/or social sciences must be taken in the Departments of Anthropology, Comparative Literature, History, International Relations, Political Science and Religion. Students must choose these units from a list of electives (see below). Some substitutions can be made with the approval of the thesis adviser. The choice of these courses allows students to tailor the degree to their individual needs, but students are expected to take their elective courses with a focus on one geographical area or set of issues. The 8 additional units of language may be taken at USC or fulfilled elsewhere in compliance with the same guidelines that apply to the USC Dornsife foreign language requirement.
In addition to specific course work, students in the global studies major should complete at least one and are recommended to complete two study abroad programs with at least one semester abroad during the junior year. Ideally, a student would spend one summer abroad and one semester abroad prior to the senior year.
In the senior year, global studies majors take a senior seminar in the fall semester and write a senior thesis under the supervision of a regional scholar in the spring semester. A regional scholar can be chosen from any of the six participating departments — Anthropology, Comparative Literature, History, International Relations, Political Science and Religion — and this scholar should have some expertise in the country or region where the student has spent a semester abroad. Students will receive guidance in the selection of a regional scholar to supervise their senior thesis.
Global studies is an ideal course of study for students wishing to work for international organizations, either governmental organizations or non-governmental ones (NGOs). Along with the required core and collateral courses, the elective units allow sufficient flexibility to complete course prerequisites for regional and area studies programs, law school and business school. The global studies academic adviser can provide direction in planning course selections toward specific fields.
The minor in folklore and popular culture provides an academic foundation for students interested in the many genres in the field including folktales, myths, legends, proverbs, jokes, games, folk medicine, and folk and indigenous musical traditions, from around the world. Through interdisciplinary course work, students will learn techniques of collecting, analyzing and interpreting the traditional expressive culture of diverse groups. Students will analyze the interrelationships of folklore and national, regional and ethnic identities. After becoming acquainted with methods of interpreting different forms of folklore, students will see how value systems are reflected in the data, so that students understand the ideological underpinnings of group formation, group identity, conflict and strategies for resolution. By focusing on the individual, informal culture, and the tension between the individual and myriad groups to which they belong, folklore provides yet another window into understanding how individuals function in complex societies. Since the field is historically grounded and culturally comparative, folklore provides important perspectives on the human condition.
For the minor in folklore and popular culture, students must complete five courses, as distributed below.
Medical anthropology examines the body, illness and healing from a cultural perspective, including comparative studies of folk healing systems, curing rituals and Western biomedical practices.
This minor allows students to supplement more narrowly defined departmental majors with a multidisciplinary focus on an area of great importance both to global developments and to cultural heritage issues in California and the United States. There is no language requirement and no required courses, but students must take one lower and four upper-division courses dealing with Southeast Asian cultures and people of Southeast Asian heritage in the United States. The focus of this new minor is on transnational connections and the new area of global culture.
Courses have no prerequisites.
Students are not accepted for the MA in Anthropology alone, but the MA in Anthropology can be granted after two years of course work and satisfactory completion of the screening exams.
A screening examination must be taken before a student has completed more than 24 units of course work and should be submitted in the third year of residence. The exam consists of three written field statements, a working bibliography and an oral defense.
Students can apply for the Master of Visual Anthropology only if they have a strong undergraduate background in visual anthropology and have a clearly outlined project for a documentary based on ethnographic research that can be completed within a year from the time that they are admitted.
The final documentary project must be submitted in rough cut format by the end of August following the completion of all course work in May.
Students can be admitted to the certificate program in visual anthropology after they have completed their PhD qualifying examinations. The certificate is an interdisciplinary program, with training in digital video production provided by the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Professional skills in video production are designed to help students present their research results to a wider audience and to use visual media effectively in communicating ideas about anthropology. After completing fieldwork, students take a year-long editing sequence and practicum (ANTH 576 and ANTH 577) to finish a visual project, which will complement the written dissertation.) A total of 16 units is required.
Students may begin to take course work required for the certificate in their first year, but they cannot complete their project until they have satisfied other requirements for doctoral candidacy. The Certificate in Visual Anthropology is received at the same time as the PhD.
Students may apply online for graduate study in the doctoral program at usc.edu/admission/graduate/apply. The PhD requires 60 units of course work. These include the 32 units required for the MA (16 units of required courses and 16 of graduate electives), 4 additional graduate units, plus a sequence of two graduate courses in an outside field. The additional required units for the PhD are ANTH 790 Research (8 units) and ANTH 794a Doctoral Dissertation, ANTH 794b Doctoral Dissertation (2-2 units). Before being admitted to PhD candidacy, the student must fulfill the language requirement, present an expanded version of the field statements at a qualifying examination, write a dissertation prospectus and pass the qualifying examination. Having completed this work, the student will conduct fieldwork and write the doctoral dissertation.
Completion of the program requires 60 units.
A reading knowledge of a scholarly language (normally chosen from among Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish) is required before admission to candidacy. If some other field language is required for the dissertation research to be successfully completed (for example, Maya, Hebrew, Javanese, etc.), this will be communicated to the student upon submission of the field project required for admission to candidacy.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Von KleinSmid Center 351
(213) 740-4552
FAX: (213) 740-8971
Email: arthist@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/ahis
Chair: Amy Ogata, PhD
University Professor and Leo S. Bing Chair in English and American Literature and Professor of English, Art History and History: Leo Braudy, PhD (English)
Provost Professor of English and Art History: Kate Flint, PhD (English)
Professors: John Bowlt, PhD (Slavic Languages and Literatures); Diane Ghirardo, PhD (Architecture); Selma Holo, PhD; Eunice Howe, PhD*; Amelia Jones, PhD (Fine Arts); Carolyn M. Malone, PhD; Amy Ogata, PhD; John Pollini, PhD; Vanessa Schwartz, PhD (History)
Associate Professors: Daniela Bleichmar, PhD*; Jennifer Greenhill, PhD; Sonya Lee, PhD; Ann Marie Yasin, PhD (Classics)
Assistant Professors: Suzanne Hudson, PhD; Megan Luke, PhD
Assistant Professor (Teaching): Hector Reyes, PhD
Adjunct Assistant Professor of the Practice: Miya Mizuta Lippit
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
Art history combines the study of art with the study of culture. The undergraduate major not only receives sound training in the history of art but also a basis in other humanistic disciplines. The curriculum is designed to guarantee students a general knowledge of both western and eastern art, and to offer a variety of upper-division courses in specialized areas. Majors are exposed to a diversity of theoretical approaches and encouraged to sharpen their critical and conceptual thinking. This foundation has enabled many art history graduates to pursue advanced degrees in nationally recognized programs, to enter diverse fields, including law or business, and to pursue careers in the arts.
A special feature of the undergraduate program is the apprenticeship, which affords upper-division students the opportunity to work in the professional art world in return for elective credit. Students gain valuable job skills in local museums, galleries, auction houses, and art foundations. Apprenticeship placement is also available during the summer months throughout the United States.
Graduate students in art history pursue a wide range of subject matter, using a variety of methodologies and techniques. Graduates may also pursue parallel interests by taking courses in outside departments such as history, classics, East Asian languages and cultures, Slavic languages and literatures, French, German, Italian and others.
Graduate students are encouraged to participate in annual conferences and symposia. Travel grants are available through the department. In addition to an excellent slide library, electronic access to university library catalogues from home or office, courtesy privileges and cross-registration of course work at UCLA, our graduate students have access to numerous research opportunities in and around Southern California at institutions such as the Los Angeles County Museum, the Huntington Museum, the Archives of American Art, the Institute for Modern Russian Culture, the J. Paul Getty Museum and the Getty Research Institute for the History of Art and the Humanities.
Candidates for the BA in the Department of Art History can earn a designation on their transcripts of departmental honors. Admission to the Honors Program is required.
Prerequisites: 3.5 overall GPA, 3.5 major GPA or better, completion of at least three upper-division art history courses at the time of admission, submission of an application form to the undergraduate faculty adviser.
Required for departmental honors: maintain GPA requirements stated above and complete AHIS 495a and AHIS 495b Undergraduate Honors Thesis.
See Religion for a complete listing.
This minor brings together the resources of the Departments of English, History and Art History to study the literatures and cultures of Europe and the Americas from the late medieval period to 1800. For complete listing of requirements, see the Department of English.
Admission to all programs is granted through the Graduate School in conjunction with the Department of Art History; all applicants must meet the requirements of both. Interviews are strongly encouraged.
All applicants must complete the department's supplemental application form, which may be obtained by writing: Graduate Programs, Art History Department, Von KleinSmid Center 351, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0047.
Complete details for all graduate programs can be found in the Guidelines for Graduate Studies in Art History, obtainable upon admission.
Greek and Roman Art and Archaeology, Medieval Art, Renaissance Art, Baroque Art, 18th and 19th Century European Art, Modern and Contemporary Art, Chinese and Japanese Art, Latin American art and art of the ancient Americas.
In art history, undergraduates are provided with a sound, broad foundation in art from a variety of offerings. On this basis, exploration of the art of many eras and cultures proceeds in a program designed to develop an awareness of the integral role played by art as an expression of the human condition and society throughout history. A grade of C or higher is required in departmental courses for all undergraduate majors.
The Bachelor of Arts in Art History requires 128 units.
Candidates for the Bachelor of Arts in Art History must complete the general education and diversity requirements of the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
The major requires 40 units as follows.
Seven additional courses to include five courses with a minimum of one in each of four out of the following five areas of study, only one of which may be at the 200 level.
The following courses require written permission of the chair of the Art History Department: AHIS 495a Undergraduate Honors Thesis (2-2), AHIS 495b Undergraduate Honors Thesis (2-2) and AHIS 499 Special Topics (2–4, max 8).
Art history combines the study of art with the study of culture broadly conceived. The art history minor offers a concentrated course of study that includes a variety of objects from different historical periods and cultures in relation to their makers, patrons, viewers and critics. Students in the minor are trained to analyze visual images and information through a process of intensive looking, reading, research and writing.
Choose from 300- and 400-level AHIS courses. At least one course must be at the 400 level.
A critical approach to art history is the departure point for the minor in visual culture, which is dedicated to the analysis of the visual arts, broadly defined to include fine art, film and television, photography and video, illustrated books, advertising, architecture and design. Students are required to take two introductory courses in the history and theory of art. These courses will prepare them for focused study in one of three concentrations: (1) photography, film and the reproduction of images, (2) popular culture or (3) gender and sexuality.
*32 units if students select FAPH 309a Intermediate Photography with 8 units of prerequisites
The department does not accept applicants for the Master of Arts in art history. Although the MA is not offered as a terminal degree, but only en route to the PhD, a student may be eligible for the MA on leaving the program after two years. A minimum of 32 units is required for the degree, and the student must pass the second year review which includes the departmental equivalent of a thesis: a revised seminar paper demonstrating original thought, research skills and writing proficiency. The opportunity to gain experience as a teaching assistant is available on a competitive basis. Transfer work applicable to the MA program must have been completed within seven years of the date of application.
A minimum of 32 units, usually taken during a two-year period, is required for the Master of Arts in Art History, to be distributed as follows:
Courses will be at the 500 level; 400-level courses may be accepted with approval of the graduate adviser. No more than two seminars with the same course number can be taken for credit toward the master of arts. AHIS 500 normally must be taken in the first semester of study.
All candidates must pass a reading proficiency examination in one language, normally French or German. Substitutions may be made upon faculty recommendation and approval of the chair of art history when it is deemed appropriate to the student's course of study (i.e., Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Greek, etc.). The language requirement should be completed by the end of the first year.
This program, open to University of Southern California PhD students of art history as well as qualified students from other USC departments with written permission from their home department and the Department of Art History, is devoted to the study of the history of collecting and display of works of art and related materials across a broad chronological and geographical spectrum.
The program provides a means of advancing knowledge about the presentation, circulation and consumption of works of art, as distinct from the more traditional art historical investigation of the conditions surrounding their production. Additionally, this program is designed to remedy a widely perceived disjunction between the ways art history is practiced in the museum and the academy. Each academic department will determine the number of units completed which may be applied to the student's graduate degree in that department.
The field of visual studies encompasses a diverse range of images and artifacts as well as the history, processes and technologies of vision itself. This certificate will provide PhD students with the tools necessary to think critically about visual objects and experience and to apply that thinking to their ongoing scholarly work and doctoral research. Students will combine the sustained analysis of specific representations with attention to broader philosophical frameworks and historical conditions.
Graduate students intending to concentrate in visual studies must be admitted to a PhD program at USC. While fulfilling all the requirements for their departmental graduate degree, they may also earn a certificate of competency in visual studies. To receive this certificate, students must take MDA 501 Introduction to Visual Studies: Methods and Debates, a team-taught MDA 599 course, and two other graduate seminars from an approved list of relevant courses, 500 level and above, for a total of at least 16 units. Directed research may not be taken toward certificate requirements.
In addition to the completion of these course requirements, students must demonstrate a focus on visual studies as part of their doctoral dissertation. Alternatively, they may take an oral examination based on three research papers they have written within the context of their visual studies course work. The oral exam will be administered by faculty members affiliated with the visual studies graduate certificate. Faculty will be responsible for judging the adequacy of the visual studies component in the student's dissertation or oral examination.
Application deadline: December 1.
The doctor of philosophy in the Art History program normally requires at least three years of course work and two years of dissertation research. Applicants may be admitted directly into the program after receiving the BA Other applicants may already hold an MA in art history or the equivalent from USC or another accredited school.
Every student will be subject to departmental screening procedures, which involve periodic review by the art history graduate committee. The committee may recommend at any time, after a written warning, based on a student's grades, evaluation of instructors or rate of progress toward the degree, that a student be dropped from the program. Such recommendations will become effective at the end of the semester during which the recommendation is made.
Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy units total 60. Up to 32 master of arts units from USC or 16 from other institutions may be transferred with approval of the faculty. Transfer work applicable to the PhD program must have been completed within 10 years of the date of application. AHIS 500, or equivalent, is required of all graduate students. Four units are for work on the dissertation. (Two units of dissertation credit each semester — including summer — for a minimum registration period of two semesters.)
All candidates must pass reading proficiency examinations in a minimum of two languages, normally French and German or the requisite languages in Asian art. Substitutions and/or additions may be made with faculty recommendation and approval of the chair of the Art History Department when appropriate to the student's program. Additional foreign language beyond the minimum may be required depending on the student's program of study. All language requirements must be completed prior to taking the qualifying exam.
Passing the following procedures are prerequisite to continuation in the doctoral program, as stated in the departmental graduate guidelines. Before the student has completed 24 units, the first-year examination must be passed. Before the student has completed 48 units, the second-year review must be passed.
At the end of the second year, the student will nominate a five-member qualifying exam committee for the qualifying examination that includes one member from outside the Department of Art History. The student is expected to pass the qualifying examination in a major field and satisfy the requirements for the minor and outside fields by the end of the third year. Forms for permission to take the qualifying examination must be submitted at least 60 days before the date of the scheduled examination. The written portion of the examination will be followed by an oral examination. The oral examination will be given to discuss in greater depth the student's knowledge of the dissertation proposal; the oral lasts approximately two hours. After passing the qualifying examination, the student will be admitted to candidacy for the PhD
Following the completion of the qualifying exam, the qualifying exam committee will be reduced to three members, including one member from outside the department, who will guide and finally approve the dissertation.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Hancock Foundation Building 107
(213) 740-2777
FAX: (213) 740-8123
Email (undergraduate programs):
biodept@dornsife.usc.edu
Email (graduate programs):
marinebi@dornsife.usc.edu
molecule@dornsife.usc.edu
ieb@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/bisc
Chair: Douglas Capone, PhD
Anna H. Bing Dean's Chair in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and Professor of Biological Sciences, Neurology, Physiology and Biophysics: Steve A. Kay, PhD, DSc
University Professor and ARCO/William F. Kieschnick Chair in the Neurobiology of Aging and Professor of Gerontology, Biological Sciences, Anthropology and Psychology: Caleb E. Finch, PhD (Gerontology)
University Professor and Milo Don and Lucille Appleman Professor of Biological Sciences: Larry W. Swanson, PhD
University Professor and USC Associates Chair in Natural Sciences: Michael S. Waterman, PhD
University Professor, Fletcher Jones Foundation Chair in Computer Science, and Professor of Computer Science, Biological Sciences, and Psychology: Michael Arbib, PhD (Computer Science)
Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, and Chemical Engineering & Materials Science and Dana and David Dornsife Chair in Chemistry: Arieh Warshel, PhD (Chemistry)
Distinguished Professor of Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, and Ester Dornsife Chair in Biological Sciences: Norman Arnheim, PhD*
James E. Birren Chair in Gerontology and Professor of Gerontology and Biological Sciences: Kelvin Davies, PhD (Gerontology)
McCulloch-Crosby Chair in Marine Biology: Jed A. Fuhrman, PhD*
William and Julie Wrigley Chair in Environmental Studies and Professor of Biological Sciences: Douglas G. Capone, PhD
Provost Professor of Biological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Physiology and Biophysics, Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Pediatrics, Radiology and Ophthalmology: Scott Fraser, PhD
Provost Professor of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Neurology, Physiology & Biophysics, and Chemical Engineering & Materials Science: Ray Stevens, PhD
W. M. Keck Provost Professor of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine and Biological Sciences: Andrew McMahon, PhD
Wrigley Chair in Environmental Studies and Professor of Earth Sciences and Biological Sciences: Kenneth Nealson, PhD (Earth Sciences)
Dean's Professor of Biological Sciences and Professor of Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, and Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering: Peter Kuhn, PhD
Paxson H. Offield Professor of Fisheries Ecology and Professor of Biological Sciences: Dennis Hedgecock, PhD
Gabilan Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences: Irene Chiolo, PhD
Gabilan Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences and Earth Sciences: Naomi Levine, PhD
Gabilan Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences: Carolyn Phillips, PhD
Professors: Jan P. Amend, PhD (Earth Sciences); Oscar M. Aparicio, PhD; Donald Arnold, PhD; Robert F. Baker, PhD; Christopher Boehm, PhD; David Bottjer, PhD (Earth Sciences); Sarah Bottjer, PhD; David Caron, PhD*; Lin Chen, PhD; Ting Chen, PhD; Xiaojiang Chen, PhD; Pinchas Cohen, PhD (Gerontology); Casey Donovan, PhD; Suzanne Edmands, PhD; Steven Finkel, PhD; Henryk Flashner, PhD (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering); Susan Forsburg, PhD; Myron F. Goodman, PhD; Zach Hall, PhD (Cell and Neurobiology); Albert A. Herrera, PhD* (Vice Chair); Judith Hirsch, PhD; David Hutchins, PhD; Dale Kiefer, PhD; Chien-Ping Ko, PhD; Michael Lieber, PhD (Pathology); Emily R. Liman, PhD; Donal T. Manahan, PhD; Jill McNitt-Gray, PhD; James W. Moffett, PhD; Aiichiro Nakano, PhD (Computer Science); Sergey Nuzhdin, PhD; John A. Petruska, PhD; Michael Quick, PhD; Richard Roberts, PhD (Chemistry); Sergio Sañudo-Wilhelmy, PhD; Richard Simerly, PhD (Medicine); Craig Stanford, PhD; Cornelius W. Sullivan, PhD; Fengzhu Sun, PhD; Paul Thompson, PhD (Neurology); John Tower, PhD; Lorraine Turcotte, PhD; Alan Watts, PhD; Xianghong Zhou, PhD; Berislav Zlokovic, PhD (Physiology and Biophysics)
Associate Professors: Frank Alber, PhD; John Callaghan, PhD; Liang Chen, PhD; Robert Girandola, PhD; Andrew Gracey, PhD; John F. Heidelberg, PhD; David D. McKemy, PhD*; Matthew Michael, PhD; Peter Qin, PhD (Chemistry); Fei Sha, PhD (Computer Science); Andrew Smith, PhD; Paul Thomas, PhD (Preventive Medicine); Eric A. Webb, PhD; Wiebke Ziebis, PhD
Assistant Professors: James Boedicker, PhD (Physics); Sean Curran, PhD (Gerontology); Matthew Dean, PhD; Dion Dickman, PhD; Ian Ehrenreich, PhD; Moh El-Naggar, PhD* (Physics); Christoph Haselwandter, PhD (Physics); Samuel Andrew Hires, PhD; Scott Kanoski, PhD; Vsevolod Katritch, PhD; Fabien Pinaud, PhD; Matthew Pratt, PhD (Chemistry); Peter Ralph, PhD; Remo Rohs, PhD; Kai Wang, PhD (Psychiatry); Chao Zhang, PhD (Chemistry)
Professor (Research): James Hicks, PhD
Associate Professors (Research): Linda Duguay, PhD; Magnus Nordborg, PhD
Assistant Professors (Research): Peter Calabrese, PhD; Feixue Fu, PhD; Juliette Hart, PhD; Myrna Jacobson, PhD; Wenyuan Li, PhD; Phuong Pham, PhD; Jason Sylvan, PhD
Adjunct Professors: Luis Chiappe, PhD; Kirk Fitzhugh, PhD; Gordon Hendler, PhD; Burt Jones, PhD; Roberta Marinelli, PhD; Joel W. Martin, PhD; Tony Michaels, PhD; Xiaoming Wang, PhD
Adjunct Associate Professor: Regina Wetzer, PhD
Adjunct Assistant Professors: Rahul Jandial, PhD; Arshad Khan, PhD; Beth Orcutt, PhD
Adjunct Professor (Research): Simon Tavaré, PhD
Adjunct Associate Professor (Research): Rodolfo Iturriaga, PhD
Adjunct Assistant Professor (Research): Joel Hahn, PhD; Richard Thompson, PhD
Associate Professor (Teaching): Karla B. Heidelberg, PhD
Assistant Professors (Teaching): Christa Bancroft, PhD; Erik Kolb, PhD
Senior Lecturer: Gudrun Floyd, MS
Lecturers: Stephanie Bogart, PhD; Nancy Castro, PhD; Tamara Espinet, MS; Raffaella Ghittoni, PhD; Michael Hadjidaniel, PhD; Laura Held, BS; Helaine Lopes, PhD; Gioia Polidori Francisco, PhD; Oliver Rizk, PhD; Bruce Yazejian, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Michael Appleman, PhD; Richard Deonier, PhD; Arnold S. Dunn, PhD; William O. McClure, PhD*; Russel Zimmer, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award.
Instructional Laboratory Managers: Gorjana Bezmalinovic, M.S.; Celeste Chong-Cerrillo, Ph.D.; Emi Embler, Ph.D.; Michael Moore, Ph.D.
The Department of Biological Sciences has research faculty with specialties in four disciplines: human and evolutionary biology, marine environmental biology, molecular and computational biology, and neurobiology. A diversity of upper-division undergraduate and graduate courses permits biology majors to choose an emphasis in any of these four disciplines. (See the Neuroscience section of the catalogue for descriptions of the graduate degree in Neuroscience.)
The department offers both BA and BS degrees in biological sciences and an honors program in which a student can earn either a BA or a BS degree in biological sciences with honors. The department also offers both BA and BS degrees in human biology. The BS in biochemistry is offered as a joint program with the Department of Chemistry. The honors program is available to students who maintain a GPA of 3.5 in the sciences and who have completed their freshman year. The honors program includes research opportunities, seminars and thesis preparation courses. Applications for the Honors Program are available in Allan Hancock Foundation (AHF), Room 105.
Undergraduates in biological sciences have the opportunity to become involved in laboratory or field research by taking research courses for some of their elective units.
At the graduate level, the department offers challenging degree programs that lead to a PhD in: biology with an option in neurobiology; integrative and evolutionary biology; marine biology and biological oceanography; molecular biology; and computational biology and bioinformatics. The department also offers progressive MS degrees in marine and environmental biology and molecular genetics and biochemistry.
The Department of Biological Sciences offers membership in Phi Sigma, a national honor society, to selected biology majors (Alpha Alpha Chapter at USC.) Phi Sigma is devoted to the promotion of research and academic excellence in the biological sciences. Students with a GPA above 3.0 who have interest in research and have completed core requirements for the first two years in biological sciences are eligible. Major activities range from presentation of papers by members and lectures by outside speakers to field trips, laboratory demonstrations and joint research projects. The adviser is Professor Robert Baker, PhD, RRI 104A, (213) 740-5189.
The Biological Sciences Department in conjunction with the USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies (WIES) sponsors 4-week Maymester programs at USC's Phillip K. Wrigley Marine Sciences Center (WMSC) on Santa Catalina Island. The Maymester courses focus on conservation biology, animal physiology, aquatic microbiology and field techniques in marine biology and biological oceanography. These courses are open to all biology majors as well as students in other departments and other institutions with a strong biology background. Students are primarily in their junior or senior years and may participate in any of the courses offered.
All the courses are taught by USC faculty and supported by USC graduate student teaching assistants. The classes are specialized to take advantage of the unique facilities and setting of Santa Catalina Island.
Students live on Catalina Island for the entire length of the course. Rates for room and board at the USC Wrigley Marine Science Center are comparable to those on campus. For those wishing to return to the mainland on the weekend — free transportation is provided each Friday to leave and each Monday to return.
For more information, students should contact the instructor(s) for the course of interest. Additional information can also be found at http://dornsife.usc.edu/wrigley/education/.
Advisement in the Department of Biological Sciences is required each semester. First semester freshman and transfer advisement takes place during orientation. Advisement in all remaining semesters takes place during the pre-registration period. The undergraduate coordinator forwards advisement appointment information each semester to all students in biological sciences and biochemistry.
The department offers specially planned courses within the biological sciences to prepare students for admission to professional schools (medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, occupational therapy, physical therapy, pharmacy, optometry, public health), paramedical sciences (medical technology, physician's assistant, clinical and public health microbiology, clinical biochemistry), naturalist and environmental positions in the public and private sectors, jobs in industry (biotechnology), and graduate study (basic biological and biomedical fields). With the proper selection of courses under the guidance of the Department of Biological Sciences and the USC Rossier School of Education, the BS degree satisfies the California requirements for secondary school teaching in the life sciences.
For a complete listing of course requirements, see the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC.
The Marshall School and the departments of biological sciences and chemistry in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences jointly offer the minor in biotechnology. This minor brings essential knowledge in the basic sciences together with the corporate skills needed in a rapidly growing industry. The minor is especially well suited for the business, biology, chemistry or engineering student seeking a career in business and/or the biomedical/bio-technical sciences. Refer to Biological Sciences for a list of required courses.
The graduate programs in biology provide education and training of biologists interested in living systems ranging from cellular to ecosystem levels of organization, investigated by laboratory or fieldwork. Courses and faculty research interests allow a multidisciplinary approach. A number of additional research areas are provided by adjunct faculty from other institutions, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History and Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Students develop the ability to formulate and test hypotheses, integrating information and concepts in the completion of a dissertation (PhD). A qualifying exam committee is formed for each student during the first year to develop a particular program of course work and research, and to evaluate the student's progress. Specific information about the options in biological sciences can be obtained by requesting information brochures or online at dornsife.usc.edu/bisc.
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in a natural science (preferably biology) from an accredited four year college or university, or in mathematics or engineering; required background courses include organic chemistry, general physics and mathematics through integral calculus. Applicants are evaluated by their transcripts and GPA; scores on the GRE General Test; three letters of recommendation; and a statement of interest. A faculty member must serve as initial sponsor and adviser for admission to marine biology and biological oceanography (MBBO) and integrative and evolutionary biology (IEB); neurobiology (BNRO), and molecular and computational biology (MCB) students are required to complete at least two laboratory rotations in their first year. Applicants who are accepted but judged to have minor deficiencies are expected to correct them within the first year.
These degrees are awarded under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and The Graduate School section of the catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
This program is designed to train the participants intensively in the concepts and experimental methodologies of molecular biology and biochemistry. The subject matter is organized in an integrated fashion (lectures, seminars and laboratory) to present fundamental information on the biochemistry, biophysics, genetics and development of cells from a variety of different organisms. Primary emphasis is on the relationship between structure and function at different integrative and functional levels. The program offers a PhD in Molecular Biology and a PhD in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. Applications may be accessed online at http://dornsife.usc.edu/bisc/mcb/.
Applicants are expected to have a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a cognate area such as biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, bacteriology, computer science, or bioinformatics. Undergraduate work should include a basic course in biology, basic physics, physical chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry and calculus. Students who are deficient in any of these may be required to correct the deficiency during the first two years of graduate study. Courses taken to correct these deficiencies are usually not credited toward the degree. The student must submit letters of recommendation from at least three faculty members who can evaluate the promise of the student for graduate work and independent research. The applicant must take the GRE General Test prior to acceptance.
These degrees are awarded under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and The Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
The general education, writing, language and diversity requirements for a USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences degree are applicable.
Eight units of upper-division BISC course work available for major credit are required. No more than 4 units of BISC 490x may be used to fulfill the upper-division elective requirement. In addition, no more than two seminars (BISC 460 to BISC 462), totaling 4 units, may be applied to the upper-division elective requirement.
It is expected that students will take 100-level BISC core courses during the first year, two 300-level BISC core courses during the second year, and the remaining core courses and the 300- or 400-level BISC major elective courses during the third and fourth years.
The department requires that students receive a grade no lower than C- in their five core courses. They must maintain a 2.0 GPA in the upper-division biology and chemistry courses required for the major, as well as an overall 2.0 GPA. All major core courses must be taken on a letter grade basis.
The department offers an honors program to outstanding students already pursuing studies for the BA or BS degree in Biological Sciences. This program offers students an opportunity to participate in undergraduate research, experience in writing an honors thesis summarizing the completed research, and experience in an honors seminar. Honors students are required to take two semesters of BISC 493x Honors Seminar (1 unit/ - semester) and one semester of BISC 494 x Honors Thesis (2 units) in addition to fulfilling all requirements of the BA or BS degree. Honors students must also choose BISC 490x as one of their upper division electives. This program leads to the designation on the transcript of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with Honors.
Students may apply to the department for admission to the honors program after having completed at least one year of work at USC with a minimum GPA of 3.5 in all science and math courses required for the major.
For continuation in the honors programs, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 in the sciences and mathematics courses required for the major.
The general education, writing, language and diversity requirements for a USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences degree are applicable.
Twenty units of upper-division BISC course work available for major credit are required. At least two courses in the upper-division electives must carry a lab ("L") or be 490. No more than 4 units of BISC 490x may be used to fulfill the upper-division elective requirement. In addition, no more than two seminars (BISC 460 to BISC 462), totaling 4 units, may be applied to the upper-division elective requirement.
The department requires that students receive a grade no lower than C- in their five core courses. They must maintain a 2.0 GPA in the upper-division biology and chemistry courses required for the major, as well as an overall 2.0 GPA. All major core courses must be taken on a letter grade basis.
The department offers an honors program to outstanding students already pursuing studies for the BA or BS degree in Biological Sciences. This program offers students an opportunity to participate in undergraduate research, experience in writing an honors thesis summarizing the completed research, and experience in an honors seminar. Honors students are required to take two semesters of BISC 493x Honors Seminar (1 unit/ - semester) and one semester of BISC 494 x Honors Thesis (2 units) in addition to fulfilling all requirements of the BA or BS degree. Honors students must also choose BISC 490x as one of their upper division electives. This program leads to the designation on the transcript of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with Honors.
Students may apply to the department for admission to the honors program after having completed at least one year of work at USC with a minimum GPA of 3.5 in all science and math courses required for the major.
For continuation in the honors programs, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 in the sciences and mathematics courses required for the major.
The general education, writing, language and diversity requirements for a USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences degree are applicable.
Students must complete the general core consisting of 20 units. In addition, they must select 16 units from one of the three track modules below, as well as 8 additional units from the restricted elective list or any other track in the major. No more than two courses may be lower division (100- or 200-level) from the major track and electives combined. Total requirements: 44 units including at least 20 upper-division.
Choose 16 units from one of the track modules below.
A minimum of 8 units is required. Courses can be selected from the elective list below or from any other track in the major.
*Prerequisite required
The general education, writing, language and diversity requirements for a USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences degree are applicable.
General core: 24 units; major electives: one thematic module of 20 units; restrictive electives: 16 units; total requirements: 60 units.
Choose one complete track module from below:
A minimum of 16 units is required. Courses can be selected from the elective list below or from any other track in the major.
*Prerequisite required
The USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry and the Marshall School of Business jointly offer the cross-departmental minor in biotechnology. This minor brings essential knowledge in the basic sciences together with the corporate skills needed in a rapidly growing industry. The minor is especially well suited for the business, biological sciences, chemistry or engineering student seeking a career in business and/or the biomedical/bio-technical sciences.
This minor requires a varying number of units beyond major requirements depending upon the student's major program of study: biological sciences (BA or BS), 16–18 additional units; business (BS), 28 additional units; chemistry (BA or BS), 32–34 additional units.
Students in other majors may be required to complete up to 46 units for the minor depending on whether their major includes any of the minor requirements and their prerequisites.
Please see a biological sciences or business adviser for specific program requirements.
Students pursuing the business degree must enroll in BUAD 285a BUAD 285b or BUAD 286a BUAD 286b and BUAD 306.
The USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences departments of biological sciences and mathematics and the Viterbi School of Engineering departments of computer science and biomedical engineering jointly offer the cross-departmental minor in computational biology and bioinformatics. This minor provides essential training in using quantitative skills to solve fundamental biological problems as well as problems related to public health, neuroscience and environment. The minor includes four tracks according to the background of the students in biology, mathematics, computer science and engineering.
As with all minors, students must include at least four upper-division courses (16 units) and four courses (16 units) dedicated exclusively to this minor (they can overlap). Four courses (16 units) taken outside the major department are required. The courses are designed for students in biology, mathematics, computer science or biomedical engineering. Other students may need more units to receive the minor. The CHEM 105bL or CHEM 115bL prerequisite for BISC 320 may be waived if the students have the necessary background determined by the faculty adviser for the minor. Students who waive these prerequisites cannot retake CHEM 105bL or CHEM 115bL for credit.
Please see the minor adviser for specific program requirements.
*Prerequisite required
Total requirements for students with no prior course work: 30 units. Students need to take 30 units of the courses listed: all requirements, and enough electives to add up to 30 units, while fulfilling the requirement that they must take 16 units unique to the minor (not used for their major or general education) and 16 units not offered by their major.
Students majoring in biological sciences, mathematics, computer science and biomedical engineering can meet many of these requirements with course work that also satisfies their majors.
Students of other majors need to take all the required courses plus at least one elective from mathematics or computer science (e.g., MATH 226, MATH 407, CSCI 201) from the list of elective courses to meet the minor requirements.
This minor provides students with the scientific and engineering perspectives and the technical skills involved in capture and analysis of information needed to assess and improve human performance during the activities of daily living.
or
The minor in natural science will first provide students with a foundation in the basic sciences of physics, chemistry and biology. Each student will then build on this by selecting a variety of electives to meet individual scientific interests and academic goals. Eighteen units toward the natural science minor must be completed at USC. This minor is not available to majors in the natural sciences or engineering.
Any two courses chosen from among those offered for major credit by the departments of chemistry, physics, biological sciences, earth sciences and kinesiology.
The MS degree program in biology is a terminal degree for students admitted into the marine biology and biological oceanography (MBBO), neurobiology (BNRO), or integrative and evolutionary biology (IEB) PhD programs who cannot complete the PhD degree program for personal or medical reasons.
The MS degree program is a non-thesis program but a paper, based on the student's original research investigation of a selected program in biology, constitutes one of the requirements. Each student must take 7–8 units of biology graduate core courses (BISC 582, BISC 584 and BISC 585) or neurobiology courses (NSCI 524 and either NSCI 531 or NSCI 532), two seminars and additional graduate courses or research units for a minimum of 24 units. Students also must satisfy the residency and other requirements of the Graduate School. Further details of these requirements are contained within each graduate program's particular requirements and policies.
Two seminars and additional graduate courses or research units for a minimum of 24 units. Students also must satisfy the residency and other requirements of the Graduate School. Further details of these requirements are contained within each graduate program's particular requirements and policies.
The Master of Science degree in Marine and Environmental Biology (MEB) is designed to provide admitted students with a rigorous, quantitative and focused introduction to the burgeoning fields and breadth of topics in marine environmental biology/chemistry, geobiology, oceanography, conservation biology and population dynamics (depending upon the concentration selected). MEB provides students with independent research experiences that satisfy their own specific interests. The program is intended to position and stimulate students for possible advanced study leading to a PhD in one of the areas stated above, and/or provide a unique facet to the background of a prospective medical student. The program will also provide fundamental tools and expertise for entry into a master's level position in academic, government or private sector research laboratories. It will prepare students interested in governmental and non-government (NGO) environmental regulatory science and forge career pathways into private sector positions in environmental consulting and business.
Applicants must possess a cumulative and science GPA of 3.0 or higher and have the following courses completed prior to admission: one year of introductory biology, one semester of molecular biology, one semester of biochemistry, one year of general chemistry, and one year of organic chemistry. All of the above must carry labs and be available for major credit in the natural sciences at a four-year college or university.
Applicants interested in using course work completed while an undergraduate may apply for the progressive master's degree as early as their junior year.
Completion of one advanced seminar from among:
Eighteen units chosen from the following list, of which 8 units must be within the Department of Biological Sciences (BISC), and no more than 8 units can be at the 400-level.
The MS degree program in molecular and computational biology (MCB) is a terminal degree for students admitted into the MCB PhD program who cannot complete the PhD degree program for personal or medical reasons. The study of molecular biology places so many demands upon the student that it is difficult to attain any satisfactory level of competence in the time generally taken for a master's degree. Therefore, enrollment of graduate students as master's degree applicants is not encouraged and is reserved for special circumstances. The curriculum of the master's student is patterned after that of the doctorate up to and including the qualifying examination, but not including thesis research. The qualifying examination will serve as the comprehensive master's examination.
The Master of Science in Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry is designed to provide outstanding students in life science majors with a rigorous, quantitative experimental experience in molecular genetics, genomics, evolutionary biology, cell and molecular biology, biochemistry (depending upon the research area selected). The program is intended to position and stimulate students for possible advanced study leading to a PhD in one of the areas stated above, and/or provide an important research experience to the background of a prospective medical student. The program will also provide fundamental tools and expertise for entry into master's level positions in academic, government or private sector research laboratories, including biotech, pharmaceuticals or diagnostics. This is a terminal degree. Students who wish to pursue their doctorate at USC should apply directly to the PhD program.
Applicants must be undergraduate majors in the life sciences, who possess a cumulative and science GPA of 3.0 or higher and have the following courses completed or in progress at the time of admission: one year of introductory biology (BISC 120Lg/BISC 220Lg or BISC 121Lg/BISC 221Lg, or equivalent), one semester of molecular biology (BISC 320L or equivalent), one year of general chemistry (CHEM 105aLg/CHEM 105bL or CHEM 115aLg/CHEM 115bL, or equivalent), and one year of organic chemistry (CHEM 322aL/CHEM 322bL or CHEM 325aL/CHEM 325bL or equivalent). All of the above must carry labs and be available for major credit in the natural sciences at a four-year college or university.
Because this degree is based on research, students must identify a faculty adviser prior to enrollment and submit a research proposal approved by that adviser to the master's degree committee. It is recommended that students have performed the equivalent of independent study or a research internship (equivalent to BISC 490x) in their laboratory of choice prior to admission. Students are expected to perform 6 units of research in both fall and spring semesters; alternatively, with the adviser's approval upon enrollment, they may choose to perform the research component in variable increments in summer, fall and spring semesters to equal 12 units. This may be the preferred schedule if students wish to take additional electives during the academic year.
This program requires 32 units, of which 24 must be at the graduate level.
Eight units from the following list:
Students will complete a summative research paper that is written in publication format. The student will submit a proposed outline to the faculty mentor and one other molecular biology faculty member by January 15 for initial approval. The final paper is due on April 15. In the rare event that the final paper is not acceptable to the faculty, students may enroll for one more summer semester to perform revisions. If the paper is still not acceptable, the M.S. component of the degree will not be granted.
Application deadline: December 15
The neurobiology option provides each student with a broad, fundamental background in neurobiology and with detailed knowledge and expertise in the chosen area of concentration. The PhD neurobiology concentration requires the following courses: two of three (NSCI 531, NSCI 532 or BISC 426) and NSCI 538 plus NSCI 539 (1 unit per semester for four semesters). A minimum total of 60 units is required, consisting of formal courses, seminars and research credit. At least 24 of the minimum 60 total units required are to be formal graduate course work (lecture or seminar courses). Courses in related disciplines of neuroscience, such as computational or cognitive neuroscience, are not required, but may be taken as electives. Courses in genomics, molecular biology, integrative and evolutionary biology and biomedical engineering are also available as electives for students interested in bridging the interface between neurobiology and these disciplines. Students also must satisfy the residency and other requirements of the Graduate School.
Since most graduates in biological sciences will spend some part of their careers in academic work, teaching experience is considered an important part of graduate training. Each graduate student in the program is therefore required to serve at least one semester as a teaching assistant in the Department of Biological Sciences.
The examinations qualifying the student for candidacy for the PhD in biology (neuro biology) must be initiated before the end of the fourth semester. The first part is written and consists of comprehensive questions from the qualifying exam committee covering the student's knowledge of topics within their proposed area of research. The second part is an oral examination, which consists of the presentation and defense of a research proposal.
The dissertation is based on original, publishable and significant research conducted independently by the student under the guidance of the dissertation committee.
The defense of the dissertation is either a defense oral or a final oral. In most cases, a defense oral will suffice if approved by the dissertation committee.
Application deadline: December 15
During the first year, the student's program is under the direction of an initial qualifying exam committee composed of members of the admissions committee. After passing the screening procedure before the end of the first semester, the student must form a qualifying exam committee consisting of an adviser and four other faculty members, including at least one from another department. Thereafter, the student's program of studies and dissertation are under the direction of the permanent qualifying exam committee and the dissertation committee.
The screening examination should be taken by the end of the second semester in the program. If the student fails the examination, the department, at its discretion, may permit the student to repeat the examination during the next semester. The screening examination consists of written examinations on topics including molecular biology, mathematical probability and statistics, and algorithms.
The students must complete, with no grade lower than a B, a minimum of 60 units of courses carrying graduate credit and approved by the qualifying exam committee. The required courses include: BISC 542, CSCI 570, MATH 505a, MATH 541a, and MATH 578a/MATH 578b. Students must take at least one biology course in the area of molecular biology, genetics or biochemistry. An additional 6 units of elective courses will be taken in consultation with the student's adviser. Students must register for a minimum of 4 units of dissertation research (BISC 794a/BISC 794b). Students must be registered in BISC 542 (computational section) their first three years in the program (6 semesters).
No transfer of credit will be considered until the screening examination is passed. A maximum of 30 units of graduate work at another institution may be applied toward the course requirements for the PhD A grade of B- (A = 4.0) or lower will not be accepted and, at most, two grades of B will be accepted. A PhD candidate may petition the department for transfer of additional credit, after he or she passes the qualifying examination.
The qualifying examination should be taken within two semesters following successful completion of the screening examination.
The written portion of the qualifying examination consists of a dissertation proposal. This document should include: introduction, statement of the problem, literature survey, methodology, summary of preliminary results, proposed research, references, appendix (including one or two fundamental references).
The oral portion of the qualifying examination consists of presentation of the PhD dissertation proposal. The student must demonstrate research potential.
Following passage of the screening examination and approval of a dissertation topic by the qualifying exam committee, the student begins research toward the dissertation under the supervision of the dissertation committee. The primary requirement of the PhD is an acceptable dissertation based on a substantial amount of original research conducted by the student.
The defense of the dissertation is either a defense oral or a final oral. In most cases a defense oral will suffice if approved by the dissertation committee.
Application deadline: December 15
This program of study is designed to provide each student with a broad, fundamental background in integrative and evolutionary biology (IEB) coupled with detailed knowledge and expertise in the chosen area of concentration. The core of the course work in integrative and evolutionary biology consists of four courses — BISC 515 (4), seminar BISC 549 (2-2) and a 4-unit course to be decided upon by the student's adviser — that are taken by all first-year graduate students. Various faculty members also teach a variety of advanced courses and seminars on specialized research topics each semester. In addition, a range of courses in areas relating to IEB are available in various departments on the University Park and Health Sciences Campuses.
Each student's curriculum is tailored to the particular interests of the individual and the needs and demands of the chosen research field. A minimum total of 60 units is required, consisting of formal courses, seminars and research credit. The 24 units of formal course work must include 12 units of specified course work in integrative and evolutionary biology, BISC 515, adviser-specified course, seminar BISC 549 (minimum 4 units), and 12 units of advanced electives chosen in consultation with the student's adviser.
After completion of the core integrative biology and evolutionary biology course work (BISC 515 , adviserspecified, BISC 549) during the first year, the student's degree progress is discussed and evaluated by a screening committee composed of members of the IEB faculty as well as the student's principal adviser. The purpose of this written and oral evaluation is to determine competence to continue graduate study and identify areas to be strengthened prior to the qualifying examination.
Since most graduates in biological sciences will spend some part of their careers in academic work, teaching experience is considered an important part of graduate training. Each graduate student in the program is therefore required to assist in the teaching program for two semesters as a teaching assistant.
By the end of the third semester, students should choose a qualifying exam committee consistent with the requirements of the graduate school composed of IEB faculty and one outside member. This committee will conduct the qualifying exam and provide guidance during dissertation research. The chair of the committee will serve as the principal adviser. Students should consult extensively with each committee member regarding subjects to be covered in the exam.
The qualifying exam consists of written and oral parts. Both parts must be finished before the end of the fifth semester. For the written exam, the adviser will consult with each of the members of the qualifying exam committee. The written part will incorporate evaluation and synthesis of existing knowledge related to topic areas, design of experiment to test a relevant hypothesis, and interpretation of anticipated results. The oral exam consists of an oral defense of the written part and will be conducted within a month of the written part of the qualifying exam.
The dissertation is based on original, publishable and significant research conducted independently by the student under the guidance of the dissertation committee.
The defense of the dissertation is either a defense oral or a final oral. In most cases a defense oral will suffice if approved by the dissertation committee.
Application deadline: January 15
In marine biology and biological oceanography, each student receives a general background in marine sciences and obtains in-depth specialization in a research area of his or her choosing. Each student's curriculum is fitted to the particular needs and demands of the chosen research field. The 26 units of formal course work must include the following: BISC 529 (4), BISC 582 (4), BISC 583 (4), BISC 584 (2), BISC 585 (2), BISC 586 (2); four advanced graduate seminars (8); and a statistics course approved by the student's adviser.
Completion of one advanced seminar from among:
A minimum total of 60 units is required, consisting of formal courses, seminars and research credit. At least 24 of the minimum 60 total units required are to be formal graduate course work (lecture and seminar courses).
Candidates must also pass a screening examination to determine competence and point out deficiencies, fulfill a research tool requirement (computer skills, biostatistics, quantitative chemistry), and meet the residency and other requirements of the Graduate School. This exam is completed before completion of 24 units in the program.
Since most graduates in biological sciences will spend some part of their careers in academic work, teaching experience is considered an important part of graduate training. Each graduate student in the program is therefore required to serve at least two semesters as a teaching assistant in the Department of Biological Sciences.
Before the end of the fifth semester, each student must pass a written and oral qualifying examination given by the student's qualifying exam committee. The written part involves answering a number of questions at length. The oral part is in the area of the student's intended research, based on a project selected and developed by the student into a written proposition. After passing the qualifying examination, the student completes the research investigation and any other requirements under the guidance of the research adviser who also chairs the dissertation committee.
The dissertation is based on original, publishable and significant research conducted independently by the student under the guidance of the dissertation committee.
The defense of the dissertation is either a defense oral or a final oral. In most cases, a defense oral will suffice if approved by the dissertation committee.
Application deadline: January 1
During the first year, the student's program is under the direction of an initial qualifying exam committee composed of members of the committee on admissions to the program. Before the end of the second semester, a permanent qualifying exam committee, chaired by the student's research director, is established. Thereafter, the student's program of studies and dissertation is under the direction of the permanent qualifying exam committee and the dissertation committee.
In the third semester, the student's progress is discussed and evaluated by the qualifying exam committee. The purpose of this evaluation is to determine competence to continue graduate study, and to point out deficiencies to be remedied prior to the qualifying examination.
A minimum of 24 of the 60 units required for the PhD degree must be in formal course work, exclusive of research. These must include the core courses, BISC 502a and BISC 502b, to be completed in the first year with a grade no less than B in both classes. Additionally, students will register for BISC 576 in the fall semester and BISC 504L (3-3) in both semesters. In the fall semester of the second year, students will choose an additional 4- unit, 400- or 500-level course in consultation with their adviser. Students must participate in molecular biology seminars. Other courses may be chosen, in consultation with the pro gram chair, from graduate offerings of this and other departments.
Students in the graduate program in molecular biology are not required to pass a foreign language examination.
Since most graduates in biological sciences will spend some part of their careers in academic work, teaching experience is considered an important part of graduate training. Each graduate student in the program is therefore required to serve at least two semesters as a teaching assistant in the Department of Biological Sciences.
The examinations qualifying the student for candidacy for the PhD in molecular biology must be initiated in the second semester of the second year. The first part is written and consists of comprehensive questions covering the student's knowledge of prokaryotic and eukaryotic molecular biology and developmental biology or genomics. The second part is an oral examination. It consists of general questions and the presentation and defense of a proposition outlining a research program. The student can select a topic completely outside of their thesis topic. Alternatively, the student can select a topic using the same model system as their dissertation work, but a different research question, or a topic on the same research question, but using a different model system. While going outside their field is encouraged, students should not stray too far away from genetics, molecular and cell biology or biochemistry approaches. This examination sequence must be completed by the end of the fifth semester of the program.
The dissertation is based on original, publishable, and significant research conducted independently by the student under the guidance of the dissertation committee.
The defense of the dissertation is either a defense oral or a final oral. In most cases a defense oral will suffice if approved by the dissertation committee.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Seeley G. Mudd 418
(213) 740-7036
FAX: (213) 740-2701
Email: chemmail@dornsife.usc.edu
chem.usc.edu
Chair: Stephen E. Bradforth, PhD
Distinguished Professor and Donald P. and Katherine B. Loker Chair in Organic Chemistry: George A. Olah, PhD
Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, Biological Sciences and Biochemistry and Dana and David Dornsife Chair in Chemistry: Arieh Warshel, PhD
Lloyd Armstrong, Jr. Chair for Science and Engineering and Professor of Chemistry: Hanna Reisler, PhD
Ray R. Irani, Chairman of Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Chair in Chemistry: Mark E. Thompson, PhD
Paul A. Miller Chair in Letters, Arts and Sciences and Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry: Curt Wittig, PhD
Harold and Lillian Moulton Chair in Organic/Polymer Chemistry and Professor of Chemistry and Pharmacology: Nicos Petasis, PhD
George A. and Judith A. Olah Nobel Laureate Chair in Hydrocarbon Chemistry and Professor of Chemistry: G.K. Surya Prakash, PhD
Provost Professor of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Neurology, Physiology & Biophysics, and Chemical Engineering & Materials Science: Ray Stevens, PhD
Judge Widney Professor of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry: Ray R. Irani, PhD
Gabilan Assistant Professor of Chemistry: Smaranda Marinescu, PhD
Professors: Stephen E. Bradforth, PhD; Lin Chen, PhD (Biological Sciences); Xiaojiang Chen, PhD (Biological Sciences); Vadim Cherezov, PhD; Myron F. Goodman, PhD (Biological Sciences); Thieo E. Hogen-Esch, PhD; Anna Krylov, PhD; Daniel A. Lidar, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Chi H. Mak, PhD*; Charles E. McKenna, PhD*; Oleg Prezhdo, PhD; Richard W. Roberts, PhD; Lawrence A. Singer, PhD*; Mark E. Thompson, PhD; Andrey Vilesov, PhD
Associate Professors: Andrea Armani, PhD (Chemical Engineering); Alexander Benderskii, PhD; Richard L. Brutchey, Jr., PhD; Stephen B. Cronin, PhD (Electrical Engineering/Electrophysics); Kyung Woon Jung, PhD; Peter Z. Qin, PhD; Travis J. Williams, PhD
Assistant Professors: Jahan Dawlaty, PhD; Moh El Naggar, PhD (Physics); Malancha Gupta, PhD (Chemical Engineering); Brent Melot, PhD; Fabien Pinaud, PhD (Biological Sciences); Matthew Pratt, PhD; Remo Rohs, PhD (Biological Sciences); Susumu Takahashi, PhD; Barry C. Thompson, PhD; Chao Zhang, PhD
Professors (Research): Karl O. Christe, PhD; Sri Narayan, PhD
Associate Professors (Research): Ralf Haiges, PhD; Golam Rasul, PhD
Assistant Professors (Research): Peter Djurovich, PhD; Terry Takahashi, PhD
Assistant Professors (Teaching): Rebecca Broyer, PhD; Jessica Parr, PhD
Lecturers: Thomas M. Bertolini, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Robert A. Beaudet, PhD; David A. Dows, PhD; Thomas C. Flood, PhD; Otto Schnepp, PhD; Gerald A. Segal, PhD; Howard S. Taylor, Ph.D.; William P. Weber, Ph.D.*
*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award.
The Department of Chemistry offers degree programs that provide undergraduate and graduate students with core instruction and excellent research opportunities. Under graduate programs leading to the BS and BA degrees are offered. The BS degree is intended for students preparing for careers in chemistry and satisfies the guidelines for a chemistry degree recommended by the American Chemical Society. The BA degree is designed for students who wish a concentration of course work in chemistry, but who have career plans in the health sciences, business or law or other specialty areas. In addition, a chemistry minor is available for students who want a broader exposure to the chemical sciences. A minor program in biotechnology is offered by the Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry and the Marshall School of Business and a minor program in environmental chemistry and sustainability is also offered jointly with the Environmental Studies program. Graduate programs are offered leading to the Master of Arts, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry.
The USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences departments of biological sci ences and chemistry and the Marshall School of Business jointly offer the cross- departmental minor in biotechnology. This minor brings essential knowledge in the basic sciences together with the corporate skills needed in a rapidly growing industry. The minor is especially well suited for the business, biology, chemistry or engineering student seeking a career in business and/or the biomedical/biotechnical sciences. See Biological Sciences for course requirements.
A grade of C- or higher is required in each chemistry course specifically listed as a degree requirement. The GPA for all chemistry courses required for a department major or a physical sciences major must be C (2.0) or higher. The GPA for all upper-division chemistry courses must also be C (2.0) or higher.
A degree with honors in chemistry is available for eligible Chemistry BA, Chemistry BS, Chemistry BS — Research Emphasis, Chemistry BS — Chemical Nanoscience Emphasis, and Chemistry BS — Chemical Biology Emphasis students. To meet program requirements students must submit an application to the Department of Chemistry and satisfy the objectives of the program.
Students seeking admission must have at least junior standing (64 units) with an overall USC GPA of 3.5 or better in at least 16 units of chemistry courses. Students must complete 8 units of research (CHEM 490 or CHEM 494, which may also satisfy major requirements*) under the supervision of chemistry faculty with the research results described in an undergraduate thesis reviewed and approved by a faculty committee. To graduate with honors students must earn a GPA of 3.5 in all chemistry courses required for the major and have an overall USC GPA of 3.5.
Upon graduation, transcripts will be noted "Bachelor of Arts with Departmental Honors" for Chemistry BA students, or "Bachelor of Science with Departmental Honors" for students who pursued the various Chemistry BS majors.
*For Chemistry BS, Chemistry BS — Chemical Nanoscience Emphasis, and Chemistry BS — Chemical Biology Emphasis, 4 units CHEM 490 are required for the major; for Chemistry BS — Research Emphasis, 4 units CHEM 490 and 4 units CHEM 494 are required for the major; and for Chemistry BA, 1–8 units of CHEM 490x are required for the major.
Close contact between students and faculty is a seminal feature of the chemistry graduate programs. The emphasis is on individualized programs aiming at in-depth understanding and development of scientific maturity. Attention is given to career aims, including research and development; secondary, college and university teaching; and the wide variety of industrial testing, operation and management areas.
A baccalaureate degree, equivalent to the BA with a major in chemistry at USC, is prerequisite to admission to the graduate program in chemistry. A baccalaureate degree in an appropriate physical science, engineering or mathematics is prerequisite to admission to the doctoral program in chemical physics.
Application must be made to the department on a special form, which includes application for fellowship and teaching assistant appointment and is available from the department Website. Materials describing the faculty, research areas and facilities will be sent to each applicant.
These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and The Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
The department does not accept applicants for a Master of Arts or Master of Science degree in chemistry. The MA and MS degrees are intended only as transitional degrees in the process of completing requirements for the PhD in chemistry.
The Master of Arts degree is granted on completion of 24 units of graduate course work (not including 590) approved by the master's committee, and comprehensive final examinations. The Master of Science degree is granted on completion of 24 units of graduate course work, including not more than eight units (normally two registrations) in directed research, approved by the master's committee, an approved thesis on the results of an original investigation, and a final oral defense of the thesis. The final defense is made while the thesis is in final draft form.
A master's committee is appointed for each student. The master's committee is chaired by the research director in the case of the MS option, or by an appropriate member of the faculty in the case of the MA option.
Seminars are held regularly in physical, inorganic and organic chemistry. All students are expected to attend one and are invited to attend all of these. All students are expected to attend the departmental annual research symposium featuring speakers from all branches of chemistry, who may be local, national or international.
Teaching experience is required for the advanced degrees in chemistry.
This degree is offered jointly by the Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry.
The general education, writing, foreign language and diversity requirements for a degree in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences are applicable.
Students must complete each required course in the Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry with a grade of C- or better, and maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 or better in all attempted courses in the two departments in the regular degree program.
Eight units of upper-division, non-core course work available for major credit in biological sciences or chemistry are required. Students enrolled in BISC 490 are limited to 4 units, while students enrolled in CHEM 490 may complete up to 8 units. No more than two seminars (BISC 460 to BISC 462), totaling 4 units, may be applied to the upper-division elective requirement.
A BS degree with honors in biochemistry is available for eligible students. In meeting program requirements students must submit an application and satisfy the objectives of one of the program options noted below.
Students seeking admission into option one must have at least junior standing (64 units) with an overall USC GPA of 3.5 or better in at least 32 units at USC, and have a 3.5 or better in at least 16 units in biological sciences and chemistry. Students in this option must complete 8 units of research (CHEM 490) under the supervision of chemistry faculty with the results of research being described in an undergraduate thesis reviewed and approved by a faculty committee. To graduate with honors under this option students must earn a GPA of 3.5 in all biological sciences and chemistry courses required for the major.
Students seeking admission into option two must have at least sophomore standing (32 units) with an overall USC GPA of 3.5 or better both cumulatively and in 16 units in biological sciences and chemistry. Students in this option must complete 4 units of research (BISC 490) under faculty in biological sciences or under faculty in any other department approved by biological sciences. In addition, students must complete two semesters of Honors Seminar (BISC 493), 1 unit each, and one semester of Honors Thesis (BISC 494), 2 units. To graduate with honors under this option students must earn a GPA of 3.5 in all sciences and mathematics courses required for the major.
Upon graduation, transcripts of students following either option will be noted, "Bachelor of Science with Departmental Honors."
In addition to the general education, writing, foreign language and diversity requirements for a degree in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, the following courses are required.
In addition to the general education, writing, foreign language and diversity requirements for a degree in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, the following courses are required.
In addition to the general education, writing, foreign language and diversity requirements for a degree in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, the following courses are required.
In addition to the general education, writing, foreign language and diversity requirements for a degree in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, the following courses are required.
In addition to the general education, writing, foreign language and diversity requirements for a degree in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, the following courses are required.
A chemistry minor is available for students who wish to broaden their exposure to the chemical sciences. In addition to a core of five chemistry courses (year-long sequences in general chemistry and organic chemistry and a one semester course in analytical chemistry), students must take one upper-division chemistry elective in either advanced organic or advanced inorganic chemistry.
Biology majors must take CHEM 300L, CHEM 426 and CHEM 453.
The environmental chemistry and sustainability minor is designed for students majoring in business, engineering, law, communications and other professional fields to give them the knowledge of chemistry needed to understand, formulate and manage scientific issues related to natural environmental processes as well as technologies involving the environment.
*Prerequisite required
**Corequisite required
Completion (with no course grade lower than B-) of 24 units of courses selected from chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering, with an overall grade point average not lower than B. These courses must be selected with the advisement and approval of first, the research adviser, and then the thesis chair. All other requirements and procedures are the same as for the PhD in Chemistry.
The qualifying exam committee is composed of the research adviser, three other members of the Chemistry Department, and one member from outside the Chemistry Department. The committee is appointed at least one semester before the qualifying examination, and prior to the screening procedure.
The student must pass a series of graduate courses totaling at least 24 units. The qualifying exam committee may require more than 24 units of graduate course work. Sixty units of registration, including CHEM 790 and CHEM 794a CHEM 794b CHEM 794c CHEM 794d CHEM 794z, are required for the PhD Registration for CHEM 790 and CHEM 794a CHEM 794b CHEM 794c CHEM 794d CHEM 794z should be done with the approval of the staff graduate adviser.
The screening requirements designated by the department for continuation in the doctoral program are: an overall grade point average of B or better in at least 24 units by the end of the fourth semester of course work with no grade lower than B-; and a successful research seminar presented by the student to the qualifying exam committee. Only students who have passed the screening requirements are allowed to take the qualifying examination.
The qualifying examination requires the presentation of two original research proposals, or one original research proposal and one critical review of a scientific article, written answers to questions previously submitted by the qualifying exam committee, and oral defense of all of these. The qualifying examination is administered by the qualifying exam committee, which should not be chaired by the research adviser.
An acceptable dissertation based on completion of an original research project is required. The candidate must defend an approved penultimate draft of the dissertation in an advertised oral thesis defense lecture, which is open to the scientific community. The dissertation committee consists of three members of the qualifying exam committee including the research adviser and the outside member.
The department has no foreign language requirement.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Taper Hall of Humanities 256
(213) 740-3676
FAX: (213) 740-7360
Email: classics@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/clas
Chair: William G. Thalmann, PhD
Professors: Anthony J. Boyle, MA; Vincent Farenga, PhD; Thomas N. Habinek, PhD*; Susan Lape, PhD; William G. Thalmann, PhD*
Associate Professors: Daniel Richter, PhD; Ann Marie Yasin, PhD
Assistant Professors: James Collins II, PhD; Christelle Fischer-Bovet, PhD
Professor of the Practice of Classics: Claudia Moatti, PhD
Associate Professor Emerita: Jane Cody, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award.
The curriculum of the Classics Department is designed to transmit a knowledge and an appreciation of the civilizations of the Greeks and the Romans — their languages and literatures, myths, philosophies and political thought — as well as to develop an understanding of the ways in which the classical heritage has manifested itself in later ages. Approximately one half of the department's classes are taught in English; these have to do with broad areas of civilization, including classical culture and literature. The remainder are courses in language and literature taught from the original Greek and Latin texts.
The undergraduate classics major gives the student an understanding of the cultures, languages and literatures of ancient Greece, Rome and the Mediterranean world.
Classics is a broadly interdisciplinary field. Most courses focus on ancient Greece and Rome, but students in the department also study the impact of classical cultures on later societies and the interactions among various ancient cultures. USC is a member of the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies and the College Year in Athens program, and classics majors are encouraged to spend a semester in Rome or Athens. The classics major is also encouraged to explore courses in allied fields such as ancient philosophy, history, comparative literature, art history and archaeology.
See Religion for a complete listing.
See the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies for course requirements.
Candidates for honors must maintain a 3.5 GPA in major courses, including a grade of A or A minus in the capstone course. In addition, candidates for honors in the Classical Languages and Literatures track must pass a sight translation exam in either Greek or Latin; candidates in the Classical Humanities and Ancient Civilizations track must pass a comprehensive exam set by the department.
Students interested in attending graduate school in classics are advised to take as many courses in Greek and/or Latin as possible.
The graduate program in classics at USC aims to train students to become scholars, teachers and interpreters of ancient Mediter ranean civilizations, of the Greek and Latin languages and literatures, and of the traditions that have developed from them. In order to prepare students to work in a variety of intellectual contexts, the department seeks to provide both a traditional substantive training in classical philology and the intellectual flexibility that will enable them to make the accomplishments of the past available to audiences of the present.
The department offers the PhD in Classics (Greek and Latin) and the MA in Greek, Latin and Classics. Collateral offerings are available in related departments, such as comparative literature, history, philosophy, art history, English and anthropology.
The graduate program offers mastery of traditional philological and linguistic skills as a basis for the study of ancient cultures, with emphasis on literature, other discursive practices and material culture. Students are encouraged to explore interdisciplinary approaches to classical studies and the relations between classics and other fields. Courses in related departments are recommended and degree requirements permit students to develop individual interests.
An applicant for admission will normally have an undergraduate major in classics, but programs may be arranged for promising students who do not. The student should have an undergraduate record satisfactory to the department. At least three letters of recommendation from the student's undergraduate teachers should be sent to the chair of the department. All applicants are required to take the verbal and quantitative general tests of the Graduate Record Examinations. See the department Website for detailed application instructions.
These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and The Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
The major in classics has three tracks, with distinct but overlapping emphases. In the Classical Languages and Literatures track, students acquire advanced reading knowledge of one or both classical languages (Greek and Latin) and study the literature of Greece and Rome in historical and cultural context. In the Classical Humanities track, students study Greek and Roman intellectual, literary and aesthetic achievements and their impact on later traditions, while also acquiring basic reading knowledge of one classical language. The Ancient Civilizations track emphasizes study of society, politics and history of Greece, Rome and other civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean world in comparative perspective.
All three tracks emphasize critical thinking as well as practice in written and oral presentation as hallmarks of a liberal arts education.
Requirements for tracks are as follows:
Students must take three courses in one language of their choosing and two in the other language.
*Or equivalent via placement
Four semesters of 300- or 400-level language courses in Greek or Latin
Additional upper-division requirements Units: 8
Two additional semesters of upper-division Greek, Latin, or Classics courses.
Capstone Units: 4
Analytical paper, oral presentation, sight reading exam in either Greek or Latin
CLAS 410a Research in Classical Studies Units: 2
CLAS 410b Research in Classical Studies Units: 2
Completion of at least one Greek or Latin course numbered 200 or above.
Minimum seven courses, of which at least four must be from Greek, Latin, or Classics; two from Greek, Latin or Classics or from the approved list of outside electives maintained by the major adviser; one capstone.
Capstone: (enroll in Classics CLAS 410a CLAS 410b)
Analytical or research paper; oral presentation; oral examination.
Minimum nine courses of which at least five must be upper-division courses in classics, Greek or Latin; three either upper-division courses in classics or from the approved list of outside electives maintained by the major adviser; and one capstone. One of the upper-division courses must include study of a classical civilization other than Greece and Rome.
Capstone: (enroll in Classics CLAS 410a CLAS 410b)
Research paper, oral presentation.
The interdisciplinary minor in Classical Perspectives provides immersion in foundational ideas, texts and histories of the Greco-Roman tradition that speak to more contemporary topics and areas of study. How did the Greeks and Romans view love and sexuality, justice and mercy, wisdom and honor, war and peace, glory and shame? What insights might classical perspectives provide insights into artistic and political choices, professional practices, ethical controversies and social issues in other ages; or, into the study of psychology, sex, gender and sexuality, international relations, race relations, cinema, the sciences, business, theatre or popular culture?
While housed in Classics, the minor is also connected to the USC Harman Academy for Polymathic Study. The minor includes a capstone experience for which students construct a preferred reading list in consultation with a faculty member and complete a writing or comparable creative project as part of CORE 200, Liberal Arts Reading Salon. The capstone will include opportunities for students to explore contemporary representations of the classics, on and off campus, to deepen their appreciation of the classical tradition in contemporary contexts.
The interdisciplinary 16-unit minor is meant to be easily adaptable to any student's program of study and allows students to double-count General Education and Thematic Option Honors courses. Students choose 16 units from the list below in consultation with a Classics faculty or staff advisor. No more than 8 units may be taken in any one USC Dornsife department or USC School.
Choose at least one course – 4 units
GE seminars on appropriate topics (consult an adviser)
4 Units
Choose at least one course – 4 units
The classics department minor requires one language course at the 100-level or above.
Second and third semester Latin or Greek courses:
Four upper-division courses (16 units) drawn from classics course offerings in classics, Latin or Greek
The department does not accept applicants for a Master of Arts degree in classics. The MA degree is intended only as a transitional degree in the process of completing requirements for the PhD in classics.
Work toward the MA consists of six 4-unit courses (24 units) and a thesis and oral defense, or the MA comprehensive examination. Two of the core seminars (i.e. CLAS 540, CLAS 550, CLAS 560, CLAS 570) are required and five of the six courses must be taken in the Department of Classics. Under the guidance of a faculty committee, the student elects those courses appropriate to individual areas of special interest and previous academic preparation.
Application deadline: January 1
All students must complete CLAS 540, CLAS 550, CLAS 560 and CLAS 570, plus at least five from CLAS 510, CLAS 515, CLAS 520, CLAS 525, CLAS 545, CLAS 555, CLAS 565, CLAS 575, as well as three electives to be decided on in consultation with the graduate adviser. This arrangement is designed to assure competency in core areas of classical studies while allowing for the development of individual research interests and, where appropriate, course work in related fields. In addition, all students are required to enroll in the 2-unit teaching practicum (MDA 593) concurrent with their first semester as a department teaching assistant.
Students are expected to complete written exams in the translation of Greek and Latin literature; in Greek and Roman history; and modern language competency exams. In addition, students take written and oral exams in major and minor fields and an oral exam on the dissertation prospectus. The field exams, prospectus, and exam on the prospectus together constitute the qualifying exam and are evaluated by a five-member committee. Students may not present themselves for the qualifying exam until all required courses and preliminary exams have been completed successfully.
Following the completion of the qualifying exam, the guidance committee will be reduced to three members, including one member from outside the department, who will guide and approve the dissertation.
All students make formal presentations on their research before a jury drawn from internal and external faculty twice during their graduate careers — once before taking the field exams and once while working on the dissertation.
Required course work, written and oral exams are to be completed by the end of the third year of enrollment in the program, with the dissertation to be submitted and defended by the end of the fifth year.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Taper Hall of Humanities 161
(213) 740-0102
FAX: (213) 740-8058
Email: complit@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/colt
Chair: Panivong Norindr, PhD
Marion Frances Chevalier Professor of French and Professor of French and Italian and Comparative Literature: Peggy Kamuf, PhD* (French and Italian)
Florence R. Scott Professor of English and Professor of English and Comparative Literature: Tania Modleski, PhD (English)
USC Associates Chair in Humanities and Professor of English and American Studies & Ethnicity: John Rowe, PhD (English)
Professors: Joseph Boone, PhD (English); Dominic C.N. Cheung, PhD (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Vincent Farenga, PhD* (Classics); Erin Graff Zivin, PhD (Spanish and Portuguese); Jack Halberstam, PhD (American Studies & Ethnicity); David E. James, PhD (Cinematic Arts); Akira Mizuta Lippit, PhD (Critical Studies); Margaret Rosenthal, PhD (Italian); Hilary M. Schor, PhD (English); David St. John, MFA (English); William G. Thalmann, PhD* (Classics); Daniel Tiffany, PhD (English); Alexander Zholkovsky, PhD (Slavic Languages and Literatures)
Associate Professors: Julian Albilla, PhD (Spanish and Portuguese); David Bialock, PhD (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Roberto Ignacio Díaz, PhD* (Spanish and Portuguese); Heather James, PhD (English); Janet Johnson, PhD (Music); Natania Meeker, PhD (French and Italian); Panivong Norindr, PhD (French and Italian); Antonia Szabari, PhD (French and Italian)
Assistant Professors: Neetu Khanna, PhD; Veli N. Yashin, PhD
Associate Professors (Teaching): Michael du Plessis, PhD; Jason Webb, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Gloria Orenstein, PhD; Albert Sonnenfeld, PhD* (French and Italian)
*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award.
The Comparative Literature Department offers the BA and minor in cross-linguistic and cross-cultural literary studies, including the study of various literary genres, periods and movements; literary theory; and interdisciplinary approaches to literature. The literatures and cultures represented in the department include: Western (European and American) and East Asian.
For MA and PhD programs, see the Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture Department.
The MA and PhD in comparative literature are offered through the Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture program, as described here.
Students may earn the BA in Comparative Literature by satisfying the requirements for either of two tracks.
The Literature/Media/Critical Thought Track allows students to focus their study in one of three concentrations while also taking courses in the other two. Together, these three con centrations represent the broad range of interests in the discipline: (1) literature considered comparatively and transnationally; (2) the media of other arts and modes of communication (photography, film, music, painting and digital media); (3) modes of critical thought that inform and shape theoretical reflection on the arts and society.
This track offers the opportunity to pursue a major that is broadly based in the liberal arts. Students on this track might consider extending their concentration with a double major or minor. For example, the literature concentration could be extended with a second major or minor in a national literature (French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, English, classics or an East Asian literature); the media concentration by another major or minor in cinematic arts, art history or communication; and the critical thought concentration by a second major or minor in philosophy, religion, history, sociology or anthropology.
The Foreign Language Track incorporates the study of at least one literature in a foreign language into the comparative perspective of the comparative literature major.
Students who intend to pursue a graduate degree in either comparative literature or a foreign literature are strongly advised to choose this track, as are students who already possess advanced skills in a language other than English. Majors in comparative literature with foreign language emphasis might consider a double major or a minor in a department of foreign language or in a non-literary field such as international relations or journalism.
The requirements for both tracks of the major accommodate very well semesters of study abroad. Students are helped and encouraged to plan their programs in advance to allow for that experience.
Students earn a BA in Comparative Literature and are required to complete at least 40 units (10 courses) as follows:
At least four additional COLT courses in one of the three concentrations.
At least four additional COLT courses. No more than two of the 10 courses required for the major may be at the 100 or 200 level.
Students earn a BA in Comparative Literature and are required to complete 40 units (10 courses) as follows:
At least five additional COLT courses, of which no more than two may be at the 100 or 200 level.
At least three upper-division courses in the literature or culture of one or more foreign languages (other than English), with all readings in that language.
Students who satisfy the following requirements of the honors program receive the BA in Comparative Literature with Honors. To be admissible to the honors program, an overall GPA of at least 3.0 and at least 3.5 in courses counted for major credit is required. The decision to enter the Honors Program should be made and discussed with the departmental undergraduate adviser at least one year (two semesters) before graduation.
To be awarded honors, majors in comparative literature on the literature/media/ critical thought track must complete 4 units of COLT 490x Directed Research and 4 units of COLT 495 Senior Honors Thesis. These courses replace two of the COLT courses required beyond the four-course concentration. Majors in comparative literature on the foreign language track must complete, in place of two of the five required COLT courses, an additional upper-division course in the literature or culture of a language other than English and COLT 495 Senior Honors Thesis.
The director of the senior honors thesis must be a member of the comparative literature faculty. The second reader may be any regular USC faculty. To qualify for the award of honors, the director and second reader must both approve the thesis.
Students can minor in one of three tracks: the literature/media/critical thought track, the foreign language track or the global cultures track.
Students are required to complete at least 24 units (six courses) as follows:
No more than one of the six courses required for the minor may be at the 100 or 200 level.
Students are required to complete at least 24 units (six courses) as follows:
Students are required to complete at least 24 units (six courses) as follows:
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Taper Hall of Humanities 161
(213) 740-0102
FAX: (213) 740-8058
Email: cslc@dornsife.usc.edu
Director: Peggy Kamuf, PhD
The Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture Department offers the MA and PhD in three tracks: Comparative Media and Culture; Comparative Literature; and National Literatures and Cultures (French and Francophone Studies or Spanish and Latin American Studies).
Application deadline: December 1
Through the comparative studies in literature and culture doctoral program (CSLC), students pursue master's and doctoral degrees in one of three tracks: comparative media and culture; comparative literature; national literatures and cultures (French and Francophone Studies or Spanish and Latin American Studies). The three tracks share a required core curriculum.
Applications are made to CSLC for the PhD in one of the three tracks.
Successful applicants will have: a BA in a relevant discipline; satisfactory scores in both the verbal and quantitative general test of the Graduate Record Examinations; satisfactory grades on undergraduate or previous MA course work and, if appropriate, a satisfactory score on the TOEFL or IELTS examination; and advanced competence in relevant languages. Applications must also include a written statement indicating the applicant's interests in the field and proposed areas of study; a sample of scholarly or critical writing on a relevant subject; and three letters of recommendation.
Although candidates are not admitted who wish to pursue solely the MA, the degree may be awarded either as a terminal degree or as a transitional degree in the course of PhD study.
These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and The Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. To be applied toward the degrees, courses must be accepted by the Graduate School.
Students may transfer up to 4 units toward the MA and 30 units toward the PhD
For specific degree requirements in each track, see below.
This credential provides certification in the theory and practice of second or foreign language teaching for student language teachers concurrently enrolled in graduate degree programs in foreign languages or related graduate programs at USC; for graduates of such programs who are teaching languages; for external candidates concurrently enrolled in similar programs at accredited colleges or universities; or for graduates of such programs who are teaching languages. The certificate is meant to supplement graduate study in the literature or linguistics of foreign languages. It is also meant to supplement classroom teaching. Refer to the Department of Spanish and Portuguese for course work requirements.
The primary goal of graduate study in the comparative literature track is to prepare students to engage in original research and teaching after acquiring: a broadly based knowledge of literature's formal or generic development extending across linguistic boundaries; an understanding of literature's historical development within a number of specific cultural or ideological contexts; and a knowledge of the principles of literary criticism and theory essential to the analysis, interpretation and evaluation of individual works. The core of the discipline of comparative literature is advanced competence in several languages allowing research in their literary traditions.
Completion of at least eight courses (29–32 units) distributed as follows: CSLC 501, CSLC 502 and CSLC 503; three courses in a first literary tradition; two courses in a second literary tradition. No more than one of these eight courses may be in directed research (590).
The program conducts a thorough review of all first-year students at the end of the second semester. To be permitted to continue doctoral work, students must receive a satisfactory evaluation in this review.
A written exam based on a reading list must be successfully passed by all students in the track. It is normally taken at the end of the semester in which MA course work is completed.
The primary goal of the track in comparative media and culture is to prepare students to engage in original research and teaching after acquiring: a broadly based knowledge of the formal specificity and possibilities of different print, visual, sound and digital media; an understanding of the development of different media within their specific cultural and linguistic contexts; and a knowledge of the principles of criticism and theory essential to the analysis, interpretation and evaluation of individual works.
Completion of at least eight courses (29–32 units) distributed as follows: CSLC 501, CSLC 502and CSLC 503; one course in a non-Anglophone literary or cultural tradition (CLAS, EALC, FREN, SLL or SPAN); four additional courses in fields relating to the student's program, of which at least two are in CSLC. No more than one of these eight courses may be in directed research (CSLC 590).
The program conducts a thorough review of all first-year students at the end of the second semester. To be permitted to continue doctoral work, students must receive a satisfactory evaluation in this review.
A written exam based on a reading list must be successfully passed by all students in the track. It is normally taken at the end of the semester in which MA course work is completed.
The majority of students pursue the doctorate in Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture (French and Francophone Studies) in preparation for a career of teaching and research at the college or university level in the field of French and Francophone literature and cultural studies. Students preparing for these careers must obtain a broad knowledge of major French and Francophone literary texts and traditions from the Middle Ages to the present, which is achieved through a combination of course work and exams. They should also develop the intellectual depth that allows them to produce an original dissertation in a timely manner.
Completion of at least 8 courses (29–32 units) distributed as follows: (1) CSLC 501, CSLC 502 and CSLC 503; two core courses, FREN 501 and FREN 503; (3) three additional courses in French or, with permission, in a related field. No more than two of the eight courses may be at the 400 level and no more than one course may be in directed research (590).
The program conducts a thorough review of all first-year students at the end of the second semester. To be permitted to continue doctoral work, students must receive a satisfactory evaluation in this review.
The exam consists of the oral defense of a paper developed in consultation with a faculty adviser. It is normally taken at the end of the semester in which MA course work is completed.
The Spanish and Latin American Studies track in Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture provides an optimal academic environment for students interested in advanced studies and research in Spanish and Latin American literature and culture studies. Students pursue a course of study designed to develop a broad knowledge of the subject matter within the framework of comparative studies as well as current developments in the field and are encouraged to devise individualized programs of specialization in keeping with the highest standards of scholarship.
Students are required to complete at least eight courses (32 units), distributed as follows: CSLC 501, CSLC 502 and CSLC 503; SPAN 501; four additional Spanish courses or, with permission, courses in a related field. Students specializing in the medieval and early modern periods are encouraged to take a course in the history of the Spanish language. No more than one of the eight courses may be in directed research (590).
The program conducts a thorough review of all first-year students at the end of the second semester. Students must receive a satisfactory evaluation to be permitted to continue to doctoral work.
Reading knowledge of a language other than Spanish and English must be demonstrated either by successfully completing a course at the 400-level or above taught in that language or by passing a reading examination in the language. Students confer with the graduate adviser to decide which option is most appropriate.
A written exam based on a reading list must be successfully passed by all students in the track. It is normally taken at the end of the semester in which MA course work is completed.
The primary goal of graduate study in the comparative literature track is to prepare students to engage in original research and teaching after acquiring: a broadly based knowledge of literature's formal or generic development extending across linguistic boundaries; an understanding of literature's historical development within a number of specific cultural or ideological contexts; and a knowledge of the principles of literary criticism and theory essential to the analysis, interpretation and evaluation of individual works. The core of the discipline of comparative literature is advanced competence in several languages allowing research in their literary traditions.
In addition to the MA course requirements listed above, six additional 4-unit courses are required, distributed as follows: COLT 602 and two other courses in CSLC, COLT or comparative fields relating to the student's program; two additional courses in the first literary tradition; one course in a third literary tradition. Students will also complete the professional development sequence, CSLC 600 and CSLC 700, which are 2-unit courses and offered only as credit/no credit. No more than two of the total required courses may be in directed research (590 or 790).
See the requirement in the MA section.
Students must successfully complete at least three advanced courses (400-level or higher) in the original languages of two literary traditions other than Anglophone (two courses in one language and one in the other). Students will also complete a literary analysis exercise in their strongest non-native language outside their major literary tradition. This exercise is normally done in conjunction with the field examination.
A 30–40 page paper with bibliography in a comparative field related but not central to the major literary tradition in which the student plans to write his or her dissertation is required.
To be admitted to candidacy for the PhD, students must pass this examination after all course work has been completed.
An oral defense of the dissertation must be satisfactorily completed before the dissertation can be filed with the Graduate School.
The degree of PhD in Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture (Comparative Literature) is conferred when all of the degree requirements have been completed satisfactorily.
The primary goal of the track in comparative media and culture is to prepare students to engage in original research and teaching after acquiring: a broadly based knowledge of the formal specificity and possibilities of different print, visual, sound and digital media; an understanding of the development of different media within their specific cultural and linguistic contexts; and a knowledge of the principles of criticism and theory essential to the analysis, interpretation and evaluation of individual works.
In addition to the MA course requirements listed above, six additional 4-unit courses are required, distributed as follows: one of the following: COLT 602, CSLC 601 or CSLC 603; two courses in non-Anglophone literary or cultural traditions; three additional courses in CSLC or in fields related to the study of media and culture. Students will also complete the professional development sequence, CSLC 600 and CSLC 700, which are 2-unit courses and offered only as credit/no credit. No more than two of the total required courses may be in directed research (590 or 790).
Students must successfully complete at least three advanced courses (400-level or higher) in the original language of a tradition other than Anglophone.
See the requirement in the MA section.
To be admitted to candidacy for the PhD, students must pass this examination after all course work has been completed.
An oral defense of the dissertation must be satisfactorily completed before the dissertation can be filed with the Graduate School.
The degree of PhD in Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture (Comparative Media and Culture) is conferred when all of the degree requirements have been completed satisfactorily.
The majority of students pursue the doctorate in Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture (French and Francophone Studies) in preparation for a career of teaching and research at the college or university level in the field of French and Francophone literature and cultural studies. Students preparing for these careers must obtain a broad knowledge of major French and Francophone literary texts and traditions from the Middle Ages to the present, which is achieved through a combination of course work and exams. They should also develop the intellectual depth that allows them to produce an original dissertation in a timely manner.
In addition to the MA course requirements listed above, at least six additional 4-unit courses are required distributed as follows: (1) CSLC 603, and one additional course from the CSLC advanced seminar sequence (CSLC 601 or COLT 602); (2) four additional courses in French or, with permission, in a related field. Students will also complete the professional development sequence, CSLC 600 and CSLC 700, which are 2-unit courses and offered only as credit/no credit. No more than two of the total required courses may be in directed research (590 or 790).
The language requirement may be fulfilled either by successfully completing a course at the 400-level or above taught in a language other than French or English or by passing a reading examination in the relevant language. Students confer with the graduate adviser to decide which option is most appropriate. This requirement must be fulfilled at least 60 days before the qualifying examination.
An oral exam based on a reading list must be successfully passed by all students in the track.
To be admitted to candidacy for the PhD, students must pass this examination after all course work has been completed.
An oral defense of the dissertation must be satisfactorily completed before the dissertation can be filed with the Graduate School.
The degree of PhD in Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture (French and Francophone Studies) is conferred when all of the degree requirements have been completed satisfactorily.
The Spanish and Latin American Studies track in Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture provides an optimal academic environment for students interested in advanced studies and research in Spanish and Latin American literature and culture studies. Students pursue a course of study designed to develop a broad knowledge of the subject matter within the framework of comparative studies as well as current developments in the field and are encouraged to devise individualized programs of specialization in keeping with the highest standards of scholarship.
In addition to the MA course requirements listed above, six additional 4-unit courses are required distributed as follows: one of the following: COLT 602, CSLC 601 or CSLC 603; five additional courses in Spanish or, with permission, courses in a related field. Students will also complete the professional development sequence, CSLC 600 and CSLC 700, which are 2-unit courses and offered only as credit/no credit. No more than two of the total required courses may be in directed research (590 or 790).
Reading knowledge of two languages in addition to Spanish and English must be demonstrated either by successfully completing a course at the 400-level or above taught in the languages or by passing a reading examination in the languages. Students confer with the graduate adviser to decide which option is most appropriate. This requirement must be fulfilled at least 60 days before the qualifying examination.
To be admitted to candidacy for the PhD, students must pass this examination after all course work has been completed.
An oral defense of the dissertation must be satisfactorily completed before the dissertation can be filed with the Graduate School.
The degree of PhD in Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture (Spanish and Latin American Studies) is conferred when all of the degree requirements have been completed satisfactorily.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Zumberge Hall of Science 117
(213) 740-6106
FAX: (213) 740-8801
Email: earthsci@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/earth
Chair: William M. Berelson, PhD
University Professor and W.M. Keck Foundation Chair in Geological Sciences and Professor of Earth Sciences: Thomas H. Jordan, PhD
Wrigley Chair in Environmental Studies and Professor of Earth Sciences and Biological Sciences: Kenneth H. Nealson, PhD
Wilford and Daris Zinsmeyer Early Career Chair in Marine Studies and Assistant Professor of Earth Sciences: A. Joshua West, PhD
Gabilan Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences and Earth Sciences: Naomi Levine, PhD (Biological Sciences)
Professors: Jan Amend, PhD; Thorsten Becker, PhD; Yehuda Ben-Zion, PhD; William M. Berelson, PhD; David J. Bottjer, PhD*; Frank A. Corsetti, PhD; James F. Dolan, PhD*; Douglas E. Hammond, PhD*; Terence G. Langdon, PhD, DSc (Materials Science); Steven P. Lund, PhD*; James Moffett, PhD (Biological Sciences); Scott R. Paterson, PhD; John P. Platt, PhD*; Charles G. Sammis, PhD*; Sergio Sanudo-Wilhemy, PhD (Biological Sciences); Lowell D. Stott, PhD
Associate Professors: Sarah J. Feakins, PhD; Meghan Miller, PhD
Assistant Professor: Julien Emile-Geay, PhD
Professor (Research): Donald Paul, PhD (Engineering)
Associate Professors (Research): Seth John, PhD; Yong-Gang Li, PhD; David A. Okaya, PhD
Assistant Professor (Research): Douglas LaRowe, PhD
Adjunct Professors: Luis Chiappe, PhD; Anthony Kampf, PhD; Xiaoming Wang, PhD; Francis Wu, PhD
Adjunct Associate Professor (Research): Luis Chiappe, PhD; Ellen Platzman, PhD
Adjunct Assistant Professors (Research): Andrea Donnellan, PhD; Boris Kaus, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Robert G. Douglas, PhD; Alfred G. Fischer, PhD; Donn S. Gorsline, PhD; Thomas L. Henyey, PhD; Teh-Lung Ku, PhD; Bernard W. Pipkin, PhD*; Ta-liang Teng, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award.
The Department of Earth Sciences includes a spectrum of disciplines focused on understanding the processes that influence the tectonics and environment of the planet, on using this understanding to read the record of earth history written in rocks and sediments, and on developing models that can be used to predict future changes due to natural phenomena and recent perturbations caused by humans. Issues of societal concern related to seismic risk, climate change, environmental contamination and other geologic hazards play an important role. Subdisciplines housed in the department include geophysics, geochemistry, geobiology, structural geology, petrology, marine geology, sedimentology, physical and chemical oceanography, climate science, paleoceanography and paleontology.
The department is committed to emphasizing both educational and research programs and views these efforts as complementary. Instruction is offered on several levels. These include introductory classes for non-science majors, undergraduate courses that are appropriate for undergraduates majoring in earth sciences or other science and engineering disciplines, and graduate classes appropriate for advanced degrees. A close working relationship exists between students and faculty members. Classes beyond the introductory level are usually small, permitting personalized instruction. Field trips are an important part of the instructional program. Two research centers are affiliated with the department: the Southern California Earthquake Center and the Wrigley Institute of Environmental Studies. The graduate program is closely linked with these research efforts, and both graduate and undergraduate students participate in research projects. Collaboration in both research and teaching has led to ties with other programs, including the Department of Biological Sciences, the graduate program in Ocean Sciences and several departments in the USC Viterbi School of Engineering.
For students interested in pursuing careers in the earth and environmental sciences, the department offers BA, BS, MS and PhD degrees. In addition, students may follow the concentration in climate, earth and environment offered by the Environmental Studies Program. Many graduates now hold positions in industry as environmental consultants or petroleum geologists, in government as managers or researchers, and in academia as faculty and researchers. The BA degree is recommended for students interested in the earth sciences but who intend to pursue careers in other fields, such as business, law or education.
Two minors are available. The geohazards minor is recommended for those who wish to broaden their background in natural hazards, global change or environmental problems. It is accessible to both non-science and science majors. The geobiology minor is recommended for those interested in interdisciplinary work in earth and biological sciences.
The Los Angeles and Southern California areas have a diverse geology, enabling students to gain broad, firsthand knowledge of geological processes. The department conducts field trips to study Southern California geology, and has access to oceanographic vessels for marine research. Many state-of-the-art laboratory instruments are available for use in research and instruction.
Proof of health insurance is mandatory when participation in field trips is required for credit in any earth sciences class.
The Department of Earth Sciences has one honor society: the Omega Chapter of Sigma Gamma Epsilon, the national honorary earth sciences fraternity. "Sig Gam" is an undergraduate organization which sponsors undergraduate activities within the department.
The department offers an honors program for students pursuing either a BS or a BA in Earth Sciences. Students wishing to participate in this program must complete GEOL 494 x Senior Thesis. Honors will be awarded upon successful completion of the thesis and attainment of an overall GPA of 3.0 and a GPA of 3.5 in courses in the major.
A grade of C or higher is required in each course in the earth sciences courses used to complete the department or physical sciences major.
This program permits exceptional students to receive both a BS and MS in geological sciences in not more than 10 semesters. It is intended for students with extraordinary geological sciences preparation and performance who demonstrate a superior level of overall scholarship, including a GPA of 3.5 or better. Students may apply on completion of 64 units of course work but not later than the end of the junior year (or the completion of 96 units). The application for admission to a progressive degree program must be accompanied by an approved course plan proposal and letters of recommendation from two USC faculty members in the Department of Earth Sciences. The requirements for both the BS and MS degrees must be satisfied. Further details about progressive degree programs can be found here.
The department prepares professional earth scientists for careers in academia, government and industry. A wide range of specializations is offered in the department including sedimentary geology, paleo biology, paleo-climatology, paleoecology, micro paleon tology, paleoceanography, geochemistry, geobiology, geophys ics, geodesy, seismology, engineering geology and properties of earth materials, igneous and metamorphic petrology, structural geology and tectonics, and interdisciplinary options. Degrees in ocean sciences (through the Graduate Program in Ocean Sciences) are available.
An applicant for admission should have the equivalent of the courses in earth sciences, chemistry, mathematics, and physics required for the BS degree in geological sciences. Applicants with an undergraduate degree in science or engineering who lack required earth sciences courses will also be given consideration.
The Department of Earth Sciences requires the following evidence for admission to its doctoral program: strong undergraduate background and a superior academic record as documented by GPAs in undergraduate and any completed graduate work, Graduate Record Examinations scores no more than five years old in the verbal and quantitative General Test, and at least three letters of recommendation from undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate advisers and professors. The number of students accepted in any one year depends on available space in the department and acceptance for advisement by one or more professors.
Funding is offered for MS degrees only when completed en route to the pursuit of a PhD degree.
The online USC graduate admissions application will refer applicants to a required supplemental departmental application. The department admits students for both the fall and spring semesters; however, applicants for assistantships and fellowships are encouraged to apply for the fall semester.
These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and The Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
Interdisciplinary programs can be arranged for students also interested in astronomy, bioscience, chemistry, engineering, oceanography and physics. The Department of Earth Sciences maintains laboratories for micro-paleontologic, paleobiologic, mineralogic, petrologic, geophysical, geochemical and oceanographic research, and collections are available for comparative work in invertebrate paleontology. Students interested in systematic studies will find a wealth of material, available for comparative purposes, in the adjacent Los Angeles County Museum. Facilities for research in sedimentation, oceanography, and marine geology are pro vided in the department and by the university's research fleet.
Any GEOL 100- or 200-level course (4 units):
28 additional units must be selected from MATH 225, MATH 226, or any upper-division course listed or cross-listed as GEOL (28 units):
(4 units):
Any GEOL 1oo- or 200-level course (4 units):
28 additional units must be selected from MATH 225, MATH 226 or any upper-division course listed or cross-listed as GEOL.*
*Up to two upper-division courses from other science departments may be substituted for any two in this group, on approval of the departmental undergraduate adviser.
*Upper-division courses must be applicable to majors in their respective departments.
This minor is intended to provide background for students who plan careers in business with companies who recognize the necessity to respond to environmental change as scientists understand it. Students who complete the minor will gain insight that will facilitate discussions with both scientists in the field and professionals in the public, private and non-profit sectors.
or
or
Choose one course from the following three (4 units):
Choose two courses among the following (8 units):
Choose one course among the following (4 units):
Minor requires 28 units, including 16 upper division units that are unique to the minor.
* Prequisite: MATH 125
** Co-requisites: MATH 126 and CHEM 105b
*** Prerequisites: BISC 120Lg or BISC 121Lg and CHEM 105b or CHEM 115bL
*** Prerequisite: MATH 125
***** Prerequisite: ECON 303
The minor in geobiology is designed to allow students majoring in biology to incorporate interdisciplinary courses in earth sciences into their program or to allow students majoring in geology to incorporate interdisciplinary courses in biology into their program. This field represents the intersection of what have been traditional disciplines and is valuable for understanding evolution, environmental contaminant behavior and ocean sciences. Students with majors offered by biological or earth or geological sciences will be able to complete this minor with 16 to 24 units of course work beyond their major requirements. Other students may need to complete up to 48 units of course work beyond their major requirements. For example, students majoring in biological sciences might take an introductory GEOL course; GEOL 315L; GEOL 433L or BISC 483; and two additional upper-division elective courses from the list below. Students majoring in earth or geological sciences must take BISC 120Lg and BISC 220Lg; GEOL 433L or BISC 483; and three additional elective courses. Courses selected must include at least 16 units unique to the minor and at least 16 units in a department outside the major.
*Indicates BISC course that is also cross-listed under GEOL
**Must carry credit for a biology major
The geohazards minor allows students who are not geology majors to pursue a course of study that will lead to greater understanding of geohazards such as climate change, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, environmental contamination and availability of natural resources. These issues are examined in a number of upper-division geology courses, and each student can select from the list below depending on the particular area of interest and whether previous course work has been completed to meet prerequisites for some of the choices. The minor requires an introductory class, an upper-division course in either formation of minerals or geosystem behavior and three elective courses from the list below. The minimum number of units to complete the minor is 24, including the introductory course CHEM 105aLg (a corequisite for GEOL 315L) or MATH 125 (prerequisite for GEOL 450L) and three of the group: BISC 427, GEOL 305L, GEOL 315L, GEOL 316L, GEOL 320L, GEOL 321L, GEOL 433L and GEOL 450L. The remaining courses listed have additional prerequisites.
There is no language or research tool requirement for the master's degree.
The MS degree in geological sciences requires 24 units of course work plus at least four thesis units. These restrictions apply: at least 16 units must be 500 level or higher; no more than eight units can be 590 Directed Research; and a maximum of four units, with superior grades, can be transferred from an accredited graduate school. Students are required to have an overall GPA of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0) in all graduate work. Students are also required to attend a series of departmental seminars.
Students should arrange for the appointment of a thesis adviser and committee after the first semester, or, at the latest, after the first year of graduate work. The thesis committee should consist of the adviser plus two other faculty members, all of whom are generally selected from the department faculty. Once the committee is arranged, the student may make formal application to the Graduate School for the MS degree.
Application deadline: January 1
For students who have earned a master's degree, the minimum number of course credits required for the PhD is 40 units. No more than four of these units may be earned in 794 Doctoral Dissertation. For students who have not earned a master's degree, the minimum number of course credits required is 60 units, including a maximum of eight units of 794 Doctoral Dissertation. The qualifying exam committee may require additional course work to insure a sufficient background in the student's area of specialization. At least two-thirds of the number of units presented for the degree must be 500 level or higher. Although the official minimum GPA for all graduate work attempted at USC is 3.0, the department does not consider a doctoral candidate in good standing unless the graduate GPA is considerably higher than the minimum (approximately 3.25 or above in graduate courses taken within the department).
Students in the PhD program must pass the screening procedure before their 25th unit of graduate credit. Screening consists of a review of the student's progress and is usually done by the chair following a written recommendation by the student's adviser(s).
The doctoral qualifying exam committee is formed after the student has passed the screening procedure. The committee is appointed by the department with the advice of the student's research adviser. The five-member committee consists of the adviser, a minimum of three other members from the Department of Earth Sciences, and one from outside the department. The committee consults with the student, recommends an appropriate program of study and administers the written and oral qualifying examinations.
This examination consists of two parts, one written and the other oral. The written exam, which precedes the oral, includes questions submitted by committee members on current geological problems and theory. The oral portion of the exam consists of the defense of two propositions written by the candidate prior to the oral exam. In addition, general questions are posed to test the student's breadth of scientific and earth science background. The student's performance is evaluated by the qualifying exam committee, with a pass based on not more than one negative vote or abstention. Those who intend to take the exam must meet all the conditions specified in the section on general requirements for the PhD
When the candidate has passed the qualifying examination, a dissertation committee replaces the qualifying exam committee. The latter is appointed by the adviser and qualifying exam committee in conjunction with the student. The dissertation committee administers the final defense of the dissertation.
The defense takes place after the dissertation is substantially complete, and upon unanimous approval by the dissertation committee. It is conducted in the form of an open departmental seminar, but is evaluated by the dissertation committee alone.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
College House 101
(213) 740-2991
FAX: (213) 740-8409
Email: easc@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/easc
Director: Brett Sheehan, PhD
Professors: Jonathan Aronson (Communication and International Relations); Dominic Cheung (East Asian Languages and Cultures, Comparative Literature); Iris Chi (Social Work, Gerontology); Eugene Cooper (Anthropology); Robert Dekle (Economics); JoAnn Marie Farver (Psychology); Eric Heikkila (Public Policy); Velina Hasu Houston (Dramatic Arts); David James (Cinematic Arts); Douglas Joines (Finance and Business Economics); David Kang (International Relations, Business); Namkil Kim (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Dorinne Kondo (Anthropology, American Studies and Ethnicity); Audrey Li (East Asian Languages and Cultures, Linguistics); Thomas W. Lin (Accounting); Akira Mizuta Lippit (Cinematic Arts, East Asian Languages and Cultures, Comparative Literature); Roger Moon (Economics); Jeffrey B. Nugent (Economics, Business); C.W. Park (Business); Rhacel Parreñas (Sociology, Gender Studies); Joan Piggott (History); Nandini Rajagopalan (Management and Organization); Harry Richardson (Public Policy); Stanley Rosen (Political Science); Ellen Seiter (Cinematic Arts); Brett Sheehan (History); Jean Shih (Cell and Neurobiology, Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology); Andrew Simpson (Linguistics, East Asian Languages and Cultures); James Steele (Architecture); John Strauss (Economics); Guofu Tan (Economics); Shui Yan Tang (Public Policy)
Associate Professors: David Bialock (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Bettine Birge (East Asian Languages and Cultures, History); Harrison Cheng (Economics); Meiling Cheng (Dramatic Arts, Critical Studies, English); Joshua Goldstein (History); Yasushi Hamao (Finance and Business Economics); George A. Hayden (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Hajime Hoji (Linguistics, East Asian Languages and Cultures); Mingyi Hung (Accounting); Kyung Moon Hwang (History); Jacques Hymans (International Relations); Saori Katada (International Relations); Annette Kim (Public Policy); Lon Kurashige (History, American Studies and Ethnicity); Kwanmin Lee (Communication); Sonya Lee (Art History, East Asian Languages and Cultures); Daniel Lynch (International Relations); Lori Meeks (East Asian Languages and Cultures, Religion); Sunyoung Park (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Lawrence Pryor (Public Relations); Gary Seaman (Anthropology); Jay Wang (Communication); Shiing-Wu Wang (Accounting); Duncan Williams (Religion); Carol Wise (International Relations)
Assistant Professors: Brian Bernards (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Youngmin Choe (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Robeson Taj Frazier (Communication); Clinton Godart (History, Religion, East Asian Languages and Cultures); Yu Hong (Communication); Lian Jian (Communication); Rongdao Lai (Religion); Satoko Shimazaki (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Yanhui Wu (Finance and Business Economics); Aimei Yang (Journalism)
Adjunct, Clinical, Research, Teaching and Visiting Faculty: John Chang (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Baizhu Chen (Finance and Business Economics); Helen Chung (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Ruth Gim Chung (Education); Xianxian Fang (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Nansong Huang (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Mayumi Ikeda (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Maki Irie (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Hee Ju (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Yuka Kumagai (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Jehoon Lee (Social Work); Seung-Ah Lee (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Steven Lee (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Hsiao-Yun Liao (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Yi-Hsien Liu (East Asian Languages and Culture); Christopher Magriney (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Yumi Matsumoto (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Miya Mizuta Lippit (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Takako Tajima (Architecture); Masako Tamanaha (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Tin-yu Tseng (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Juliana Wang (Environmental Studies); Jason Webb (Comparative Literature); Geoffrey Wiseman (International Relations and Public Diplomacy); Yan Xiao (Engineering); Ping Yang (East Asian Languages and Cultures)
Librarians: Joy Kim (Korean Heritage Library); Kenneth Klein (East Asian Library); Sun-Yoon Lee (Korean Studies); Lillian Yang (Chinese)
Emeritus Professors: Gordon Berger (History); Peter A. Berton (International Relations); Philip B.H. Birnbaum-More (Business Management and Organization); Roger Dingman (History); Murray Fromson (Journalism); Charlotte Furth (History); William Rideout (Education); Otto Schnepp (Chemistry); John E. Wills Jr. (History)
The East Asian Studies Center provides interdisciplinary studies of China, Japan and Korea. It offers an undergraduate major in East Asian Area Studies, minors in East Asian Area Studies and Korean Studies, the Master of Arts in East Asian Area Studies and the Master of Arts/Master of Business Administration. Its faculty are professors from departments throughout the college and several professional schools who teach and engage in research on East Asia. The center's interdisciplinary approach allows students to acquire broad exposure to many ways of learning about the region.
The East Asian Studies Center promotes and coordinates teaching, research and development of academic programs concerning East Asia, regardless of discipline or school, on a university-wide basis. Visiting scholars may also be named from among persons outside the university who wish to do research at USC and contribute to the goals of the center.
The center also promotes and coordinates academic exchange with other institutions with which USC maintains cooperative relations in the United States and abroad. The center serves, for example, as the consortium partner with UCLA's Asia Institute to form the UCLA-USC Joint East Asian Studies Center, a Title VI National Resource Center. Graduate students with special interests in East Asia may take courses at UCLA through USC and may also work, where appropriate, with certain UCLA faculty. UCLA graduate students may similarly take courses at USC and work with USC faculty, for credit at UCLA in East Asian studies. The center facilitates cooperation and provides graduate fellowships to students at both institutions.
Requirements for the lower division are: EALC 110 and EASC 150 or the equivalent; a minimum of four courses in one East Asian language (or the proficiency equivalent); and seven upper-division courses approved for the major in addition to the language courses used to meet the requirements. One lower-division course other than EALC 110 and EASC 150 may be substituted for one of the seven upper-division courses. Upper-division courses must include those from at least three departments, one of which must be History. At least one course must be taken on two of the following: China, Japan or Korea.
The minor in East Asian Area Studies gives students the opportunity to supplement more narrowly defined departmental majors with a multidisciplinary focus on an area of increasingly great importance to our nation in general and our region in particular. There is no language requirement.
Twenty-four units are required from among the more than 120 courses offered on East Asia at the university. Students are required to take EALC 110 and EASC 150; and at least four upper-division four-unit courses (16 units). At least one of these courses must be from the History Department and one from the humanities area. At least one course must be taken on two of the following: China, Japan or Korea.
The minor in Korean studies offers an interdisciplinary approach to studying a dynamic and crucial region. Drawing on courses from departments across the social sciences, humanities and professional schools, the minor challenges and stimulates students who wish to learn about the political, economic, social and cultural changes of the area.
Twenty units (five courses) are required. All students must take EASC 150gp East Asian Societies or HIST 105g The Korean Past as a gateway course, as well as four upper-division four-unit courses from the list below. There is no language requirement for the minor.
*Prerequisite: EALC 217
**For these repeatable courses, only classes with Korean-based foci will count.
The East Asian Studies Center offers an interdisciplinary master's degree in East Asian Area Studies. The program provides a wide range of language, cultural, social, historical, political and economic courses and faculty expertise; individual courses of study may be designed to meet both continuing academic and professional objectives. Students may concentrate primarily on one country (China, Japan, Korea) or develop region-wide expertise through a combination of course work and the thesis project.
While an applicant for admission will normally have significant experience in East Asian language(s) and area studies as demonstrated through course work completed for the undergraduate degree, programs may be arranged for promising students without prior experience in East Asian studies. There is no formal language requirement for admission.
Please refer to the EASC website for a detailed explanation of application requirements: dornsife.usc.edu/eascenter/masters.
This degree is under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and the Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degree must be courses acceptable to the Graduate School.
Students must be able to demonstrate oral and written proficiency in Chinese, Korean or Japanese through the third year level (equivalent to six semesters) before the MA program is completed.
Six courses (24 units), four of which must be at the 500 level or above, plus the thesis (4 units) are required. All students must complete: (1) EASC 592; (2) EALC 531, EALC 532 or EALC 533; and (3) one other course from a Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences department. The three additional courses (12 units) may be taken from college departments or professional schools. All courses must be approved by the center director or adviser. A maximum of two courses at the 400 level may be counted toward the degree. All students must register for EASC 594a Master's Thesis EASC 594b Master's Thesis for the thesis project.
Graduate students interested in East Asian Area Studies must be enrolled in an advanced degree program in the Graduate School or in a professional school at the university. While preparing for an MA, PhD or other graduate degree, they may earn a certificate in East Asian Studies, which certifies special area competence beyond discipline requirements. The certificate requirements provide the student with two options. The first requires that the student write a thesis and take four graduate-credit courses in East Asian studies in any department. An oral examination is given on the thesis. The second option does not require a thesis. The student instead takes six graduate-credit courses in the East Asian area and takes an oral examination on three research papers and on relevant graduate work. As a part of both options some basic East Asian history and at least two years of study or the equivalent of an East Asian language are required. The student makes the basic decisions on the program to be followed in consultation with a three-member interdisciplinary committee approved by the Director of the East Asian Studies Center.
For further information, interested students may write to: Director, East Asian Studies Center, College House 101, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0127.
The Marshall School of Business in conjunction with the East Asian Studies Center offers a joint MA/MBA degree that combines graduate business education with training in the cultures and societies of East Asia. Students enrolled in the joint degree program are required to complete a minimum of 72 units. All students must complete 48 units in the Marshall School of Business. Dual degree students may not count courses taken outside the Marshall School of Business toward the 48 units. In East Asian Area Studies, students have the option of taking five courses and writing a thesis (for a total of 24 units) or taking six courses and passing a comprehensive examination (for a total of 24 units).
Applicants for the joint MA/MBA are required to follow the admission procedures for the full-time MBA program. GRE scores are not required for admission into the joint program.
Required MBA courses: all required courses in an MBA program.
Cultural/Historical Foundations of East Asia
During the second and third years of the program students must complete enough graduate units to bring the total number of units completed in the Marshall School of Business to 48, complete 12 units of East Asian Area Studies elective courses (three courses), and complete a four-unit thesis under the guidance of a faculty committee of three members. The subject will concern East Asia and may focus on business/finance.
During the second and third years of the program students must complete enough graduate units to bring the total number of units completed in the Marshall School of Business to 48, complete 16 units of East Asian Area Studies elective courses (four courses) and must pass a comprehensive examination in East Asian Area Studies.
Students must be able to demonstrate oral and written proficiency in Chinese, Japanese or Korean language through the third year level (equivalent to six semesters) before the joint MA/MBA program is completed. Language course work taken to meet this requirement will not count toward the minimum unit or course requirements for completion of the degree program. Therefore, students without sufficient under graduate language course work, native speaker capability or other prior training, are advised that additional units and course work beyond the minimum 72 units may be required in order to satisfy the foreign language requirement. USC offers beginning, intermediate and advanced Chinese, Japanese and Korean language courses during the academic year (fall/spring).
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Taper Hall of Humanities 356
(213) 740-3707
FAX: (213) 740-9295
Email: alc@dornsife.usc.edu
usc.edu/schools/college/ealc
Chair: Audrey Li, PhD
Gordon L. MacDonald Chair in History and Professor of History and East Asian Languages and Cultures: Joan Piggott, PhD
Professors: Dominic C.N. Cheung, PhD; Namkil Kim, PhD; Audrey Li, PhD; Akira Mizuta Lippit, PhD (Critical Studies); Andrew Simpson, PhD (Linguistics)
Associate Professors: David T. Bialock, PhD; Bettine Birge, PhD; Joshua Goldstein, PhD (History); George A. Hayden, PhD; Hajime Hoji, PhD (Linguistics); Sonya Lee, PhD (Art History); Lori Meeks, PhD (Religion); Sunyoung Park, PhD
Assistant Professors: Brian Bernards, PhD; Youngmin Choe, PhD; Gerard Godart, PhD (History); Satoko Shimazaki, PhD
Associate Professor (Teaching): Nansong Huang, PhD
Assistant Professors (Teaching): Masako Tamanaha, PhD; Tin-Yu Tseng, PhD
Master Lecturers: Wen-Kuang (John) Chang, MA; Yuka Kumagai, MA
Senior Lecturers: Maki Irie, MA; Hsiao-Yun Liao, MA; Yumi Matsumoto, MA
Lecturers: Helen Chung, EdD; Xianxian Fang, MA; Mayumi Ikeda, MA; Xian Jian, MA; Hee Ju, PhD; Seung-Ah Lee, PhD; Christopher Magriney, MA; Yi Walker, PhD
Adjunct Assistant Professor (Teaching): Miya Mizuta Lippit, PhD
Emeritus Professor: Henry H.Y. Tiee, PhD
East Asian Languages and Cultures offers undergraduate, master's and doctoral programs in Chinese, Japanese and Korean studies, and a progressive degree in East Asian Languages and Cultures. The department fosters original approaches in East Asian studies. With an emphasis on interdisciplinary and innovative research, the program provides students with systematic training in East Asian languages, literatures and cultures.
The faculty is committed to intra-regional and interdisciplinary studies of East Asia, which includes critical interaction among the cultures of China, Japan and Korea, as well as integration of modern and pre-modern studies. The department engages the arts, languages, linguistics, literatures, histories, media, religions, visual and material cultures of East Asia.
East Asian Languages and Cultures majors and minors are encouraged to take advantage of the numerous semester and year-long study abroad opportunities sponsored by the Office of Overseas Studies. Currently, the office offers programs in China (Beijing and Nanjing), Taiwan (Taipei), Korea (Seoul), and Japan (Tokyo, Nagoya). Each of the programs is affiliated with a world class institution, such as Waseda University in Tokyo, National Chengchi University in Taipei or Yonsei University in Seoul. Contact the Office of Overseas Studies at (213) 740-3636 for further details or visit them online at dornsife.usc.edu/overseas.
The majority of course work offered by these programs may be counted toward the EALC major or minor requirements. Students who receive major credit from any of these programs must still take at least eight units of non-language courses within EALC at the upper- division level while at USC (specifically an EALC civilization and an EALC literature course). Students interested in attending one of these programs must meet with an EALC academic adviser to ensure that the courses enrolled in overseas will meet EALC major or minor requirements.
The Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures offers its Chinese language summer courses in Beijing. Participants will be able to transition seamlessly to the next level courses upon returning to campus. Cultural visits and excursions will be included in the tuition fee. All courses count toward a major and minor in East Asian Languages and Cultures.
See Department of Linguistics.
The progressive degree program permits exceptional undergraduate students to receive both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in East Asian Languages and Cultures within five years. It is intended for students with extraordinary EALC preparation and performance who demonstrate a superior level of overall scholarship.
Applicants may apply after the completion of 64 units of course work applicable to their undergraduate degree since graduating from high school. (AP units, IB units and course work taken prior to high school graduation are excluded). Applicants must submit their applications before completing 96 units of course work. Normally, the application is submitted in the fall semester of the third year of enrollment at USC. The application for admission to a progressive degree program must be accompanied by a departmentally approved course plan proposal and two letters of recommendation from USC faculty members in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures.
Progressive degree program students must fulfill all of the requirements for both the bachelor's degree and the master's degree, including a master's thesis. The unit requirement for the master's degree can be reduced by as much as one-third. The degrees may be awarded separately, but the master's degree will not be awarded before the undergraduate degree.
The time limit for completing a progressive degree program is 12 semesters.
Further details about progressive degrees can be found here.
The certificate in Foreign Language Teaching provides certification in the theory and practice of second or foreign language teaching for student language teachers concurrently enrolled in graduate degree programs in foreign languages or related graduate programs at USC; for graduates of such programs who are teaching languages; for external candidates concurrently enrolled in similar programs at accredited colleges or universities; or for graduates of such programs who are teaching languages. The certificate is meant to supplement graduate study in the literature or linguistics of foreign languages. It is also meant to supplement classroom teaching. Refer to the Department of Spanish and Portuguese for course work requirements.
For the lower division, two years of Chinese, Japanese or Korean language are required. For the upper division, 32 units, including the third year of language, are required. The 32 units of upper-division courses must also include one civilization course, one literature course and four upper-division elective courses (16 units) in Chinese, Japanese or Korean. One lower-division course may be counted toward the 16 units of upper-division electives. One East Asian course from another department may be included in the 32 unit requirement, if - approved by an adviser.
Candidates for the BA in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures may receive a designation on their transcripts of departmental honors. Admission to the honors program is required.
Prerequisites: 3.33 overall GPA, 3.5 GPA or better in courses in the major, completion of at least one upperlevel EALC course requiring a seminar paper at the time of admission, submission of an application form to the undergraduate faculty adviser.
Required for departmental honors: Maintain GPA re quirements stated above and complete EALC 495ab Undergraduate Honors Thesis.
The Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures offers a minor for undergraduate students who wish to pursue a future career in the greater China region or communities requiring advanced Chinese linguistic and cultural competence. The minor provides opportunities for students to gain real world experiences in work environments and explore career opportunities from various perspectives. The language prerequisite for admission to the program is the completion of EALC 206 at USC or its equivalent.
Four EALC upper-division courses (16 units) and 4 units of EALC 366 are required to complete the minor. The four upper-division courses must include at least two from EALC 404 , EALC 406 , EALC 407 , EALC 412a , EALC 412b , or the equivalent. Course selections must be approved by the faculty advisor for the minor.
Choose two of the following:
This interdisciplinary minor introduces stu dents to the cultural heritage and political contexts of the United States' most important trading partners on the Pacific Rim. Students study East Asia and Latin America, and the cultural, economic and political dimensions of international trade. It is intended for students who are interested in or considering diplomatic or commercial careers that require knowledge about the people and cultures of the Pacific Rim.
As with all minors, students must choose at least four classes dedicated to this minor and four classes outside their major department, which may be the same four courses.
(choose one course from the list below)
(choose two courses, each from a different list below)
(choose two courses from the lists below)
For the lower division, two years of language in one of three languages (Chinese, Japanese and Korean) are required. For the upper division, four 4-unit courses, including one civilization course, one literature course and two upper-division elective courses in Chinese, Japanese or Korean are required.
The Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures offers instruction in the languages, literatures and cultures of East Asia. The graduate program offers the master's degree with specialties in Chinese, Japanese and Korean. Programs of study may emphasize foreign language teaching, applied linguistics, literature, thought, religions or area studies.
An applicant for admission will normally have the equivalent of an undergraduate major in East Asian languages and cultures at USC, but programs may be arranged for promising students who do not have the prerequisites. Such students may be required to make up the deficiencies.
All applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Examinations verbal and quantitative General Test and submit their complete undergraduate record: at least three letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose should be sent to the chair of the department. Applicants are urged to submit written materials as supporting evidence.
These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and the Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
Competence is required in Chinese, Japanese or Korean.
Six courses, four of which must be at the 500-level or above, are required. Those students whose concentration is in language and literature should take a fourth year of language.
The research paper must demonstrate the student's ability to use source materials in the East Asian language of his or her area.
A student's total graduate course work must be at least 60 units including 4 units of doctoral dissertation (794ab) and the following courses:
A theory and methodology course in EALC or an equivalent course in a related program.
Four courses on East Asian languages and literatures.
Four courses on East Asian cultures and civilizations.
Three additional courses in a target discipline or field.
No more than four courses at the 400-level may be applied to the total requirement of 60 units. The fulfillment of the course requirements is determined by the Graduate Studies Committee in EALC.
A screening procedure will be conducted before the student completes 24 units of course work, which typically means by the end of the first year. The Graduate Studies Committee will review the student's performance comprehensively and meet the student after a statement describing his/her research ideas is submitted.
Upon successful completion of the screening procedure, the student is encouraged to begin forming a fivemember qualifying exam committee, whose purpose is to help the student prepare for the qualifying examination. The committee must be approved by the Graduate School at the time the student applies to schedule a qualifying examination.
A student takes examinations in three different fields approved by the qualifying exam committee. An oral - examination based on the written exams will follow. After successful completion of the examinations, the student will submit a dissertation prospectus, which must be approved by the qualifying exam committee and the Graduate Studies Committee in EALC.
A student must have at least four years of course work or its equivalent in the language of his/her specialization. In addition, the student should acquire or demonstrate competence in a second East Asian language. This requirement may be met by two years' worth of course work. Whether the second East Asian language should be classical or modern will be determined by the Graduate Studies Committee in consultation with a student's academic adviser.
Defense and presentation of the dissertation will follow regulations defined by the Graduate School.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Kaprielian Hall 300
(213) 740-8335
FAX: (213) 740-8543
Email: econ@dornsife.usc.edu
Chair: Joshua Aizenman, PhD
John E. Elliott Distinguished Chair in Economics: M. Hashem Pesaran, PhD
Presidential Professor of Health Economics: Daniel McFadden, PhD (Public Policy)
University Professor: Richard A. Easterlin, PhD*
Robert R. and Katheryn A. Dockson Chair in Economics and International Relations and Professor of International Relations and Economics: Joshua Aizenman, PhD (International Relations)
Leonard D. Schaeffer Director's Chair of the USC Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics and Professor of Public Policy, Pharmacy, and Economics: Dana Goldman, PhD
Professors: Dominic James Brewer, PhD (Education); Juan Carrillo, PhD; Robert Dekle, PhD; Gillian Hadfield, PhD, JD (Law); Cheng Hsiao, PhD; Ayse Imrohoroglu, PhD (Business); Selahattin Imrohoroglu, PhD (Business); Arie Kapteyn, PhD; Michael J. P. Magill, PhD; Edward J. McCaffery, JD (Law); Hyungsik Roger Moon, PhD; Jeffrey B. Nugent, PhD*; Vincenzo Quadrini, PhD (Business); Geert Ridder, PhD; John Strauss, PhD; Guofu Tan, PhD; Simon J. Wilkie, PhD; Donald E. Yett, PhD; Fernando Zapatero, PhD (Business)
Associate Professors: Caroline Betts, PhD; Isabelle Brocas, PhD; Giorgio Corcicelli, PhD; Harrison Hsueh-Cheng Cheng, PhD; Michael E. DePrano, PhD
Assistant Professors: Joel David, PhD; Yu-Wei Hsieh, PhD; Yilmaz Kocer, PhD; Anant Nyshadham, PhD
Professor of the Practice of International Relations and Economics: Lord John Eatwell, PhD
Senior Lecturer: Nake Kamrany, PhD*
Visiting Professor: Matthew Kahn, PhD
Visiting Associate Professor (Research): Daniel Benjamin, PhD
Associate Professor (Teaching): Mark Moore, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Richard H. Day, PhD; Peter Gordon, PhD (Public Policy)
*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award.
The economics curriculum is oriented toward a general, liberal education. The study of economics requires adequate preparation in mathematics and statistics. The department offers a BA degree in economics, a BA degree in political economy, a BA degree in social sciences, a BS in economics/mathematics and a minor in economics. The BA degrees require a total of 32 upper-division units for the major.
The department offers a Master of Arts in Economics, a Master of Arts in Economic Developmental Programming, a Master of Science in Mathematical Finance, dual degrees with the USC Gould School of Law and the USC Price School of Public Policy, a Doctor of Philosophy in Economics, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy with the USC School of Pharmacy.
Upon declaring a major or minor in economics, students should consult with the department's undergraduate adviser. Students can check their academic progress on the USCweb under OASIS.
The Economics department offers students who have demonstrated exceptional academic success the opportunity to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in a progressive degree program. This program allows students to earn both the Bachelor of Arts and the Master of Arts degrees in five years. Students may also pursue the Bachelor of Science in Economics/Mathematics and the Master of Science in Mathematical Finance. Further details about progressive degree programs can be found here.
Admission is available after the completion of 64 units of course work toward the undergraduate degree. Students must apply for admission to the progressive degree program after completing 64 units of applicable course work to their undergraduate program, but prior to the completion of 96 units of course work. The application for admission to the progressive degree program must be accompanied by a course proposal plan and two letters of recommendation from USC Economics faculty.
The bachelor's and master's degrees may be awarded separately upon completion of all degree requirements, but the master's degree will not be awarded before the bachelor's degree. Students who elect not to complete the master's must complete 128 units to earn the bachelor's degree.
The department offers an honors program. First and second semester seniors can enroll in ECON 495 Honors Thesis. Honors will be awarded upon completion of the thesis, an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher and a major GPA of 3.5.
Students who have taken courses equivalent to ECON 303, ECON 305, ECON 317 or ECON 414 from an economics department at another four-year college or from a program deemed comparable by the director of undergraduate studies, can earn transfer credits provided they received a B (3.0) or better in the courses.
The graduate program in economics is designed to prepare students for careers in teaching, research, industry and government. The department emphasizes economic theory and econometrics; applied economic analysis, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, international and development economics, urban and regional economics; and political economy.
The typical applicant for admission will normally have completed an undergraduate major in economics. Minimal prerequisites for admission to a master's degree program include courses in intermediate microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, a year of calculus, and a semester of statistics. Applicants for the PhD program are normally expected to have completed more than the minimum, particularly in the areas of mathematics and statistics.
The Graduate Record Examinations General Test, three letters of recommendation and the student's statement of purpose are required. The letters and statement should be sent directly to the Director of Graduate Admissions, Department of Economics, KAP 300, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0253. International applicants are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS examination. In addition, applicants for financial aid are advised to take the GRE Economics Subject Test and international students must have a TSE score of 200. Admission is based on the appropriateness and quality of completed course work, GRE scores and the letters of recommendation.
Application deadlines for master's degrees are normally April 15 for the fall semester and November 1 for the spring. Completed doctoral fellowship and assistantship applications are due by December 1. Except for unusual cases, students are permitted to begin PhD programs only during the fall semester.
Prior to registration, all entering graduate students are required to take the Economics Department placement examinations in general economic theory and the basic principles of algebra, calculus and statistics. Depending on the outcome of these examinations, deficiency course work yielding no credit toward graduate degrees may be required. Students whose native language is other than English will be required to take an English placement examination. Course work in English may be required.
These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and The Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
There is no foreign language requirement. However, competence in the use of one computer programming language is required for all graduate degrees offered through the Department of Economics, except the PhD in Political Economy and Public Policy. Such competence can be demonstrated either by course work or examination. Students in master's programs must meet this requirement before starting the thesis or taking the comprehensive examination; students in the PhD program must complete it before taking the qualifying examination.
Students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Economics and the Master of Arts in Economics Development Programming have the opportunity to participate in an academic exchange program with the Paris School of Economics (PSE). This partnership will allow USC graduate students to engage economic issues on a global scale, providing both a dynamic and insightful experience. Students will take classes with European economists and students to broaden the understanding and depth of economics theory. PSE courses will not fulfill core requirements in the program, only elective units.
Students may participate after their first semester. All applicants must have a USC grade point average of at least 3.0 at the time of application. Students who wish to participate in their second semester must meet with the faculty director of graduate studies and be in academically good standing by the middle of their first semester.
Application deadline: December 1
The Department of Economics and the Department of Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy (USC School of Pharmacy) jointly offer a program of study leading to the PhD degree and to the MA degree in the process of work toward the PhD degree.
Required courses include both core requirements and area requirements. Core requirements include courses in economic theory, econometrics, and research methods. Area requirements include courses in health economics, pharmaceutical economics, welfare theory and applied econometrics.
For a detailed description of this program, see the USC School of Pharmacy section of this catalogue.
Students are required to take ECON 203, ECON 205, ECON 303, ECON 305, ECON 317, ECON 318 and four economics elective courses. Of the four elective courses (300 level or above) a minimum of two must be economics courses at the 400 level or higher. The remaining two economics courses must be approved by the department's director of undergraduate studies. A grade of C (2.0) or better is required for each of the core courses ECON 303, ECON 305, ECON 317 and ECON 318. MATH 118gx or MATH 125 is required for the major; students are advised to meet the requirement by their sophomore year. Majors are also required to take at least one two-unit course on computing chosen from ITP 101x, ITP 110x or CSCI 101L.
Students are required to take seven courses in economics, seven courses in mathematics and one course in computer programming languages. Pre-major requirement: MATH 125 or equivalent.
In Economics: ECON 203, ECON 205, ECON 303, ECON 305, ECON 318 and at least two other ECON courses at the 400 level or above
In Mathematics: MATH 126 or MATH 127; MATH 225 or MATH 245; MATH 226 or MATH 227; MATH 407, MATH 408 and at least two other MATH courses at the 400 level or above
In Computing: At least one course chosen from ITP 110x, ITP 150x, ITP 165x; CSCI 101L
Electives must be approved by the program advisers.
The Bachelor of Arts in Political Economy explores the intersection of economics with politics in domestic and international contexts. It prepares students for engagement with global and regional questions that require analysis of economic and political causes and consequences and provides a useful background for a wide variety of entry positions in the public and private sectors.
Students are required to take ECON 203, ECON 205, ECON 303, ECON 305 and three economics elective courses numbered 300 or 400. A grade of C (2.0) or better is required for each of the core courses ECON 303 and ECON 305. MATH 118gx or MATH 125 is required and an additional 12 units of upper-division courses from departments in the social sciences (anthropology, geography, international relations, history, political science, psychology, sociology).
Students from all disciplines will benefit from an economics minor. The economics minor is offered in three tracks. Each track is designed to help the student explore a coherent area of economic thought and methodology. Students minoring in economics must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA (cumulative) in courses taken for the minor.
The minor includes the core courses ECON 203, ECON 205, ECON 303 or ECON 305, MATH 118gx or MATH 125 plus three courses chosen from one of the following tracks:
This track introduces students to the economic theory that underlies the economic choices made by individuals and the ways in which law and policy combine to regulate such behavior. Economic models of individual choice, contracts, and law are analyzed in courses in this track. Choose three courses from: ECON 317, ECON 330, ECON 332, ECON 434.
This track guides students through the economic thought and theory that underlie the importance of money. Courses cover topics that shed light on the ways in which institutions, individual preferences and financial markets affect the allocation and investment of money. Choose three courses from: ECON 317, ECON 350, ECON 357, ECON 360, ECON 450, ECON 452, ECON 457.
This track concentrates on the foundations, complexities and importance of the global economy as well as the role of economics and political economy in societies outside of the United States. Choose three courses from: ECON 317, ECON 330, ECON 340, ECON 342, ECON 343, ECON 346, ECON 350.
This degree program is designed to provide advanced training in the basic tools of development programming and their application to practical problems of developing countries. The program is structured to enable wellprepared students entering in May to finish the following summer. Requirements include the following courses in economics:
In addition, a total of three courses in one of several designated options in economics, international relations, law, urban planning and development, demography, or business administration is required. In certain cases units can be granted for internship work. The total unit requirements are 32–48, including a comprehensive examination or a thesis.
For a detailed description of the program and its requirements see Master of Arts in Economic Developmental Programming, available from the Department of Economics faculty adviser.
At least 24 units (usually six courses; at least four must be in economics at the graduate level) and completion of an acceptable thesis accompanied by registration in ECON 594a ECON 594b is required. Requirements include the following courses in economics:
At least 32 units (usually eight courses; at least six must be in economics at the graduate level), and satisfactory performance on a comprehensive examination in economic theory is required.
Not more than 4 units may be ECON 590; ECON 590 units cannot be counted as part of the required minimum of graduate level courses specified above.
Students are required to complete 92 units of law and economics course work, four units of which must constitute a thesis acceptable to the faculties of the USC Gould School of Law and the Department of Economics. Before enrolling in economics courses, students must have completed an undergraduate course in probability and statistical inference (e.g., BUAD 310). Students with undergraduate degrees in such disciplines as business, economics, mathematics and psychology will usually have taken such a course as part of their undergraduate program.
Required law school courses.
ECON 680 Industrial Organization and ECON 681 Economics of Regulated Industries are recommended, but the student is free to choose any graduate level courses other than ECON 590 or ECON 790 in consultation with the program adviser. ECON 401 Mathematical Methods in Economics may be substituted for one of these courses, or ECON 419 Introduction to Econometrics may be substituted for the other. (These three courses are applicable toward graduate credit.)
The thesis must be acceptable to both the faculty of the law school and the faculty of the Department of Economics.
Including one course in a subject matter related to economics (including but not necessarily limited to Taxation, International Business Transactions, Antitrust Law I, Regulated Industries, Labor Law, Administrative Law and Regulatory Policy, Corporate Taxation or Land Use. In addition to the LSAT, students interested in this dual degree program are required to take the aptitude and advanced economic portions of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE).
The USC Price School of Public Policy and the Department of Economics jointly offer a two-year program leading to the MPl and MA degrees. Applicants must apply to the Price School of Public Policy and the Graduate School and meet the admission requirements of both.
Requirements for completion of the dual degree program are 58 units, including 24 units in economics and 34 units in planning. For a complete listing, see Public Policy.
Application deadline: December 1
The PhD in Economics requires 60 units of graduate level courses numbered 500 or higher (excluding ECON 500, ECON 501, ECON 590, ECON 690, ECON 691, ECON 692, ECON 693, ECON 694, ECON 790 and ECON 794a, ECON 794b, ECON 794c, ECON 794d, ECON 794z).
The following courses must be taken within the first 36 units of graduate level courses:
Students must take a core theory examination immediately after the completion of ECON 601, ECON 602, ECON 603 and ECON 605 in order to continue in the PhD program. There is also a breadth requirement, which may be satisfied by taking either ECON 523 Economic History and Development or ECON 527 Theory of Value: Classical Origins and Neoclassical Critique or ECON 538 Values and Social Analysis.
After passing the core theory examination, the student should consult the director of graduate studies on the appointment of a PhD qualifying exam committee. The student should complete two advanced fields of study with the approval of the qualifying exam committee and the director of graduate studies. The requirements for completing each advanced field of study consist of (1) at least two courses numbered 600 or higher in that field with a minimum grade of A- in each, (2) satisfactory completion of one of the seminars related to the field and (3) presentation of a research paper in a class or seminar. In addition, the student should complete a minor field, which consists of a course numbered 600 or higher with a minimum grade of B. The signing of the student's Permission to Take the Qualifying Examination form will signify the satisfactory completion of the field requirements.
The remainder of the courses to total 60 units must be preapproved by the qualifying exam committee. However, not more than four units of ECON 590 and/or ECON 790 can be taken in each semester. Courses taken outside the department or USC cannot count toward the completion of a field and are not allowed before at least one advanced field is completed. Waivers to the course requirements based on equivalent work at another university may be made upon petition to the director of graduate studies up to a maximum of 12 units. Waivers for any other reason require the approval of the department graduate committee.
In addition to the Graduate School requirements, a minimum GPA of 3.0 on all course work taken toward the 60 units requirement must be achieved. ECON 615 or a higher level course in econometrics must be completed with a grade of B or better.
Students desiring the PhD must undergo a screening procedure before completing more than 24 units of graduate level courses. The process involves a review of the student's course grades, performance on the core theory examination, and demonstrated research ability. Students who pass the screening procedure are permitted to continue studies toward the PhD degree.
Before beginning the third semester of graduate study, the student must pass a written examination in general economic theory including applications. A maximum of two attempts is allowed. Not taking the examination at a given due time is considered as failing the examination once. The core theory examination is offered twice every year during the summer session. Any exceptions are subject to approval of the director of graduate studies.
During the summer after the fourth semester of study, the student must submit an empirical paper using quantitative methods to the examination committee. The paper may use field, experimental or simulated data. In this paper, the student should demonstrate competence in using a computer programming language and software.
During the summer after the sixth semester of study, the student must submit a research paper to a committee of faculty. The paper must be of publishable quality.
Every student is required to take and satisfactorily complete three, two-unit research seminars chosen from ECON 690, ECON 691, ECON 692, ECON 693 and ECON 694. The same seminar may be taken more than once. Before completing the dissertation, the student must present at least one original research paper in a seminar of the student's choice.
The student is required to write a research proposal on a topic suitable for a dissertation. Normally, the chair of the student's qualifying exam committee directs this work. The written proposal is presented and critiqued during the qualifying examination.
Upon successful completion of course and grade requirements, the paper requirement, and the core theory examination, the student takes an examination, which focuses on the presentation and defense of the written dissertation proposal. After passing this examination, the student is admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree. This examination must be taken not later than the end of the seventh semester of study.
After admission to candidacy, the student forms a dissertation committee composed of three faculty members, one of whom must be from an outside department. The chair of this committee is the dissertation supervisor. The student must register in sequence for ECON 794a, ECON 794b, ECON 794c, ECON 794d, ECON 794z Doctoral Dissertation each semester, excluding summer sessions, until the dissertation and all other degree requirements are completed.
The dissertation is defended in an oral examination administered by the dissertation committee when the committee agrees that the student has completed the research and a satisfactory draft of the dissertation has been written. If the committee agrees to pass the student, all suggested extensions, modifications, and corrections are incorporated into a final draft, which must be approved by all members of the committee.
It is the student's responsibility to see that the proper paperwork is submitted to the Graduate School upon completion of each requirement for the PhD degree.
ECON 601, ECON 602, ECON 609 and ECON 611 can be substituted for ECON 500, ECON 501 and ECON 513 requirements for the Master of Arts degree in Economics. The remaining elective units can be fulfilled with ECON courses at the 500 level or above.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Taper Hall of Humanities 404
(213) 740-2808
Email: english@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/engl
Chair: David St. John, MFA
University Professor and Leo S. Bing Chair in English and American Literature and Professor of English, Art History and History: Leo Braudy, PhD
Distinguished Professor: Percival Everett, AM
USC Associates Chair in Humanities and Professor of English and American Studies & Ethnicity: John Carlos Rowe, PhD
Florence R. Scott Professor of English and Professor of English and Comparative Literature: Tania Modleski, PhD
Judge Widney Professor of Poetry and Public Culture: Dana Gioia, MBA
Provost Professor of English and Art History: Kate Flint, PhD
Writer in Residence: Geoffrey Dyer
Professors: Aimee Bender, MFA; Joseph A. Boone, PhD; Joseph A. Dane, PhD; Lawrence D. Green, PhD; J. Jack Halberstam, PhD (American Studies & Ethnicity); Susan McCabe, PhD; Edwin McCann, PhD (Philosophy); Carol Muske-Dukes, MFA*; David Rollo, PhD*; David Román, PhD*; Margaret E. Russett, PhD; Hilary M. Schor, PhD; David St. John, MFA; Daniel Tiffany, PhD; David Treuer, PhD; Marianne Wiggins
Associate Professors: Emily Anderson, PhD*; Alice Gambrell, PhD*; Thomas Gustafson, PhD*; William R. Handley, PhD; Mark Irwin, PhD; Heather James, PhD*; Dana Johnson, MFA; Anthony Kemp, PhD; Rebecca Lemon, PhD; Viet Nguyen, PhD*; Karen L. Tongson, PhD
Assistant Professors: Devin Griffiths, PhD; Anna Journey, PhD; Elda Maria Román, PhD
Professor (Teaching): Christopher Freeman, PhD
Associate Professors (Teaching): Mary (Molly) A. Bendall, MA; Richard Berg, PhD; Michael Du Plessis, PhD (Comparative Literature); Susan Segal, MFA; Thea Tomaini, PhD
Professor Emeritus of English and Aerol Arnold Professor Emeritus of English: James R. Kincaid, PhD
Leo S. Bing Professor Emeritus: Jay Martin, PhD
Leo S. Bing Professor Emeritus of English and American Literature: Paul K. Alkon, PhD
Florence R. Scott Professor of English Emerita: Marjorie Perloff, PhD
Distinguished Emerita Professor: Virginia J. Tufte, PhD*
Distinguished Professor Emeritus: T. Coraghessan Boyle, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Charles B. Berryman, PhD; Donald C. Freeman, PhD; Max F. Schulz, PhD
Emeritus Associate Professors: William H. Brown, PhD; David Eggenschwiler, PhD; Stephen C. Moore, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award.
The Department of English offers a broad range of courses in English, American and Anglophone literature of all periods and genres, and in related areas such as creative and expository writing, literature and visual arts, ethnic literature and cultural studies, history of the English language and of literary criticism, and literary and cultural theory. Instructors assign extensive reading and writing in order to help students become perceptive readers, critical thinkers and strong writers. Class sizes are kept at 19 to enable full discussion in literature classes and at 12 in creative writing workshops.
All students meet with a facuty adviser before registering for courses each semester. Faculty advisers help students shape their majors according to their evolving interests and the requirements of the majors. Students should consult the director of undergraduate studies and the undergraduate staff adviser about departmental clearances and course substitutions.
The department strongly encourages majoring in both English and in another department in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences or in another school of the university.
Candidates for the B.A. in English can receive a designation on their transcripts of departmental honors by successfully completing a senior honors thesis while enrolled in ENGL 496, and having a 3.5 final GPA. ENGL 491 Senior Seminar in Literary Studies is a prerequisite for ENGL 496. Students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 overall and 3.5 in English courses can apply for ENGL 496; application is due at the start of fall semester of senior year. For additional information, contact a departmental adviser or the director of undergraduate studies.
Credential requirements in California and elsewhere are complex and changeable. Students interested in preparing for public school teaching should contact the Credentials Office, Rossier School of Education (or refer to this catalogue page), and the undergraduate adviser in the English department for up-to-date information. The English department usually offers courses that satisfy most, if not all, of these requirements.
Requirements for admission to study in the department of English include: scores satisfactory to the department on both the verbal portion of the General Test and the literature Subject Test of the Graduate Record Examinations; evidence of competence in writing English and interpreting English literature, as demonstrated by two samples of written work by the applicant on literary subjects; a satisfactory written statement by the applicant of aims and interests in graduate work; letters of recommendation from at least three college instructors (English instructors preferred); and grades satisfactory to the department earned by the applicant at other institutions.
These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to The Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
A Transfer Credit Statement is prepared by the Degree Progress Department for students admitted to full graduate standing. The application of any available transfer credit is contingent on successful completion of the screening exam and is determined by the director of graduate studies no later than the end of the second year according to the following guidelines: credit will only be allowed for courses (1) from accredited graduate schools; (2) of grade B (3.0 on a four-point scale) or better; (3) constituting a fair and reasonable equivalent to current USC course work at the graduate level and fitting into the program for the degree; and (4) approved by the Graduate School. Graduate transfer credit will not be granted for life experience, credit by examination, non-credit extension courses, correspondence courses or thesis course supervision.
The maximum number of transfer credits which may be applied toward the Master of Arts degree is four units. The maximum number of transfer credits which may be applied toward the PhD degree is 12 units. The Graduate School stipulates that transfer units must have been completed within 10 years of admission for the doctoral program to be applied toward the degree.
This requirement may be fulfilled by two to four years' service as a teaching assistant in the Writing Program or equivalent experience as determined by the director of the Graduate Studies Program.
The English Department is committed to the development of its graduate students as professionals. To this end, the department provides a number of opportunities for professional activity. In addition, the Association of English Graduate Students (AEGS) hosts a variety of lectures, discussions and forums throughout the year. To support the student's professional activities outside of USC, the department also provides some funding for travel to conferences and professional meetings, along with a full range of placement, advising and support activities. Graduate creative writing students will host lectures, discussions and forums in poetry and fiction studies.
Undergraduate majors in English are required to take 40 units (usually 10 courses) for a BA in English with an emphasis in either literature or creative writing.
Students should take at least two introductory courses before enrolling in upper-division literature courses or creative writing workshops.
Majors emphasizing English literature must take seven upper-division courses, including two courses in literature written before 1800, one course in 19th-century literature, one course in American literature, and two electives.
Majors emphasizing creative writing must take seven upper-division courses, including two introductory creative writing workshops in poetry and prose, and a third workshop at the 400-level. The remaining upperdivision courses must include one course in literature written before 1900, one course in literature written after 1900 and one elective.
All major students must complete ENGL 491 Senior Seminar in Literary Studies.
Narrative studies prepares students for the development and evaluation of original content for novels, films, theatre and other narrative platforms, but recognizes that the range of professional opportunities in literature and the performing arts is much wider than the roles of author, screenwriter or playwright. To recognize a good story, to critique, help shape, realize and transform it, requires a background in the history of narrative, crosscultural and contemporary models, and an understanding of the broader context of popular culture.
Narrative Studies assumes that an effective narrative will be adapted from the medium in which it first appears as new media become available. To prepare students for a future in which the platform is likely to change, the Bachelor of Arts in Narrative Studies allows students to study across the current platforms while concentrating on the techniques of effective construction common to them all.
In so doing, it draws upon course work from several schools of art but finds its home in the humanities. To help develop the flexibility necessary to understand how stories change across platforms, students are expected to complete at least three courses in literary and three courses in performance-based media. The remaining three courses may be chosen to reflect the student's personal preference and initial career aspirations.
MDA 490x Directed Research or MDA 494 Directed Creative Project are capstone experiences: Students work under the guidance of a faculty member in a relevant discipline or professional field, which may include fulltime faculty from the college or the participating schools of the arts. Projects intended for the stage should be done under the direction of School of Dramatic Arts faculty.
Nine or 10 courses totaling 36 units; no more than two at the 100- or 200-level, selected from the following lists.
(three if CTWR 412/CTWR 414 are chosen) (8 units) at the upper-division 300 or 400 level, from different departments, chosen from the lists above.
Nine or 10 courses, including at least seven at the upper-division level, for a total of 36 units.
*Prerequisite required
**Corequisite required
***Recommend preparation suggested
Cultural studies is an interdisciplinary field of study that examines a broad array of issues of culture, including popular culture, identity, subcultures, nationalism, global culture and ethnography. This minor is designed for students majoring in the humanities or in the professional schools who wish to complement their majors with courses that investigate the politics of culture and cultural negotiation. Students are required to have a minimum 3.0 GPA and the completion of 32 units for admission to the minor.
Choose three courses from the following. Students must take two electives outside the department of their major. Students may not take any more than two electives from any one department or school.
For more information or to apply to this minor, contact the Department of English, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
This minor brings together the resources of the departments of English, History and Art History to study the literatures and cultures of Europe and the Americas from the late medieval period to 1800. It draws upon courses from the departments of French and Italian, Spanish and Portuguese, Philosophy, American Studies and Ethnicity, the USC Thornton School of Music, and the USC School of Dramatic Arts.
The minor focuses on the interplay of literary and historical methodologies while promoting an area study in a wide context. Majors in any participating department can complement the strengths in their home department with courses in other participating departments; students with majors in most other areas should have room for the 20 units necessary to complete the minor.
The minor includes a capstone course, a senior seminar based on the resources of the Early Modern Studies Institute (a consortium between USC and the Huntington Library), which enables students to learn about current issues in this cross-disciplinary field and about research techniques employed to deal with those emergent issues.
Through its Early Modern Studies Institute, USC has recognized that the study of the literatures and cultures of Europe and the Americas prior to 1800 reaches beyond disciplinary boundaries. English studies are also historical, continental, multinational and multilingual. Historical studies are also literary and sociological. Both studies are enmeshed in art history and music. This cross-disciplinary understanding of early modern studies provides a model for research in many areas of the humanities and social sciences. Students who complete this minor will be able to use both literary and historical analyses to investigate other questions in which they are interested.
The minor requires 20 units. As with all minors, students must include at least four upper-division courses and four courses dedicated exclusively to this minor (not used for credit toward a major, another minor or general education requirements). Students must select four courses outside their major department.
Choose one, 4 units:
Choose at least one course from each of the following four categories:
The minor in English requires 20 units, or five courses, including at least two introductory courses (from among ENGL 261, ENGL 262 and ENGL 263) and at least three upper-division courses including one in literature written before 1800 and one in American literature. An English minor may enroll in no more than one creative writing workshop.
This interdisciplinary minor is intended for students with an interest in story-telling who are majoring in programs and disciplines other than narrative studies. The minor, based in the humanities, provides opportunities for undergraduates to study story structure from the perspective of several disciplines. As with all minors, students must choose at least four courses (16 units) outside their major department and four courses (16 units) that are not being used to satisfy any other subject requirement.
Course Requirements: five courses (20 units)
Choose one course (4 units) from the following list.
Choose four courses (16 units) from the lists below, one from each list.
*Prerequisite required
**Corequisite required
The department does not accept applicants for a Master of Arts degree. All graduate work in English at USC is taken as part of a PhD program, and the MA in English is intended only as a transitional degree in the process of completing requirements for the PhD
A student admitted to the graduate program may choose later to earn a terminal MA degree, or may be invited by the department to attempt a terminal degree. The terminal MA in English may be earned by completing 30 units (normally eight courses) of graduate study in English or in other departments at USC (as approved by the graduate director) with an accumulated GPA of at least 3.0, and by passing the screening procedure. A maximum of four units of 590 Directed Research and four transfer units may count toward the 30 units minimum required for the MA degree.
Students may earn the PhD in English by successfully completing requirements in the English and American literature track.
Application deadline: December 1
This program prepares students for research and teaching in all areas of English and American literary studies. The program offers the study of texts in their historical and cultural contexts as well as theoretical, interdisciplinary and cross-cultural approaches to literature.
The graduate curriculum is divided into 500-level foundation courses and 600-level advanced courses. The 500-level courses offer fundamental work in theory and in the history of British and American literatures and cultures. The 600-level courses feature advanced studies in theory, core requirements in film and literature, interdisciplinary studies, transhistorical studies in genres and sub-genres, individual writers, gender studies, multi-cultural literatures and societies, and special topics. Although students will normally take 500-level courses leading up to the screening procedure (see Screening Procedure) and 600-level courses thereafter, students, after consultation with their advisers, may be permitted to take 600-level courses in the first semesters of their graduate training.
Occasionally students who lack adequate undergraduate training in any given area may be required by the graduate director to enroll in appropriate 400-level courses.
The student's course work must total at least 64 units. No more than 8 units of 794 Doctoral Dissertation and no more than four units of 790 Research may count toward the 64 units. A maximum of 12 transfer units, approved by the graduate director, is allowed toward the 64 units minimum required by the PhD (See Transfer of Credit.)
The student will be assigned a faculty mentor in his or her first semester in the graduate program and will be encouraged in subsequent semesters to begin putting together an informal qualifying exam committee. The makeup of the qualifying exam committee may change as the interests of the student change. The faculty mentor and informal qualifying exam committee will assist the student in planning a program of study appropriate to the student's interests leading to the screening procedure.
In the semester immediately following the completion of 20 units of courses, the students will be screened. Passing this procedure is prerequisite to continuation in the doctoral program. The faculty mentor will write a report summarizing the student's course work, grades and instructor comments. The graduate studies committee will consider the student's record and determine if he or she is qualified to go on to the PhD On successful completion of screening, the student may apply for the transfer of graduate credit from other institutions, up to a maximum of 12 units.
Immediately following successful completion of the screening procedure, the student will nominate formally a five-member qualifying exam committee, including a chair and three other members from the English Department who are in the student's areas of interest and an outside member from another PhD-granting department. The committee must be in place and approved by the Graduate School at the time the student chooses a dissertation topic, writes the dissertation prospectus and schedules a qualifying examination.
In the semester following the completion of courses, and before submission of the dissertation prospectus, the student must take the field examinations. These are take-home essays in three broad fields preparatory to the dissertation. The fields are chosen and the questions developed by the student in consultation with a committee of three examiners chosen by the student. The field examinations may be repeated once in the semester immediately following an unsuccessful attempt. The committee may ask the student to retake one, two or all three fields.
Following completion of course work and the field examinations, the student must sit for a qualifying examination, at a time mutually agreed upon by the student and the qualifying exam committee. This is an examination given in the subject of the student's proposed dissertation research. No less than one month before the qualifying examination, the student will submit to the qualifying exam committee a dissertation prospectus. The prospectus, it is understood, will not be a polished dissertation proposal, but at a minimum it should display a strong knowledge of the subject, much of the relevant secondary material and other contexts crucial to the writing of the dissertation, and should present a workable plan of attack as well as a reasonably sophisticated understanding of the theoretical assumptions involved in the subject.
The qualifying examination will consist of both written and oral portions. It will focus on the dissertation area and its contexts with the specific format and content of the examination being negotiated among the student and all members of the examination committee. Upon successful completion of the qualifying examination, the student proceeds to the writing of the doctoral dissertation.
The final stage of the program is the submission of a dissertation that makes an original and substantial contribution to its field of study. Dissertations being written in the department are now richly varied, and this diversity is encouraged.
PhD students are required to demonstrate proficiency in at least one foreign language. This may be demonstrated by completing a course in the literature of that language at the 400 or 500 level (with a grade of B [3.0] or better), or by passing a foreign language exam that tests proficiency in reading comprehension and translation. PhD students may also be required to demonstrate proficiency in additional languages, as determined by the qualifying exam committee in view of the student's proposed field of research.
Application deadline: December 1
The program provides dual emphasis in literature and creative writing, culminating in the dissertation, which combines critical analysis with creative originality. Roughly half of the dissertation is based on original research, that is to say, research contributing to knowledge which enriches or changes the field. Doctoral candidates not only read and write texts as finished products of scholarship in researching their creative work's literary and historical milieu, but also consider the text as writers create it, then compose texts as writers, a process that goes to the source of the study of literature and of literature itself. This integration of literature and creative writing is reflected in the structure of the dissertation, which introduces the creative work within a context of critical inquiry, bringing together the examination and embodiment of the literary act, a new model of scholarship and creative innovation.
PhD candidates in literature and creative writing must pass the same departmental screening examination taken by PhD candidates in Literature who are not working in the area of creative writing. The exam tests students in various areas of emphasis (British literature, American literature, poetry, prose, etc.) and literature and historical periods as a measure of their preparedness to undertake independent research.
The literature and creative writing student takes 64 units in all, 32 in literature, 24 in creative writing workshops and seminars and 8 units of dissertation studies credits.
Requirements for admission to study in the department of English include: scores satisfactory to the department in both the verbal and quantitative General Test and the literature Subject Test of the Graduate Record Examinations; evidence of experience and ability in creative writing, as demonstrated by a creative writing sample; evidence of competence in writing English and interpreting English literature, as demonstrated by a sample of written work by the applicant on literary subjects; a satisfactory written statement by the applicant of aims and interests in graduate work; letters of recommendation from at least three college instructors; and grades satisfactory to the department earned by the applicant at other institutions. This program will accept applicants with BA degrees or transfer students with an MA or MFA in creative writing.
These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
The graduate curriculum is divided into 500-level foundation courses and 600-level advanced courses. The 500-level courses offer fundamental work in theory and in the history of British and American literatures and cultures. The 600-level courses feature advanced studies in theory, creative writing seminars and workshops and special topics. Although students will normally take 500-level courses leading up to the screening procedure (see Screening Procedure) and 600-level courses thereafter, students after consultation with their advisers may be permitted to take 600-level courses in the first semester of their graduate training.
The student's course work must total at least 64 units. No more than eight units of 794 Doctoral Dissertation and no more than four units of 790 Research may count toward the 64 units. A maximum of 12 transfer units, approved by the graduate director, is allowed toward the 64 units minimum required by the PhD (See Transfer of Course Work.)
The student will be assigned a faculty mentor in his or her first semester in the graduate program and will be encouraged in subsequent semesters to begin putting together an informal qualifying exam committee. The makeup of the qualifying exam committee may change as the interests of the student change. The faculty mentor and informal qualifying exam committee will assist the student in planning a program of study appropriate to the student's interests leading to the screening procedure.
At the end of the student's fourth semester (second semester for students who enter with an MA or MFA degree or near equivalent), the student will sit for a departmental examination, which is part of a comprehensive screening procedure. Rarely, and only with the approval of the graduate director and the graduate committee, will a student be allowed to postpone the departmental examination and the screening procedure, and then only for one year. Prior to the screening procedure, the student will be allowed to take a maximum of four units of independent study (ENGL 590), and that independent study will normally be used to prepare for the departmental examination; all other units must be in the 500- or 600-level seminar.
Immediately following successful completion of the screening procedure, the student will nominate formally a five-member qualifying exam committee, including a chair and three other members from the English Department who are in the student's areas of interest and an outside member from another PhD-granting department. The committee must be in place and approved by the Graduate School at the time the student chooses a dissertation topic, writes the dissertation prospectus and schedules a qualifying examination.
Following completion of course work, the student must sit for a qualifying examination, at a time mutually agreed upon by the student and the qualifying exam committee.
This is a field examination given in the subject of the student's proposed dissertation research. No less than one month before the qualifying examination, the student will submit to the qualifying exam committee a dissertation prospectus. The prospectus, it is understood, will not be a polished dissertation proposal, but at a minimum it should display a strong knowledge of the subject, much of the relevant secondary material and other contexts crucial to the writing of the dissertation, and should present a workable plan of attack as well as a reasonably sophisticated understanding of the theoretical assumptions involved in the subject.
The qualifying examination will consist of both written and oral portions with special emphasis areas in creative writing. It will focus on the dissertation area and its contexts with the specific format and content of the examination being negotiated among the student and all members of the examination committee. Upon successful completion of the qualifying examination the student proceeds to the writing of the doctoral dissertation.
The final stage of the program is the submission of a creative dissertation that makes an original, substantial and publishable contribution to creative literature: a book of poems, a novel, a collection of short stories.
PhD students are required to demonstrate proficiency in at least one foreign language. This may be demonstrated by completing a course in the literature of that language at the 400 or 500 level (with a grade of B [3.0] or better) or by passing a foreign language exam that tests proficiency in reading comprehension and translation. PhD students may also be required to demonstrate proficiency in additional languages, as determined by the qualifying exam committee in view of the student's proposed field of research.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Social Sciences Building B15
(213) 740-7770
FAX: 740-8566
Email: environ@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/environmental-studies
Director: Karla Heidelberg, PhD
Ray R. Irani Chairman of Occidental Petroleum Chair in Chemistry and Professor of Chemistry and Environmental Studies: James Haw, PhD (Chemistry)
Professor: David Bottjer, PhD (Earth Sciences)
Assistant Professor: Roderick McKenzie, PhD
Associate Professor of the Practice: Yael Wolinsky-Nahmias, PhD
Associate Professor (Teaching): Karla Heidelberg, PhD (Biological Sciences)
Assistant Professors (Teaching): Lisa Collins, PhD; David Ginsburg, PhD*
Lecturers: Jill Sohm, PhD; Ekaterina Svyatets, PhD
Emeritus Professor: Thomas Flood, PhD (Chemistry)
The environmental studies program offers two undergraduate majors, environmental studies (ENVS) and environmental science and health (ENSH). Each of these majors lead to either a BA or BS degree.
The environmental studies degrees are built on specialized natural science and social science courses and a set of interdisciplinary courses focusing on sustainability. The social science core courses focus on environmental problems from political, legal, economic and international perspectives. Specially designed one-semester surveys of biology, earth science and chemistry provide the natural science competency for subsequent policy or science advanced course work in environmental studies. Four concentrations are available in the environmental studies degrees: sustainability, energy and society; oceans, life and people; climate, earth and environment; and environmental public policy. Each concentration culminates in the capstone experience of a senior seminar focusing on environmental problem-solving by interdisciplinary teams. A single 24-unit environmental studies minor is derived from the core major curriculum.
The environmental science and health degrees combine the interdisciplinary courses on sustainability described above and some of the environmental social science content with traditional biology and chemistry content to provide options for students preparing for one of the health professions with an undergraduate emphasis on environmental sustainability. The BS in environmental science and health incorporates recommended preparation for medical schools. The BA in environmental science and health may be appropriate for students preparing for other graduate or professional training as well as students pursuing double majors.
The environmental studies courses common to both majors emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of environmental problems. Some of the major courses are team-taught by faculty with complementary backgrounds in science and policy. A number of opportunities are provided for field studies from the urban Los Angeles environment to marine protected areas on the coasts of the California Channel Islands. More intensive field study opportunities include "Problems Without Passports" courses with international components. Note that some of the field studies opportunities require travel to remote, rural locations and study under sometimes physically and mentally demanding conditions. These trips require a willingness to conform to the announced guidelines for conduct and safety.
The environmental studies program in collaboration with the Department of Biological Sciences and the Wrigley Marine Science Center has created a Catalina sustainability semester focusing on California marine, coastal and island sustainability. This semester-long program is offered in spring 2016. The 16 units of course work in this program will be taught in a block format (sequential) and are designed to take advantage of the unique facilities and settings of Catalina Island. Enrolled students will be provided with food and lodging at the Wrigley Marine Science Center at rates roughly comparable to the services on the University Park Campus.
Suggested preparation for the Catalina sustainability semester includes completion of either ENST 100, BISC 120Lg or comparable experience. Prospective applicants are urged to contact the Environmental Studies Office in SOS B15 early in the fall semester prior to enrollment and no later than October 15 for consideration.
The Master of Arts degree program in environmental studies is also interdisciplinary and focuses on public policy and its related facets. Those who graduate with an MA in environmental studies are well prepared to pursue careers in policy, planning or management in the public, private or nonprofit sector in either this country or abroad. In addition, the curriculum provides students with a foundation for acquiring a PhD in environmental studies or a related field, or a law degree. Individuals who are already employed in the pollution control and remediation field will find the MA degree attractive as well. Upon completion of the graduate program, students will possess extensive knowledge of environmental science, environmental statistics and economics, law and regulation, policy and planning, development and economic growth, and global issues and problems.
The Master of Science degree in environmental risk analysis focuses on providing advanced professional training for students with a BS degree in natural sciences or engineering. Students will pursue a core program encompassing science, engineering and finance supplemented with important skills courses in risk assessment, statistics and computer modeling and simulations. Those who graduate with the MS degree will be well prepared to pursue professional careers in business and industry, which build on their degrees in the natural sciences. This degree will produce individuals with the analytical and problem-solving skills of natural scientists combined with the necessary training in finance and management needed in the business world.
This progressive degree program allows superior USC undergraduates completing a bachelor's degree in a related natural science or environmental policy area to also complete a master's degree in environmental studies in as little as five years. An overall GPA of 3.2 or higher in all courses taken at USC is preferred. A 3.2 GPA does not guarantee acceptance. For more information about progressive degrees, see this page.
*Prerequisite or recommended preparation
*Prerequisite or recommended preparation
In addition to the 48-unit core:
*MATH 118gx is not available as an alternative to MATH 125 for the BS ENVS with a concentration in Climate, Earth, and the Environment since this concentration requires MATH 125 and MATH 126. MATH 125 has a prerequisite of either the math placement exam or MATH 108. MATH 114 is a prerequisite for PSYC 274Lg.
**ENST 298aL, ENST 298bL is a corequisite for ENST 480. ENST 480 cannot be double-counted for BS ENVS degree credit.
***ENST 310, SSCI 301, ENST 442, and ENST 485 cannot be double-counted for BS ENVS degree credit.
In addition to the 48-unit core:
*MATH 118gx is not available as an alternative to MATH 125 for the BS ENVS with a concentration in Climate, Earth, and the Environment since this concentration requires MATH 125 and MATH 126. MATH 125 has a prerequisite of either the math placement exam or MATH 108. MATH 114 is a prerequisite for PSYC 274Lg.
**ENST 298aL, ENST 298bL is a corequisite for ENST 480. ENST 480 cannot be double-counted for BS ENVS degree credit.
***ENST 310, SSCI 301, ENST 442, and ENST 485 cannot be double-counted for BS ENVS degree credit.
In addition to the 48-unit core:
*MATH 118gx is not available as an alternative to MATH 125 for the BS ENVS with a concentration in Climate, Earth, and the Environment since this concentration requires MATH 125 and MATH 126. MATH 125 has a prerequisite of either the math placement exam or MATH 108. MATH 114 is a prerequisite for PSYC 274Lg.
**ENST 298aL, ENST 298bL is a corequisite for ENST 480. ENST 480 cannot be double-counted for BS ENVS degree credit.
***ENST 310, SSCI 301, ENST 442, and ENST 485 cannot be double-counted for BS ENVS degree credit.
In addition to the 48-unit core:
*MATH 118gx is not available as an alternative to MATH 125 for the BS ENVS with a concentration in Climate, Earth, and the Environment since this concentration requires MATH 125 and MATH 126. MATH 125 has a prerequisite of either the math placement exam or MATH 108. MATH 114 is a prerequisite for PSYC 274Lg.
**ENST 298aL, ENST 298bL is a corequisite for ENST 480. ENST 480 cannot be double-counted for BS ENVS degree credit.
***ENST 310, SSCI 301, ENST 442, and ENST 485 cannot be double-counted for BS ENVS degree credit.
In addition to the 48-unit core:
*MATH 118gx is not available as an alternative to MATH 125 for the BS ENVS with a concentration in Climate, Earth, and the Environment since this concentration requires MATH 125 and MATH 126. MATH 125 has a prerequisite of either the math placement exam or MATH 108. MATH 114 is a prerequisite for PSYC 274Lg.
**ENST 298aL, ENST 298bL is a corequisite for ENST 480. ENST 480 cannot be double-counted for BS ENVS degree credit.
***ENST 310, SSCI 301, ENST 442, and ENST 485 cannot be double-counted for BS ENVS degree credit.
In addition to the 48-unit core:
*MATH 118gx is not available as an alternative to MATH 125 for the BS ENVS with a concentration in Climate, Earth, and the Environment since this concentration requires MATH 125 and MATH 126. MATH 125 has a prerequisite of either the math placement exam or MATH 108. MATH 114 is a prerequisite for PSYC 274Lg.
**ENST 298aL, ENST 298bL is a corequisite for ENST 480. ENST 480 cannot be double-counted for BS ENVS degree credit.
***ENST 310, SSCI 301, ENST 442, and ENST 485 cannot be double-counted for BS ENVS degree credit.
In addition to the 48-unit core:
*MATH 118gx is not available as an alternative to MATH 125 for the BS ENVS with a concentration in Climate, Earth, and the Environment since this concentration requires MATH 125 and MATH 126. MATH 125 has a prerequisite of either the math placement exam or MATH 108. MATH 114 is a prerequisite for PSYC 274Lg.
**ENST 298aL, ENST 298bL is a corequisite for ENST 480. ENST 480 cannot be double-counted for BS ENVS degree credit.
***ENST 310, SSCI 301, ENST 442, and ENST 485 cannot be double-counted for BS ENVS degree credit.
In addition to the 48-unit core:
*MATH 118gx is not available as an alternative to MATH 125 for the BS ENVS with a concentration in Climate, Earth, and the Environment since this concentration requires MATH 125 and MATH 126. MATH 125 has a prerequisite of either the math placement exam or MATH 108. MATH 114 is a prerequisite for PSYC 274Lg.
**ENST 298aL, ENST 298bL is a corequisite for ENST 480. ENST 480 cannot be double-counted for BS ENVS degree credit.
***ENST 310, SSCI 301, ENST 442, and ENST 485 cannot be double-counted for BS ENVS degree credit.
*ENST 100 is a corequisite for GEOL 160Lg.
The focus of the MS, Environmental Risk Analysis degree is on advanced training for students with an existing science background. Students will enter the MS program with a BS degree in a core natural science field or in engineering, environmental science and certain fields of geography. Students take a core curriculum in science, engineering and finance, which is supplemented by important tools courses in risk assessment, statistics and computer modeling. Students learn about the basics of environmental science in a two-semester combination of courses and seminars (ENST 501, ENST 502, ENST 503, ENST 504). An advanced environmental science seminar (ENST 505a, ENST 505b) is offered in a two-semester sequence and ties together science, technology and finance with risk assessment and policy. The first semester of the course is devoted to analyzing case studies taken from business, industry and government. During the second semester students work on a project that employs the tools they have acquired in linking science, policy, technology and finance.
A master's thesis is not required for the MS degree. The MS degree in environmental risk analysis will give students the quantitative skills needed to understand and assess environmental risks and to use that information in business, industry, government and society.
A minimum of 48 units is required.
*ENST 502 and ENST 504 are corequisites for ENST 501 and ENST 503, respectively, and ENST 501 is a prerequisite for ENST 503.
One graduate-level science course from outside undergraduate major and two graduate-level science courses
Students who wish to enter the Master of Science program in environmental risk analysis are expected to have a GPA of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0). Students with a baccalaureate degree in the natural sciences, mathematics, environmental science, geography and engineering will be admitted into the program. It is recommended that students have completed an introductory human environment, social ecology or environmental studies course in the social sciences as well as a course in economics and/or environmental policy. The director of the Environmental Studies Program will consider relevant course work and work experience as a possible substitute for the required and recommended course work.
Selection for graduate study is based on letters of reference, the student's previous academic record, the Graduate Record Examinations and a statement of purpose of graduate study.
Applicants should contact the Environmental Studies Program office for an admission package. All applicants should return their applications by March 1 for full consideration. The following components of the application are required: (1) a completed USC Application for Admission to Graduate Studies; (2) official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work taken to date; (3) the results of the General Test of the GRE or notification of when it will be taken and that a request has been made to send the results to USC; and (4) at least three letters of recommendation from persons directly familiar with the student's academic work and potential for successful graduate study.
Advisement for the graduate program in environmental studies is viewed as an ongoing process. Before entering graduate school and during the first months of graduate school, each student should work with the director of the Environmental Studies Program on devising a plan for completing his or her course work.
The master's degree in environmental risk analysis is under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and the Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degree must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
The master's degree program in environmental studies focuses on issues and problems concerning environmental policy. A main goal of the graduate program is to educate students who already have a good grounding in the natural sciences about central theories, concepts and principles in environmental policy. A minimum of 41 units is required to receive an MA in environmental studies.
A master's thesis is not required for the MA degree.
A minimum of 41 units is required. All courses are 4 units unless otherwise noted.
Core introductory course (4 units):
Natural resource conservation and planning course. Select one from the following:
Statistics course. Students select one of the following:
Students who wish to enter the Master of Arts program in environmental studies are expected to have a GPA of at least 3.2 (A = 4.0). Students with a baccalaureate degree in any major are eligible the program. It is recommended that students have a semester of biology, a semester of chemistry, a course in earth sciences and a course in each of the following areas: a course in either earth, life, or physical sciences or engineering; a course in statistics (or calculus); and an introductory human environment, social ecology or environmental studies course in the social sciences at the undergraduate level prior to applying for admission. The director of the Environmental Studies Graduate Program will consider relevant course work and work experience as a possible substitute for the required and recommended course work.
Selection for graduate study is based on letters of reference and the student's previous academic record.
Applicants should contact the Environmental Studies Program office for an admission package. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The following components of the application are required: (1) a completed USC Progressive Degree Application, (2) STARS report of all undergraduate and graduate course work taken to date, (3) at least two letters of recommendation from persons directly familiar with the student's academic work and potential for successful graduate study.
Advisement for the graduate program in environmental studies is viewed as an ongoing process. Before entering graduate school and during the first months of graduate school, each student should work with the director of the Environmental Studies Graduate Program on devising a plan for completing his or her course work.
The master's degree in environmental studies is under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and the Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degree must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Taper Hall of Humanities 155
(213) 740-3700
FAX: (213) 746-7297
Email: french@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/fren-ital
Chair: Sherry Velasco, PhD
Marion Frances Chevalier Professor of French and Professor of French and Italian and Comparative Literature: Peggy Kamuf, PhD*
Professors: Margaret F. Rosenthal, PhD*; Vanessa Schwartz, PhD (History)
Associate Professors: Edwin Hill, PhD; Natania Meeker, PhD; Panivong Norindr, PhD; Antonia Szabari, PhD
Assistant Professors: Gian-Maria Annovi, PhD; Olivia Harrison, PhD
Professor of the Practice of French: Alain Borer, PhD
Professor (Teaching) of Italian: Francesca Italiano, PhD
Professor (Teaching) of French: Béatrice Mousli Bennett, PhD, Chevalier de l'Ordre des Palmes Academiques
Associate Professors (Teaching) of French: Colin Keaveney, PhD; Julie Nack Ngue, PhD
Assistant Professors (Teaching) of Italian: Alessio A. Filippi, PhD; James Fortney, PhD; Antonio Idini, PhD; Francesca Leardini, PhD
Master Lecturers of French: Julia Chamberlain, PhD; Atiyeh Doreen Showrai, MA
Senior Lecturer of French: Nathalie C. Burle, EdD
Lecturers: Paulette Chandler, PhD; Jessica Kanoski, PhD; Guilan Siassi, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Marie-Florine Bruneau, PhD; Albert Sonnenfeld, PhD, Chevalier de l'Ordre des Palmes Academiques
Emeritus Associate Professor: Arthur E. Babcock, PhD
Emerita Associate Professor (Teaching) of French: Carol A. Hofmann, PhD
Professors: Elinor Accampo, PhD (History); Joseph Dane, PhD (English); Eunice Howe, PhD (Art History)
Associate Professor: David Rollo, PhD (English)
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
The Department of French and Italian offers majors and minors in French and Francophone Studies and in Italian. The study of French or Italian involves the mastery of the languages and their literary and cultural expressions in fiction and non-fiction, dramatic, cinematic and poetic texts, as well as the study of social and political institutions in their relationship to cultural production.
The department offers a variety of classes in French and Italian, as well as some courses with readings and discussion in English to satisfy diverse needs. Topics range broadly from the study of a single author or literary genre to current events, cinema and new media, gender and postcolonial studies, and literary criticism.
Courses are kept small to allow for maximum interaction between students and professors. Students in both French and Italian work closely with their advisers to develop an appropriate course of study. This often involves study abroad. The department runs summer programs in Dijon, France and Rome, Italy; students also attend semester- or year-long programs in Paris and Florence or Rome.
The MA and PhD degrees in Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture (French and Francophone Studies) are offered through the Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture program.
All French and Italian department majors should consult with the department student adviser and with our faculty adviser for French and Italian. Students should seek an appointment early in each semester so that an advisement file may be established for each student.
The BA in French with Honors is available to students who have an overall GPA of 3.0 and a GPA of at least 3.5 in courses counted for major credit. To complete the honors program the student must complete three 400-level courses and write an honors thesis of 25–30 pages in French in one of the 400-level courses. The topic of the thesis must be agreed upon with the instructor.
Undergraduate students must have completed one semester of upper-division French with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in French and overall. Graduate students must be candidates for advanced degrees in French.
A placement test is required of all students resuming French after high school courses in French.
The BA in Italian with Honors is available to students who have
an overall GPA of 3.0 and a GPA of at least 3.5 in courses counted
for major credit. To complete the honors program the student must
complete three 400-level courses and write an honors thesis of
25–30 pages in Italian in one of the 400-level courses. The topic
of the thesis must be agreed upon with the instructor.
Undergraduate students must have completed one semester of upper division Italian with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in Italian and overall.
A placement test is required of all students resuming Italian after high school courses in Italian.
For the lower division, FREN 250 French IV is required. The upper-division requirements include three core courses plus an additional six courses to be selected in consultation with the department adviser (no more than two of which may be in English). Of the additional six courses, at least two must be at the 400 level.
The BA in French with Honors is available to students who have an overall GPA of 3.0 and a GPA of at least 3.5 in courses counted for major credit. To complete the honors program the student must complete three 400-level courses and write an honors thesis of 25–30 pages in French in one of the 400-level courses. The topic of the thesis must be agreed upon with the instructor.
The upper-division requirements include one core course plus an additional five courses to be selected in consultation with the department adviser (no more than two of which may be in English). Of the additional five courses, at least two must be at the 400 level. A maximum of three courses may be completed outside the department.
Some or all of these courses may be waived by examination.
The BA in Italian with Honors is available to students who have an overall GPA of 3.0 and a GPA of at least 3.5 in courses counted for major credit. To complete the honors program the student must complete three 400-level courses and write an honors thesis of 25–30 pages in Italian in one of the 400-level courses. The topic of the thesis must be agreed upon with the instructor.
For the lower division, FREN 250 French IV is required. The upper-division requirements include two core courses plus an additional three courses to be selected in consultation with the department adviser (no more than one of which may be in English). One of the three required upper-division courses must be at the 400 level. FREN 310 and FREN 360 may not both be taken for credit toward the minor in French.
*FREN 310 and FREN 360 cannot both be taken for credit toward the minor in French.
The upper-division requirements include one core course plus an additional three courses to be selected in consultation with the department adviser (no more than one of which may be in English). Of the additional four courses, at least one must be at the 400 level.
Some or all of these classes may be waived by examination.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
College Academic Services Building 200
(213) 740-2961
dornsife.usc.edu/fsem
Director: Richard Fliegel, PhD
Freshman Seminars introduce freshmen to the larger academic world they are now entering. These small group seminars address topics of current interest in contemporary research and scholarship.
Freshmen earn two units of baccalaureate credit through participation in these weekly seminars. Active exploration of the life of the mind is emphasized through a variety of classroom activities and assignments.
To encourage the relaxed interchange of information and ideas, most seminars are graded credit/no credit. Each seminar is limited in enrollment to 18 freshmen.
Freshman Seminars encourage the natural development of the mentoring relationship between faculty and students. An early start on building these connections enhances the opportunities for intellectual growth throughout the student's years at USC.
Freshman Seminars are offered for the fall and spring semesters in a variety of subjects. Individual topics are indicated by parenthetical titles in the Schedule of Classes (usc.edu/soc) under the FSEM designation or on the department's Website (usc.edu/fsem).
For further information, contact Richard Fliegel, PhD, (213) 740-2961, email: fliegel@usc.edu, or Marsha Chavarria-Winbush, (213) 740-2961, email: chavarri@usc.edu.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Mark Taper Hall of Humanities 422
(213) 740-8286
FAX: (213) 740-6168
Email: gender@dornsife.usc.edu
Director: Alice Echols, PhD*
Barbra Streisand Professor of Contemporary Gender Studies and Professor of History and Gender Studies: Alice Echols, PhD* (History)
Professors: Joseph Boone, PhD (English); Jack Halberstam, PhD* (American Studies & Ethnicity); Sharon Hays, PhD (Sociology); Michael Messner, PhD (Sociology); Rhacel Parrenas, PhD (Sociology); Sherry Marie Velasco, PhD (Spanish and Portuguese)
Associate Professors: Tim Biblarz, PhD (Sociology); Sheila Briggs, PhD (Religion); Ange-Marie Hancock, PhD (Political Science); Sunyoung Park, PhD (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Karen L. Tongson, PhD (English)
Assistant Professor: Katie Hasson, PhD
Professors: Elinor Accampo, PhD (History); Lisa Bitel, PhD (History); David Cruz, PhD (Law); Diane Ghirardo, PhD (Architecture); Pierrette Hondagneu-Sotelo, PhD (Sociology); Janet Hoskins, PhD (Anthropology); Eunice Howe, PhD (Art History); Peggy Kamuf, PhD (French and Italian); Susan McCabe, PhD (English); Azade-Ayse Rorlich, PhD (History); Eliz Sanasarian, PhD (Political Science); Hilary Schor, PhD (English); Ellen Seiter, PhD (Cinematic Arts); David Sloane, PhD (Public Policy); Melora Sundt, PhD (Education); Ruth Wallach, MLS (USC Libraries); Holly Willis, PhD (Cinematic Arts); Diane Winston, PhD (Journalism and Religion)
Associate Professors: Marjorie Becker, PhD (History); Bettine Birge, PhD (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Kim Buchanan, LLM, JSD (Law); Tracy Fullerton, PhD (Cinematic Arts); Alice Gambrell, PhD (English); Sharon Gillerman, PhD (Hebrew Union College); Kara Keeling, PhD (Cinematic Arts); Paul Lerner, PhD (History); Tara McPherson, PhD (Cinematic Arts); Lori Meeks, PhD (Religion); Sunyoung Park, PhD (East Asian Languages and Cultures)
Assistant Professors: Katie Hasson, PhD (Sociology); Diana Williams, PhD (History)
Lecturer: M.G. Lord, PhD (Professional Writing)
Administrative Associates: Susan Harris, PhD (Joint Educational Project); Brie Loskota (Center for Religion and Civic Culture)
*Recipient of a university-wide or college teaching award.
The Gender Studies Program explores, across disciplines and cultures, the changing roles, functions and images of women and men from feminist perspectives. The undergraduate major focuses on the evidence and argument about what the places of women and men are in culture and what they should be. Course offerings include interdisciplinary core courses, selected cross-listed classes in more than 20 departments and the upper-division community internship and senior seminar. Majors work with program faculty, in conjunction with USC Dornsife College Advising, to develop a four-year program designed to meet their individual needs. The program also offers a minor and a graduate certificate for students majoring in other disciplines.
For the lower division, one of the following courses may be selected as the requirement:
For the upper division, 32 units of SWMS courses, including SWMS 301, SWMS 311 and SWMS 410, are required.
The Gender Studies Program offers a two-semester honors program, in which qualified students spend their first semester in an honors track in an upper-division seminar, usually SWMS 410 Senior Seminar in Gender Studies. During the second semester, all honors students are required to take SWMS 492 Honors Thesis, in which each completes a thesis project on a topic of his or her choosing under faculty direction. Contact the departmental honors director for further information. To graduate with honors, department majors must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 in their major course work.
The program offers a minor for students specializing in other disciplines. Twenty units of course work are required for completion of the minor in gender studies: SWMS 210 or SWMS 215; SWMS 301; SWMS 410; and two additional 4-unit upper-division SWMS courses. Since many SWMS courses are cross-listed, the two elective upper-division courses must be from two different departments.
The LGBTQ Studies minor focuses on how sexuality and sexual orientation shape gender identities, roles and status in societies past and present. Twenty units of course work are required for completion of the LGBTQ Studies minor: SWMS 210, SWMS 212 or SWMS 215 ; SWMS 306; and 12 units of upper-division electives.
Graduate students intending to concentrate in gender studies must be admitted to a USC graduate or professional program. While meeting the requirements for a departmental graduate degree, they may earn a certificate of competency in gender studies. To earn a certificate, students must take SWMS 560 and other courses from the SWMS list of graduate level courses, 500 and above, to a total of at least 12 units. No more than four units of directed research may be taken and those units must be taken as SWMS 590. Each academic department will determine the number of units completed which may be applied to the student's graduate degree in that department.
In addition to the completion of course requirements, students must include a focus on gender as part of their major department master's thesis, doctoral dissertation or law review note. Or they may take an oral examination on three research papers they have written within the areas of gender studies and on relevant graduate work pertaining to the field of gender studies. The oral exam will be administered by members of the Gender Studies faculty. A Gender Studies faculty member will be assigned as an adviser for each student. Gender Studies faculty will be responsible for judging the adequacy of the gender studies analysis in the student's thesis, dissertation or oral examination.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
College Academic Services Building 200
(213) 740-8555
Email: jmcody@dornsife.usc.edu
Interim Chair: Jane M. Cody, PhD
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Taper Hall of Humanities 255
(213) 740-2735
FAX: (213) 740-8560
Email: german@dornsife.usc.edu
Associate Professor (Teaching) of German: Britta Bothe, PhD
Assistant Professors (Teaching) of German: John W. Arensmeyer, Jr., PhD; Eve Lee, PhD
Emeritus Professor: Gerhard Clausing, PhD
Emeritus Associate Professor: Cornelius Schnauber, PhD
The USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences offers a variety of courses from basic and advanced language classes to literature classes and general and cultural topics.
Note: Students are no longer being admitted as majors in German.
See also Slavic Languages and Literatures.
Four courses — 16 units in the two areas of concentration.
*Prerequisite: GERM 201 or the equivalent by test.
(only one course each from HIST and IR may be counted toward the minor):
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Department of Anthropology
Grace Ford Salvatori 120
(213) 740-1902
Email: jsilverm@usc.edu
The Bachelor of Arts in Health and Humanity is a liberal arts degree. It is intended for students interested in fields that inform the health professions and in related questions about health and human experience. Courses in this interdisciplinary major meet many of the requirements for admission to the professional programs in medicine, nursing and other fields, but do not meet all of those entrance requirements. Some electives in this major have prerequisites in mathematics and physics that cannot be counted toward the 36-unit requirement in major electives. Students should consult their academic advisers for precise information on prerequisites and admission requirements for specific health fields.
Core: 24 units; experiential learning: 1–4 units; major electives: one thematic module 16–20 units, other electives 16–20 units; total requirements: 61–64 units including at least 36 upper-division units plus prerequisites for certain electives.
Choose one course. A health-related internship is required:
Choose one complete thematic module from the list below (16–20 units). Then choose additional electives from the list of modules to equal nine courses (36 units) in all. No more than two courses may be lower-division (100- or 200-level). At least two courses must come from Group A and two courses from Group B.
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Social Science Building 153
(213) 740-1657
FAX: (213) 740-6999
Email: history@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/hist
Chair: William Deverell, PhD
University Professor: Kevin Starr, PhD
University Professor and Leo S. Bing Chair in English and American Literature and Professor of English and History: Leo Braudy, PhD (English)
Barbara Streisand Professor of Contemporary Gender Studies and Professor of History and Gender Studies: Alice Echols, PhD*
Gordon L. MacDonald Chair in History and Professor of History and East Asian Languages and Cultures: Joan Piggott, PhD
Shapell-Guerin Chair in Jewish Studies and Professor of History: Wolf Gruner, PhD
Andrew W. Mellon Professor of the Humanities, Linda and Harlan Martens Director of the Early Modern Studies Institute and Professor of History and Anthropology: Peter C. Mancall, PhD
Turpanjian Early Career Chair in Contemporary Armenian Studies and Assistant Professor of History: Richard Antaramian, PhD
Professors: Elinor A. Accampo, PhD; Lisa Bitel, PhD; William Deverell, PhD*; Philip J. Ethington, PhD; Richard W. Fox, PhD; Ariela Gross, PhD (Law); Karen Halttunen, PhD; Deborah Harkness, PhD*; Daniel Klerman, PhD (Law); Carolyn Malone, PhD (Art History); John Pollini, PhD (Art History); Azade-Ayse Rorlich, PhD*; Steven J. Ross, PhD*; George J. Sanchez, PhD* (American Studies and Ethnicity); Mary Sarotte, PhD (International Relations); Vanessa Schwartz, PhD; Nayan Shah (American Studies and Ethnicity); Brett Sheehan, PhD*; David Sloane, PhD (Public Policy); Jacob Soll, PhD
Associate Professors: Marjorie R. Becker, PhD; Bettine Birge, PhD (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Daniela Bleichmar, PhD (Art History); Jason Glenn, PhD; Joshua Goldstein, PhD; Sarah Gualtieri, PhD*; Kyung Moon Hwang, PhD; Lon Kurashige, PhD; Paul Lerner, PhD*; Ramzi Rouighi, PhD; Francile Wilson, PhD (American Studies and Ethnicity)
Assistant Professors: Gerard Clinton Rainier Godart, PhD; Nathan Perl-Rosenthal, PhD; Diana Williams, PhD
Assistant Professor (Research): Peter Westwick, PhD
Assistant Professor (Teaching): Lindsay O'Neill, PhD
Adjunct Professor: Richard Hovannisian, PhD
Professor Emerita of History and John R. Hubbard Chair in British History Emerita: Judith Bennett, PhD*
Professor Emerita of History and John R. Hubbard Chair in British History Emerita: Cynthia Herrup, PhD
Professor Emerita and John R. Hubbard Chair Emerita in History: Carole Shammas, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Lois W. Banner, PhD*; Gordon M. Berger, PhD; Roger Dingman, PhD; Charlotte Furth, PhD; Paul W. Knoll, PhD; Franklin D. Mitchell, PhD; D. Brendan Nagle, PhD; Edwin J. Perkins, PhD; John E. Wills, PhD
Associate Professor Emeritus: Terry L. Seip, PhD*
*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award.
The Department of History offers courses in ancient, medieval and modern European history, including Russian history; in both North and Latin American history; in the history of East Asia; and in world history. Some of the department's courses are chronological, some national or regional and some are thematic, with special strengths in gender, race and ethnicity, popular culture, medicine and urban history. The faculty is committed to continuous review and revision of the department curriculum, as student needs and professional emphases shift. Many departmental courses meet general education requirements, and various programs for majors and non-majors are available.
The department offers an honors program for qualified seniors. Honors programs are individually arranged through consultation with the honors director, and completion of an honors thesis is required.
The Department of History offers the BA, a minor, the MA and PhD in History; the BA in Law, History, and Culture; the BA in History and Social Science Education; and the minor in Resistance to Genocide.
The department sponsors its own local chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honor society. Phi Alpha Theta provides opportunities for students to take their interest in history beyond the classroom and to cultivate their intellectual pursuits in a community setting.
Membership is open to history majors and other interested students with a 3.33 GPA in history courses and a 3.0 overall GPA. For more information contact the honors director.
All history department majors should consult with the department student adviser and with one of our faculty advisers. Students should seek an appointment early in each semester so that an advisement file may be established for each student. The file will be kept current.
See the Department of Middle East Studies for a complete listing of requirements.
The department offers a two-semester honors program, in which qualified students spend their first semester in an honors track in an upper-division seminar or take HIST 490x Directed Research in their concentration. During the second semester, all honors students are required to take HIST 492 Honors Thesis in which each completes a thesis project on a topic of his or her choosing under faculty direction. Contact the department honors director for further information. To graduate with honors, department majors must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 in their major course work.
Credential requirements in California and elsewhere are complex and changeable. Students interested in preparing for public school teaching should contact the Credentials Office, Rossier School of Education, and the undergraduate adviser, Department of History, for up-to-date information.
This minor brings together the resources of the departments of English, History and Art History to study the literatures and cultures of Europe and the Americas from the late medieval period to 1800. For a complete listing of requirements, see Department of English.
See the Department of Middle East Studies.
See Department of Political Science.
See Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures.
See Department of Political Science.
The graduate program in history provides advanced training in historical research and writing leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree. Once admitted to the PhD program, a student in exceptional cases may work for a Master of Arts degree, but the department does not accept applicants for an MA. For further information, contact the director of the graduate program for the Department of History.
An applicant should have an undergraduate degree or an MA degree in history or a related discipline. Promising students trained in other fields will also be considered.
All applicants must take the general test of the Graduate Record Examinations. The subject test in history is not required. In addition, applicants must submit at least three letters of recommendation from college-level instructors and a sample of written work from a college-level history, social science or humanities course. This material should be submitted to the director of the graduate program for the Department of History.
For complete information on the doctoral programs, prospective applicants should address inquiries to Graduate Admissions, Department of History, SOS 153, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0034. Information on the programs is also available online at usc.edu/schools/college/history/programs/graduate.
These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and The Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
Students should seek advice on their program of studies from the director of the graduate program, the professor in their major field of study and other members of their qualifying exam committee.
HIST 201 Approaches to History is required of all majors. In addition, ten courses in history are required, three at the lower-division level and six at the upper-division level. The three required lower-division courses must include one from the 100 level and one from the 200 level, and each of the three must be from a different geographic category. The department will accept scores of 4 or 5 on either Advanced Placement European History or Advanced Placement American History as a substitute for one requirement at the 100 level. At the upper division, majors are required to take a minimum of three courses in a thematic, temporal or geographic concentration they articulate under the guidance of faculty; they must also take at least two upper-division seminars, approved by the department, including one in their concentration. No more than 4 units of HIST 490x Directed Research may be counted as satisfying the upper-division seminar requirement.
For geographic breadth, at least one of the 10 courses must be taken from approved course work in each of the three following areas: Asia and Eurasia, Europe, and North and Latin America. For temporal breadth, at least one of the 10 courses must be taken from approved course work in each of the three following time periods: before 1300, 1300 to 1800, 1800 to the present. Students must consult with a department adviser in order to determine which courses meet these requirements.
This degree is designed for students who are interested in a career in secondary school teaching. The courses chosen reflect the content of subjects taught in high schools and middle schools in California and therefore should be useful for those contemplating the profession of teaching history and social studies. It does not, however, provide a waiver of the CSET examination.
Choose three from the following:
Choose one of the following:
Choose one of the following:
Choose one of the following:
(see under "required courses")
A capstone seminar, HIST 488 Teaching History in the Secondary Schools, will be taught by a member of the history department and will focus on the ways in which historical research is brought into middle and high school curriculum. Seminar participants will examine textbooks and other materials designed for history instruction; engage in independent research; write curriculum and/or classroom units or lesson plans; and visit classrooms to assist with history instruction in the schools.
This major is designed for students drawn to interdisciplinary study of legal and cultural issues, as well as those who intend to pursue a law degree. It offers students an interdisciplinary education in legal institutions, languages and processes that are central to social, cultural and political developments in the past and present, and play a critical role in shaping our most basic concepts and categories of thought and identity. It combines approaches from history, literature, philosophy, political theory, religion and classical studies to explore the law's position at the nexus of society. The major will help students develop the critical skills of reading, writing and analysis crucial to both a liberal education and the study of law. Students will gain theoretical and analytical perspectives on ethical, political and social issues relevant to law as they explore specific legal issues from a humanistic perspective.
This major requires 36 units from the following courses. Majors must complete all courses listed in Category 1 and seven courses from Categories 2.
(All courses required.)
(Seven courses required.)
The minor in the history and culture of business is available to all students in all schools and departments. It is designed to cultivate an understanding of business as it is embedded in changing cultural, social and political environments in the United States and around the globe. Completion of the minor requires twenty units; four units at the lower division and sixteen units at the upper division. At least eight units must be from Department of History course offerings. Interested students should meet with the undergraduate adviser for the Department of History.
Choose one course (4 units)*
*ECON 351 or ECON 352 may be substituted for the lower-division requirement.
Choose four courses (16 units), at least one from each of the groups below.
The minor in history is available to students in all schools and departments. The study of history deepens our understanding of peoples and societies and expands our knowledge of important issues operative in the world today. History minors will strengthen their skills in critical thinking, assessing evidence, and formulating clear and persuasive arguments both oral and written. History is essentially a laboratory of human experience, and students from a wide range of disciplines can discover new perspectives on their own intellectual interests through the study of the past.
Prerequisites: cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better and approval of a minor plan of study by the department's undergraduate adviser.
Requirements: 20 upper-division units, including a minimum of 16 upper-division units from Department of History offerings. The remaining 4 units may come from either (1) HIST 201 (preferable), or (2) upon the approval of a History Department adviser, 4 upper-division units from another department.
An appropriate capstone course chosen from 400-level seminar offerings must be included in the proposed program as part of the departmental work. The capstone course will normally be the last (or among the last) courses taken for the minor.
To resist genocide effectively, we need to understand its history — the factors that have brought it about and those that have enabled people to prevent, resist or recuperate from mass violence. This interdisciplinary minor draws upon USC faculty in 11 academic units researching the causes, results and representations of attempted genocide as well as resistance to genocidal mass violence. Courses include attention to different definitions of genocide, its occurrence around the world and its representation in literature and the arts.
The minor requires five courses (20 units); at least four must be at the upper-division level. As with all minors, students must choose at least four courses (16 units) outside their major department and four courses (16 units) that are not being used to satisfy any other subject requirement.
Choose one course (four units) from the following list:
Choose four courses (16 units) from the lists below, at least one from each list:
*Prerequisite: PSYC 355
The department does not accept applicants for a Master of Arts degree in history. The MA degree is intended only as a transitional degree in the process of completing requirements for the PhD in history.
Students are required to demonstrate competence in one foreign language, with the exception that none is required of majors in United States history.
All students must enroll in HIST 500 Introduction to Graduate Historical Studies, and it is recommended that it be completed in the first year of residence.
Students must take a minimum of six graduate courses, including HIST 500 plus HIST 594a, HIST 594b Master's Thesis. No more than two 400-level courses may count toward this total. A thesis must be written and defended.
This plan requires the approval of the student's master's committee chair to substitute a comprehensive examination for the thesis. If approved, the student completes eight graduate level courses, including 500, with no more than two 400-level courses counting toward this total, plus written exams in three fields, one of which may be in another department. Examinations are normally offered in October and April. An oral examination may be given at the discretion of the master's committee. Examinations are graded on an honors, pass or fail basis. Any student who receives a grade of fail in two examinations is considered as not having qualified for the degree. A student who receives one fail must retake an examination in that field at the next scheduled examination period. An examination cannot be retaken more than once.
Application deadline: December 1
The history profession nationwide combines a traditional emphasis on geo-temporal fields (e.g., U.S. in the 19th century; medieval Europe) with a new emphasis on trans-nationalism, comparative history and interdisciplinary investigation. The USC program is at the forefront of these trends. Following the traditional emphasis, each graduate student must declare a major field in a geo-temporal area at the time of application to the program. Major fields of study include: China, Japan, Korea, Latin America, Middle East, American/United States, medieval Europe, early modern Europe and modern Europe. The purpose of the major field is to prepare students broadly for teaching and research.
By the beginning of his or her second year in the program, each graduate student must declare a minor field and an area of specialization. The minor field is intended to broaden skills beyond the geo-temporal boundaries of the major field; the area of specialization is intended to deepen the student's scholarly training in the chosen area of the dissertation. The minor field may be chosen from the list of major fields (i.e., a student entering the program with American/U.S. as a major field might select "modern Europe" as a minor field), or it may be conceived comparatively, thematically or cross-disciplinarily. Possible minor fields include: Latin America; premodern Japan; the colonial Americas; gender and sexuality; visual culture; and anthropology. Possible fields for the area of specialization include: 19th or 20th century U.S. intellectual history; visual culture of the 20th century; modern European cities; and the American West. These lists are not exhaustive and are meant to suggest only possible courses of study.
For the major field, each student must take a minimum of four courses; for the minor field two courses; for the area of specialization three courses. Either the minor field or the area of specialization must be outside the major field of study, transnational or outside the discipline of history. Each student must consult with his or her adviser in putting together these fields of study.
Students are required to demonstrate competence in two foreign languages to be selected in consultation with the faculty adviser. Students in United States history may substitute competence in quantitative methods for one foreign language. The requirements in this category must be met before a student is eligible to take the qualifying examination.
All entering students (including those with MA degrees) are required to take HIST 500 in their first semester of study. All students are required to take two 600-level research seminars in the History Department. At least one of these seminars must be in the major area of study. Students must complete a minimum of 60 units of course work. No more than 8 units of the 60 may be in HIST 794a, HIST 794b, HIST 794c, HIST 794d, HIST 794z (dissertation writing). Students must complete at least 30 units of graduate course work within the History Department.
The performance of every doctoral student is formally evaluated by the full faculty of the History Department, normally at the end of the spring semester and before a student has completed 24 units toward the degree. Unsatisfactory progress toward the degree requires either remedy of the deficiencies or termination of the student's graduate program. After successfully passing the screening procedures, each student establishes a qualifying exam committee which then supervises preparation for the qualifying examination.
Each student must set up a qualifying exam committee by the end of the third semester in residence. It includes at least five members, at least three of them from the History Department, and at least one of them from outside the History Department (this person must be a tenure-track faculty member from a PhD granting program). The qualifying exam committee will oversee the student's written and oral qualifying examination, which should be taken by the end of his or her fifth semester in residence and no later than the end of the sixth semester. The examination covers the major field, minor field and area of specialization. Students prepare for these exams by developing, in collaboration with their qualifying exam committee, reading lists for study in their major field, minor field and area of specialization.
The qualifying examination consists of two parts: (1) Three four-hour written responses, based, respectively, on the major field, the minor field and the area of specialization; (2) a two-hour oral session, which may include some discussion of the written exam. Students with one fail or more than two low-pass grades on the written responses will not be permitted to sit for the oral segment of the examination. The qualifying exam committee determines whether a student may retake any parts of the examination graded low-pass or fail.
A student must wait at least six, but not more than nine, months to retake any part, or all, of the qualifying examination. No part of the examination can be retaken more than once.
After students have successfully completed their qualifying examinations, they will select a dissertation committee consisting of at least three members, including at least two from the History Department. These individuals will be in charge of guiding the dissertation to completion. Within six months of passing the qualifying examination, students must submit a formal dissertation prospectus to all members of the dissertation committee and pass a one-hour prospectus defense convened by that committee. Some students (e.g., those whose major field is East Asia) can, with the approval of their dissertation committee, petition the Graduate Studies Committee for an extension of this six-month deadline. After passing the dissertation prospectus defense, a student is admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree. The student will thereafter concentrate on the dissertation. After a student becomes a doctoral candidate, he or she must register for HIST 794a, HIST 794b, HIST 794c, HIST 794d, HIST 794z Doctoral Dissertation each semester thereafter until the dissertation is completed.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
College Academic Services Building
(213) 740-2961
FAX: (213) 740-4839
Email: fliegel@college.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/interdisciplinary-studies
Faculty Director: Thomas Gustafson, PhD
Director: Richard Fliegel, PhD
The interdisciplinary major allows students to create an individual, original major. It is a flexible option available when a combination of existing majors and academic minors does not adequately fulfill a student's educational goals. With close advisement, students can build their own programs of study.
The interdisciplinary major is an intensive research program for students with a focused interest in a topic that requires study from more than one disciplinary perspective. Interdisciplinary majors are usually self-motivated students with good writing skills and an intellectual passion for a particular area of inquiry. Course work is selected to lead to a thesis project integrating the areas of research comprising the interdisciplinary major.
Admission to the interdisciplinary major is by application. Applications, which may be obtained from the program office, are considered by a special admissions committee. Interested students must have a GPA of 3.0 (A = 4.0) or above; those with less than a 3.3 are the exception. No one is usually admitted after the end of the first semester of the junior year.
Students in the program must meet all graduation requirements of the college. When admitted, students establish an academic "contract," which outlines each semester's course of study through graduation. The contract includes a minimum of nine (four unit) upper-division courses, distributed in at least two fields. The primary focus of the major should be in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. These areas of concentration must then be combined in a senior thesis or project, written under the guidance of a faculty committee.
Course prerequisites cannot be waived; admission to courses restricted to majors is subject to availability and direct negotiations; admission to departments and/or schools which have their own admission requirements must be processed separately.
See English for a full description of the major.
This minor is offered by faculty from several disciplines whose perspectives are brought to bear on issues and questions that should inform the judgements of capable, ethical leaders. Students are introduced to theoretical and historical models of leadership, engage in case studies of modern leaders, select critical electives that explore ethical and social considerations of leadership, examine professional applications of leadership principles, and integrate what they have learned in a capstone course. The emphasis of the minor is on leadership as expertise in community-building and takes advantage of USC's programs in community service, including the Joint Educational Project, the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics and other internships available through the Division of Student Affairs.
Five upper-division courses, totaling 20 units, are required.
Choose two:
Choose two:
This minor is intended for students who wish to understand the challenges associated with health care as an ethical issue in the international context. In doing so, it focuses on the convergence of three large fields of inquiry, raising questions about their intersection. Social justice is concerned with equity, with questions of fairness as they inform (or should inform) access to resources necessary for the survival and well-being of people around the globe.
To provide the necessary content, this minor presents an introduction to political economy, to cross-cultural approaches to health and wellness, and to theories of economic development as they relate to health care.
This minor is intended to prepare students for careers and leadership roles in the arenas of international health, medical ethics, overpopulation, economic development, human welfare and principles of social justice.
As with all minors, students should include four courses outside their major, four courses at the upper-division level, and four courses that are not being used to satisfy any other subject requirement. In addition, to satisfy this minor, students must choose courses from at least two different departments.
REQUIRED COURSE WORK: 24 units
Students should have some experience with engaging ethical questions or considering the context in which these issues arise, which can be accomplished by completing one of the following:
*Prerequisite: IR 210
The courses in this and the following categories provide an understanding of the forces that shape global development.
*Prerequisite: ECON 203 or ECON 205
These courses explore cultural attitudes and differences about health and wellness that affect decisions about health care.
*Prerequisite: PSYC 100
**Recommended preparation: PSYC 100
These courses familiarize students with the application of legal and ethical questions to social phenomena and the allocation of resources.
These three capstone courses examine efforts to introduce issues of social justice to the distribution of health care and other resources essential for human survival and well-being.
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Von KleinSmid Center 330
(213) 740-6278; 740-2136
FAX: (213) 742-0281
Email: sir@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/sir
Director: Robert English, Ph.D.
Robert R. and Katheryn A. Dockson Chair in Economics and International Relations and Professor of International Relations and Economics: Joshua Aizenman, Ph.D.
John A. McCone Chair in International Relations and Professor of International Relations and Law: Wayne Sandholtz, Ph.D.
Robert Grandford Wright Professor and Professor of International Relations and Middle East Studies: Laurie A. Brand, Ph.D.*
Dean's Professor of International Relations: Patrick James, Ph.D.*
University Professor, Wallis Annenberg Chair of Communication Technology and Society and Professor of Communication, Sociology, Planning, and International Relations: Manuel Castells, Ph.D. (Communication)
Professors: Jonathan D. Aronson, Ph.D.* (Communication); David Kang, Ph.D.; Steven L. Lamy, Ph.D.*; Najmedin Meshkati, Ph.D. (Civil and Environmental Engineering); Gerardo Munck, Ph.D.; Michael Parks (Communication); Philip Seib, J.D. (Communication); Mary Elise Sarotte, Ph.D.; Edwin M. Smith, J.D. (Law)
Associate Professors: Robert English, Ph.D.; Jacques Hymans, Ph.D; Saori N. Katada, Ph.D.; Daniel Lynch, Ph.D.; Brian Rathbun, Ph.D.; Carol Wise, Ph.D.
Assistant Professors: Pablo Barbera; Andrew Coe, Ph.D.; Benjamin Graham, Ph.D.; Jonathan Mark, Ph.D.; Nicholas Weller, Ph.D. (Political Science)
Professor of the Practice of International Relations and Economics: Lord John Eatwell, Ph.D.
Professors of the Practice: Carol Atkinson, Ph.D.; Geoffrey Wiseman, Ph.D.
Associate Professors (Teaching): Nina Rathbun, Ph.D.; Pamela K. Starr, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of the Practice: Jeffrey R. Fields, Ph.D.
Assistant Professors (Teaching): Douglas Becker, Ph.D.; Shannon Gibson, Ph.D.
Emeritus Professors: Peter A. Berton, Ph.D.*; Michael G. Fry, Ph.D.; Abraham F. Lowenthal, Ph.D.; John S. Odell, Ph.D.; Ron Steel, M.A.; Rodger Swearingen, Ph.D.; J. Ann Tickner, Ph.D.
Emeritus Professor of the Practice: Gary W. Glass, Ph.D.
*Recipient of university-wide or college award for teaching or research.
The School of International Relations (SIR) offers a B.A. in international relations; a B.A. in international relations (global business); a B.A. in international relations and the global economy; a progressive degree in international relations; a dual M.A. in international relations/Juris Doctor offered with the USC Gould School of Law; a Master of Public Diplomacy; and a Ph.D. in political science and international relations offered with the Political Science Department. The SIR also offers minors in global communication, international relations and international policy and management.
The SIR encourages undergraduate double majors, especially with economics, environmental studies, geography, history, journalism, foreign languages, political science and sociology. Programs are flexible, allowing students to gain a broad background in international studies and, at the same time, to specialize in a particular area. Minors in international relations; international policy and management; international urban development; and global communication, as well as interdisciplinary minors in nonprofits, philanthropy and volunteerism; and Russian area studies are also offered.
The honors program centers around the IR 494 Honors Thesis Seminar that culminates in a thesis based on original research. In the spring of the junior year, students who have earned a GPA of 3.5 in the major and an overall GPA of 3.3 submit an application, two letters of recommendation and a research proposal that identifies the thesis topic to the student affairs office. Upon admission to the program, the student identifies an appropriate faculty member to co-supervise the thesis and, in the fall of the senior year, enrolls in IR 311 to develop the formal research design and complete the literature review. Students may enroll in IR 311 in the fall of their junior year if their research interests are well specified. In the spring of the senior year, the student enrolls in IR 494. If the program is completed successfully (a B+ or better in IR 494, a major GPA of 3.5 and an overall GPA of 3.3 [A = 4.0]), the transcript will read "with Honors."
The Washington, D.C. Semester program provides a unique, semester-long opportunity to study and work in the nation's capital. The immersive program capitalizes on the D.C. experience. Courses are drawn from areas with direct policy relevance such as foreign policy, politics and the political process and economics. All students complete an internship with one of Washington's many policy-focused organizations, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, advocacy groups, think tanks, consulting firms and congressional offices. The Dornsife D.C. program is open to students from all majors while maintaining a focus on practical policy, both domestic and international.
See the department of Slavic Languages and Literature for program requirements.
The Bachelor of Science in Global Health Studies is a multidisciplinary degree of the Keck School of Medicine's Department of Preventive Medicine. Students complete course work in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies. For degree requirements, see Department of Preventive Medicine.
This progressive degree program permits superior students to complete all requirements for both the B.A. and the M.A. degrees in international relations in five years. Students may apply on completion of 64 units of course work, but not later than the end of their junior year (or the completion of 96 units). To be eligible for admission, students must have at least a 3.5 overall GPA and a 3.75 major GPA and must have completed IR 210 International Relations: Introductory Analysis and IR 211 International Relations: Approaches to Research, or equivalent courses, as well as at least two upper-division IR courses with at least one at the 400 level. The application for admission to a progressive degree program must be accompanied by an approved course plan proposal and letters of recommendation from two USC faculty members in the School of International Relations. The requirements for both the B.A. and M.A. degrees must be satisfied. Further details about progressive degrees can be found here.
Students enrolled in a progressive degree program are encouraged to pursue minors in either foreign language, economics, public policy or regional studies to attain regional and functional expertise in addition to their training in international relations.
See the USC Price School of Public Policy.
See Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures.
Advisement is required for all majors and minors. Students are encouraged to meet with School of International Relations advisers at least once a semester to review the direction of their individual programs. Students are also encouraged to seek the advisement of faculty members whose specializations are appropriate to their programs of study.
Students majoring in international relations who wish to develop their own specialization or emphasize a particular regional area may establish with a faculty adviser, or with School of International Relations advisers, an academic program that will accomplish the students' objectives.
The School of International Relations offers graduate curricula leading to several different graduate degrees. With courses and faculty renowned for their strengths in a great variety of fields — culture, gender and globalization, political economy, foreign policy and security, regional studies — our graduate international programs generally emphasize training for careers in advanced research and teaching. The school also welcomes professionally oriented students with related interests in fields such as law, communication, economics and business and public policy.
The School of International Relations has programs leading to a progressive B.A./M.A. in international relations; a dual M.A. in international relations/Juris Doctor offered with the USC Gould School of Law; a dual M.A. in international relations/Master of Planning and M.A. in international relations/Master of Public Administration offered with the USC Price School of Public Policy; Master of Public Diplomacy; and a Ph.D. in political science and international relations offered with the Political Science Department.
The School of International Relations welcomes talented candidates from a variety of academic backgrounds. Admission decisions are based on consideration of applicants' prior academic performance, as reflected in course grades and letters of recommendation. Applicants also are strongly encouraged to submit a sample of their written work in English, preferably a research-oriented paper. The committee also considers the potential for success in a graduate program based on Graduate Record Examinations scores. Business, government and other practical experiences related to international relations also are taken into account.
It is strongly recommended that master's and doctoral degree candidates should have completed at least one undergraduate course in statistics or quantitative methods and at least one course in economics before enrolling for graduate study. A course in social or political theory or international history also is highly desirable. The faculty may admit promising students who lack one or more of these courses. Students with this preparation tend to be more successful in the program and more likely to prosper in an academic or research setting afterwards.
These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and The Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
All graduate students are required to maintain regular contact with the graduate coordinator to assure compliance with departmental regulations.
Students in the progressive B.A./M.A. and joint M.A./J.D., M.A./MPl and M.A./MPA master's programs must show proficiency in at least one foreign language at the fourth semester level. In special instances a doctoral student's dissertation guidance committee may require a student to show research competence in one or two foreign languages. International students whose native language is not English may satisfy this requirement by submitting proof of their ability to read and understand social science materials in their native language where appropriate, or in another language in which significant social science material is available.
Students in the progressive B.A./M.A. and joint M.A./J.D., M.A./MPl and M.A./MPA master's programs must submit a substantive paper or alternative project. This requirement is meant to encourage students to polish articles that may ultimately prove suitable for publication, to develop materials that will display their talents for doctoral and graduate school admission committees or prospective employers, and to begin to develop dissertation proposals early in the graduate education process. A student may submit a revised version of a research paper or a detailed policy memorandum along with a copy of the original paper for which he or she received a grade of B+ or better in one international relations graduate class. Students may also submit a paper or project based on other original work. A two-person faculty examining committee, which must consist of School of International Relations faculty members, will evaluate the substantive paper or project and may, at their discretion, call the student for an oral examination on the project. The student may add a third outside member to the committee. They may also choose to examine the student on his or her course work in international relations.
Only students who have a degree objective of obtaining the Ph.D. will be admitted into the Political Science and International Relations program. However, interested students can obtain an M.A. degree while pursuing the Ph.D. The degree is awarded upon successful completion of (a) 28 units, including three of the five courses in the program's theory and methodology sequence, a master's thesis and registration in POSC 594a/POSC 594b or IR 594a/IR 594b; and (b) the approval of the master's thesis by the thesis committee.
These degrees combine the resources of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences' School of International Relations. The Master of Public Diplomacy is designed for students who already have a substantial undergraduate background in social sciences or relevant professional experience in subjects such as communication, film and media studies, journalism, political science, public relations and international relations. The Master of Public Diplomacy (Practitioner and Mid-Career Professional) is designed for students who have at least five years experience working in public diplomacy. See USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism for degree requirements.
See Political Science and International Relations for degree requirements.
The International Relations major requires a minimum of 48 units. All majors should complete IR 210gw International Relations: Introductory Analysis, IR 211g International Relations: Approaches to Research, IR 212 Historical Approaches to International Relations and IR 213 The Global Economy in their first 32 total units. The 200-level courses must be completed by the time they have completed 48 total units. The 200-level courses must be completed before attempting 400-level courses.
Four semesters of a single foreign language are required. All majors are encouraged to obtain as much foreign language training as possible either through a major or a minor in a foreign language or through a study program abroad.
Beyond IR 210, IR 211, IR 212 and IR 213, international relations majors are required to take eight additional upper-division courses. Majors must choose one course from each of the four fields: Culture, Gender and a Global Society; Foreign Policy Analysis; International Political Economy; International Politics and Security Studies. In addition, students must complete one course from Regional Studies (Europe; Russia, Eastern Europe and Eurasia; Latin America; the Middle East and Africa; or Pacific Rim). Finally, students must complete one 400-level course of their choice. Students are encouraged to explore different professional career options within international relations by enrolling in IR 391 Directed International Relations Field Study, a 2-unit course that can be repeated for major credit. Students may receive both general education credit and major credit for the same course.
This field explores identities and interests shaping the politics of intellectual global society.
This area examines the external relations of states, particularly the domestic and international factors that influence the formulation and implementation of national foreign policies. Factors within states (leadership, small group dynamics and domestic lobbying groups) and factors between states are stressed.
These courses focus on what used to be considered "low" politics, but which have become key issues. Money, trade, investment, development, the environment, law and foreign economic policy are examined.
War and peace are at the heart of relations among nations. These courses investigate defense analysis, arms control, peace-building and strategic studies. The domestic, technological and international factors influencing defense and arms control policies and negotiations are considered. The World Wars, Korea, Vietnam and the numerous crises of the Cold War are the backdrop in these courses.
The regional studies field focuses on geographic regions, such as the Pacific Rim, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. These courses test general theories of international relations within the framework of a specific region. The economic, political, ethnic and social history of a region are examined to help explain current developments and interstate and domestic policies and issues within a region.
The BA in International Relations with an emphasis in Global Business will give students the opportunity to pursue a degree in international relations and acquire specific skills in one of four concentrations in international business: international finance, international financial management, global marketing or global management. Students who have earned a GPA of 3.0 or above and a "B" average in IR 210 International Relations: Introductory Analysis and a second 300-level or above IR course are eligible to apply during their sophomore year.
before they can begin this program.
The BA in International Relations and the Global Economy (IRGE) offers students rigorous interdisciplinary training at the intersection of international relations and economics. The major prepares students for careers ranging from foreign policy and international development to international finance and political risk analysis. It is also ideally suited for students who plan to seek advanced degrees in the social sciences.
Choose one course (4 units):
Choose one course (4 units):
*Prerequisite required
The rise of global firms and international changes that followed the end of the cold war raise new opportunities and challenges. This minor provides students from fields such as business, journalism, engineering and political science an understanding of the dynamic nature of global relations, communications and technology. The global communication minor consists of six 4-unit courses, three from International Relations and three from Communication.
Select one 300- or 400-level IR course
The minor in international policy and management brings together courses from the School of International Relations, dealing with the new global challenges, specific regions of the world and international organizations and policies, and the USC Price School of Public Policy dealing with core management skills and public policy processes. Students will gain an understanding of the changes and challenges transforming the world and a taste of the policy and management skills to deal with them. To increase their understanding of the context and application of these concepts, students must complete a semester-long internship either in Washington, D.C. or Los Angeles with an organization that has an international focus.
Students take three courses in international relations, including the gateway course, IR 305 gw Managing New Global Problems, three courses in public policy and management, and an approved internship through the School of International Relations (IR 491x).
The public policy component requires the completion of the following three options:
Each student is required to complete an approved internship with an international focus. Students take a twounit internship through the School of International Relations (IR 491).
The minor in international relations allows students to develop a specialty in the field without a full major. Requirements are: IR 210gw International Relations: Introductory Analysis and four upper-division courses including at least one regional course and one 400-level course. Students planning to minor in international relations should see the School of International Relations advisers in Von KleinSmid Center 301.
Students who have the degree objective of joint MA programs (Master of Arts, International Relations/Juris Doctor; Master of Arts, International Relations/Master of Planning; and Master of Arts, International Relations/Master of Public Administration) must apply for an MA in International Relations. Students pursuing these joint programs must refer to the specific course requirements outlined for each program.
Students should consult with the school's faculty adviser each semester before registering for courses for the next semester. Students also are encouraged to seek advice from other faculty who work in areas related to their interests. Students may, if they wish and if a faculty member agrees, select a different faculty adviser from among the school's faculty. Consult with and inform the Office of Student Affairs regarding changes in faculty advisers.
The USC Gould School of Law and the School of International Relations jointly offer a three-year program leading to the JD and MA degrees. (Students may extend the dual degree program to four years.) Applicants must apply to both the law school and the School of International Relations and meet requirements for admission to both. In addition to the LSAT, students interested in this program are required to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Law students may apply to the School of International Relations during their first year at the law school.
In the first year, students take their course work in the law school exclusively. The second and third years include 24 units of courses in international relations and 40 units of law. Students pursuing the dual degree must complete LAW 662 or LAW 764 and one additional international law course. To earn the JD, all students (including dual degree students) must complete 35 numerically graded law units at USC after the first year. The associate dean may make exceptions to this rule for students enrolled in law school honors programs.
Students pursuing the dual degree must complete 24 units within the School of International Relations at the 500 level or above. These students are required to successfully complete IR 500 International Relations Theory, either IR 513 Social Science and Historical Research Methods: Introduction to Research Design or IR 517 International Policy Analysis, and two domain courses selected from among IR 502 Conflict and Cooperation, IR 509 Culture, Gender, and Global Society, IR 521 Introduction to Foreign Policy Analysis and IR 541 Politics of the World Economy. Like all other international relations master's degree programs, students in the dual degree program must complete a substantive paper or alternative project. The requirements, standards and evaluation procedure for the substantive paper are identical to those listed above for all MA students except that one member of the examining committee must come from the law school.
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Joint Educational Project House
801 W. 34th St.
(213) 740-1837
FAX: (213) 740-1825
Email: tanderso@usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/jep
Executive Director: Tammara Anderson
The Joint Educational Project (JEP) is one of the oldest and largest service-learning programs in the United States. Established in 1972, JEP places university students in supervised community service assignments as a part of their academic course work. JEP partners with more than 50 local organizations — including neighborhood schools, non-profit organizations, hospitals and health clinics and government agencies — to design service-learning projects that complement students' course work and address a community-identified need. Students serve in many capacities through JEP, such as tutor, mentor, teaching assistant, translator, research assistant or guide. JEP also houses two volunteer programs for pre-law and pre-med students — the Pre-Law Project and Trojan Health Volunteers — that give USC students practical experience in a legal or medical context. In the process, JEP students learn how to develop and apply knowledge, work in diverse social settings, become engaged in civic affairs, explore possible career paths and make professional contacts. "JEP" following a section number indicates that the professor will offer JEP as a course option.
JEP also houses the USC ReadersPLUS work-study program. "Readers" assist K-9 children in USC's "Family of Schools" in the areas of math and reading, allowing the USC students the opportunity to serve in the community while gaining work experience in an urban school environment.
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Hebrew Union College —Jewish Institute of Religion
3077 University Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 765-2113
FAX: (213) 747-6128
Email: louchheim@huc.edu,
hochman@usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/jewishstudies
Chair: Leah Hochman, PhD
Liaison: Carol Sofer
Professors: Reuven Firestone, PhD; Bruce Phillips, PhD
Associate Professors: Sarah Benor, PhD; Joshua Garroway, PhD; Sharon Gillerman, PhD; Leah Hochman, PhD; Joshua Holo, PhD; Dvora Weisberg, PhD
Assistant Professor: Lynn Kaye, PhD
Adjunct Associate Professor: Yaffa Weisman, PhD
Lecturer: Hagit Arieli-Chai, MAEd
Judaic Studies is offered by the Louchheim School for Judaic Studies, administrated by the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, an independent college adjacent to the USC campus. Students registering for classes in the program do so through the regular USC registration process. They receive regular course credit and their degrees from USC. Hebrew courses may be used to fulfill graduation requirements in a foreign language; courses which meet humanities general education requirements may be used as electives or may be used for major or minor credit with the approval of an adviser.
A Bachelor of Arts in Religion with an area of emphasis in Judaic Studies is offered cooperatively by the School of Religion and Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Program requirements are listed in this catalogue under Religion.
See the Department of Middle East Studies for a complete listing of requirements.
See the Department of Middle East Studies.
The minor in Jewish American Studies offers the opportunity to study the experiences and cultures of the American Jewish community in relation to those of other American peoples. For the minor, 20 units of American Studies and Judaic Studies are required.
The minor in Judaic Studies provides the opportunity for in-depth study of Jewish history, literature, politics, culture, religion, sociology and gender studies using approaches developed through multidisciplinary approaches. Courses offered cover a broad time span — the ancient Near East to contemporary America — and they challenge and stimulate students to examine and learn about Jewish culture as a topic of scientific interest.
For the minor, 20 units in Judaic Studies and Religion are required. The following courses are required: REL 301 and JS 180. Three additional courses may be chosen from among JS 321, JS 340, JS 361, JS 375, JS 382, JS 383, JS 415 and REL 312. Successful completion of five 4-unit courses or the equivalent in Jewish American Studies is required to qualify for the minor.
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Physical Education Building 107
(213) 740-2492
FAX: (213) 740-7909
Email: knsl@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/kinesiology
See faculty listing for Biological Sciences (Human and Evolutionary Biology)
Laboratory Manager: Emi Embler, PhD
The Department of Kinesiology offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the scientific study of human movement. The undergraduate curriculum is designed to provide a broad and comprehensive understanding of the human body at work. This includes studies of basic underlying parameters, as well as applications relevant to understanding human movement. The course work necessarily derives from a variety of disciplines, including physiology, anatomy, biochemistry, biomechanics, nutrition and psychology. As such, an undergraduate degree in human performance provides excellent training for students wishing to pursue further graduate or professional studies in health-related fields.
At the graduate level students are expected to specialize in one area, i.e., exercise physiology or biomechanics. These represent areas of active research by department faculty. The focus is on preparing individuals who will contribute to research and scholarship in their chosen discipline.
The specific degree requirements include 24 units of required core
courses within human biology and 12 units of required collateral
course work within the sciences. Students must also complete 8
units from a list of restricted electives.
See the Website for details or email Laura Ames at ames@usc.edu.
*Current syllabi for all human biology (HBIO) courses can be found in the USC Schedule of Classes.
Students must obtain a minimum GPA of 2.0 or better (cumulative) for the required core requirements, the required collateral courses, and the 16 units of required electives. In addition, a minimum grade of C- (1.7) will be allowed for each of the courses in the required core courses. This requirement will be effective for incoming students (freshmen or transfers) as well as for graduation from USC.
For students who would like to obtain basic knowledge of kinesiology but are majoring in another area, a minor in this field is offered. The minor may be ideal for someone pursuing a career in the management area of health and corporate fitness.
A minor in a health-related science may also be desirable for those in engineering or the physical sciences. Students pursuing a teaching or coaching career at the secondary school level may also benefit from knowledge in this area.
*Math 117 Introduction to Mathematics for Business and Economics, MATH 118x Fundamental Principles of Calculus or MATH 125 Calculus I are acceptable equivalent courses for MATH 108 Contemporary Precalculus.
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Richard Fliegel, PhD
(213) 740-2961
Email: fliegel@usc.edu
A research university provides many opportunities for undergraduates to learn in settings that suit a wide variety of learning styles, talents and professional aspirations. Beyond the classroom lie opportunities for individual and collaborative research projects, creative literary work, the plastic and performing arts, service learning and internships, distance and distributive learning, overseas study and a range of other activities. To track an idea from its genesis in research to its application as the solution of a contemporary problem, students must be able to take advantage of all these learning modalities.
For that reason, the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences offers two curricular structures that enable non-traditional learning experiences to be credited across institutions. In both of these options, students work with a faculty committee to create individual learning opportunities suited to their personal academic interests and professional aspirations. The first allows self-motivated, independent learners to combine resources in a particularly rich learning experience, while the second promotes collaborative learning across several aligned modalities.
The USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences offers a curricular construct (MDA 460) designed to promote collaborative learning. Two or more students may propose a research project or other collaborative program, with specified learning objectives; a faculty committee will review each proposal to decide if it comprises a well-conceived educational experience and determine the unit values to be awarded, either collectively or to each student who participates. Collaborative Learning Projects award only credit or no credit grades.
Individual Programs of Study (IPOS) allow individual students to design a "curriculum" of 2 to 18 units, including directed research, service learning and internships, creative artistic production and any other educational experiences that might be relevant to the proposed academic program.
An Individual Program of Study (MDA 450) might be created for an entire semester's work, including directed research, an internship and a distance learning course. Or, a more modest proposal might include 4 units of original artwork plus service learning.
Individual Programs of Study encourage students to design educational experiences that inspire them, prompting a profound engagement with a learning environment ideally suited to their individual talents. Individual Programs of Study may include a wider array of educational contexts, experiences and opportunities for nontraditional learning than are generally available for credit at most institutions of higher education. Individual Programs of Study are letter graded.
Students who are interested in proposing either an Individual Program of Study or a Collaborative Learning Project must complete an application that includes:
These materials will be reviewed by three faculty members comprising an Independent Study Committee, which will consider the student's academic record and decide whether to allow the project, how many units to award and other relevant conditions.
Members of the Independent Study Committee are appointed by the vice dean of academic programs of the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences for an academic year; they consult with a representative of the Registrar's Office on articulating credits. If a member of the committee wishes to serve as the sponsor for a project, the vice dean will appoint an alternate to serve on the committee and consider that student's proposal.
Credits count as elective units, unless individual departments choose to apply some or all of the units toward major or minor requirements. A student may count no more than 18 units toward the degree through a combination of Individual Programs of Study and Collaborative Learning Projects. Upon completion of the project, the student's transcript reads "Individual Program of Study" or "Collaborative Learning Project," with the units awarded and the titles of any courses included in the program. See Multidisciplinary Activities for MDA 450 and MDA 460 course descriptions.
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Office of Advanced and Professional Programs
Mark Taper Hall 355
(213) 740-1349
FAX: (213) 740-5002
Email: mls@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/mls
Interim Director: Richard Fliegel, PhD
University Professor: Kevin Starr, PhD* (History)
Florence R. Scott Professor of English: Tania Modleski, PhD (English)
Professors: Jack Halberstam, PhD* (American Studies and Ethnicity); Peter C. Mancall, PhD* (History); Edwin McCann, PhD* (Philosophy); Beth Meyerowitz, PhD* (Psychology); William G. Thalmann, PhD* (Classics)
Associate Professors: Emily Anderson, PhD (English); Roberto Ignacio Diáz, PhD* (Spanish and Portuguese); William R. Handley, PhD (English); Lori Meeks, PhD
Associate Professor (Teaching): Tok Thompson, PhD (Anthropology)
*Recipient of university-wide or college award for teaching or research.
A multidisciplinary degree program, the Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) is designed for motivated, collegeeducated individuals who wish to further their intellectual growth and pursue graduate work part-time or fulltime in the evenings.
The program centers on the major forces that are revolutionizing the way we conduct our professional lives, rather than on the individual liberal arts disciplines. In this way, subjects covered in the program's courses have immediate relevance to the problems and challenges of contemporary society. In particular, the program emphasizes some of the most fundamental dynamics shaping the contemporary world: urbanization and globalization, changing cultural landscape, and technological and environmental transformations.
The MLS is a year-round program consisting of nine 3-unit courses. The degree requires a core course and a summative project. Seven elective courses are chosen in consultation with the student's adviser and/or MLS program director.
Admission to the program is based upon possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, with a minimum 3.0 GPA. When possible, interviews will be conducted with applicants. Two letters of recommendation, a writing sample and a personal statement of purpose are required.
Nine courses (27 units), including the core course, LBST 500 (3 units), and the summative project, LBST 585a, LBST 585b, LBST 585z (3 units), are required.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Grace Ford Salvatori 301
(213) 740-2986
FAX: (213) 740-9306
Email: lingdept@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/ling
Chair: Andrew Simpson, PhD
Andrew Viterbi Professor of Engineering, Professor of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Linguistics and Psychology: Shrikanth (Shri) Narayanan, PhD (Electrical Engineering)
Myron and Marian Casden Director and Professor of Religion and Linguistics: Steve Ross (Religion)
Professors: Dani Byrd, PhD; Louis Goldstein, PhD; Audrey Li, PhD (East Asian Languages and Cultures); Andrew Simpson, PhD; Rachel Walker, PhD; Maria Luisa Zubizarreta, PhD
Associate Professors: Elena Guerzoni, PhD; Hajime Hoji, PhD; Elsi Kaiser, PhD; Toben Mintz, PhD (Psychology); Roumyana Pancheva, PhD; Barry Schein, PhD; Jason Zevin, PhD (Psychology)
Assistant Professors: Khalil Isakrous, PhD; Karen Jesney, PhD
Associate Professor (Teaching): Sandra Disner, PhD
Emeritus Professor: Edward Finegan, PhD*
*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award.
The Linguistics Department offers undergraduate (BA) and graduate (MA and PhD) programs. A wide range of courses allows students to study formal grammar (syntax, morphology, phonology, semantics); phonetics; psycholinguistics (natural language processing, first and second language acquisition, language disorders); sociolinguistics (discourse, quantitative approaches to style, linguistics and law); universals and typology; historical linguistics and Indo-European; East Asian linguistics (Chinese, Japanese, Korean); Germanic linguistics; Hispanic linguistics; Romance linguistics; Semitic linguistics; and Slavic linguistics.
The Linguistics Department emphasizes the study of language both as an abstract system and in its psychological and social contexts. In addition to introductory linguistics and courses in linguistic analysis, students take courses in psycholinguistics (language acquisition, processing, and language disorders) and/or sociolinguistics (language and society). The undergraduate major in linguistics focuses on how the human mind structures, processes and acquires language as well as how similar communication goals are met by diverse means in the languages of the world. Students are encouraged to pursue combined majors in Linguistics/Philosophy, Linguistics/Psychology and Linguistics/East Asian Languages and Cultures, as well as double majors with computer science or a language department. Please contact the department adviser for more information.
See Religion for a complete listing of requirements.
See the Department of Middle East Studies for a complete listing of requirements.
See the Department of Middle East Studies.
The graduate program in linguistics trains individuals to engage in the scientific study of human language. Course work emphasizes the structural aspects of language and the mechanisms of language change. Students work closely with faculty members on problems in linguistic theory, the description of particular languages, and variation across different users and contexts, focusing on their implications for understanding social and cognitive structures.
Applicants for admission to the graduate program are expected to have a bachelor's degree in linguistics or other appropriate field and knowledge of at least one foreign language. At the least, applicants are expected to have completed an introductory course in general linguistics. Other requirements for admission include: a detailed statement of purpose with specific information about interests and goals, scores from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), and at least three letters of recommendation from academic sources.
These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and The Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
The Foreign Language/Research Tool requirement may be satisfied by choosing from the following options:
(A) Demonstrate a working knowledge of a second language by:
(B) Demonstrate a working knowledge of statistics and experimental design by passing, with a grade of B or higher, LING 501a (or its equivalent) and a second course, such as LING 501b or its equivalent, where this knowledge is applied to a linguistic research problem.
The prior approval of the Graduate Studies Committee will be required to complete courses other than those listed above.
(C) Demonstrate the ability to use the computer as a research tool by passing, with a grade of B or higher, LING 585 (or its equivalent) or by completing a programming project related to linguistics; this should be equivalent in scope to a term project for a semester course.
The prior approval of the Graduate Studies Committee will be required to complete a course other than the one listed above.
The linguistics major with honors requires the student to complete the requirements for the major with a GPA of 3.5 or above and to complete in addition LING 497 Honors Thesis with a grade of B or better. Intent to complete the linguistics major with honors should be registered with the undergraduate adviser no later than the second semester of the junior year.
Two additional EALC courses from category IV or V. (After consultation with a department adviser, students may petition to use EALC courses not listed toward this requirement.)
The combined major in linguistics and philosophy with honors requires the student to complete the requirements for the major with a GPA of 3.5 or above and to complete in addition LING 497 Honors Thesis or PHIL 494 Senior Thesis with a grade of B or better. Intent to complete the major with honors should be registered with the undergraduate adviser no later than the second semester of the junior year.
The combined major in linguistics and psychology with honors requires the student to complete the requirements for the major with a GPA of 3.5 or above and to complete in addition either LING 497 Honors Thesis or PSYC 380 Junior Honors Seminar and PSYC 480 Senior Honors Seminar, with a grade of B or better. Intent to complete the major with honors should be registered with the undergraduate adviser no later than the second semester of the junior year.
The undergraduate minor program gives students the opportunity of supplementing their major with an emphasis in Arabic and Middle East Studies. The 20-unit interdisciplinary minor is designed for students who want to explore and develop a critical understanding of Middle East history, culture, religion and global issues as well as acquire excellent knowledge of the Arabic language.
*Cannot replicate IR 363 or POSC 351
The department does not accept applicants for a Master of Arts degree. All graduate work in Linguistics at USC is taken as part of the PhD program, and the MA in Linguistics is intended only as a transitional degree in the process of completing requirements for the PhD.
A student admitted to the graduate program may choose later to earn a terminal MA degree, or may be invited by the department to attempt a terminal degree.
Students pursuing the PhD program in linguistics are required to complete 32 units of course work toward the MA degree. The choice of courses is subject to approval by the Graduate Studies Committee. In addition, students must satisfy one foreign language or research tool requirement. (See Foreign Language/Research Tool Requirement.)
In addition to course work and the foreign language/research tool requirement, students are also required to write one research paper the contents of which represent a distinct area. The completed paper must be submitted to the Graduate Studies Committee no later than the student's fourth semester of graduate study by the deadline established for that academic year. Following submission of the research paper, each student will conduct an oral defense of his or her work.
Application deadline: December 1
Students pursuing the PhD in Linguistics are required to complete a minimum of 60 units of course work beyond the baccalaureate. In addition to the 32 units completed toward the MA, students are required to take three 600-level seminars in linguistics and a minimum of four units of 794ab Doctoral Dissertation. No more than eight units of 794 may be applied toward the PhD degree. A maximum of 30 transfer units, approved by the university and the department may be applied to the PhD degree.
After successfully completing the screening procedure, students will establish a qualifying exam committee to determine a PhD course program in preparation for the dissertation. This course program must be approved by the Graduate Studies Committee.
Students seeking the PhD in linguistics must demonstrate knowledge of two foreign language/research tools with at least one of them falling under Option A. One of these two foreign language/research tools is satisfied as an MA requirement. See Foreign Language/Research Tool Requirement.
The student in his or her first semester will have the option of either selecting a faculty adviser or postponing such a selection until, but no later than, the last day of classes of the first year in the program. The Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) will serve as a provisional adviser until the student makes a selection.
The student has the option of changing advisers at any time without the need to seek the original adviser's approval. The student should inform the GSC and the previous adviser of the change.
At the beginning of the second year of graduate study, the faculty adviser will assist the student in planning a program of study appropriate to the student's interests leading to the screening procedure.
Students pursuing the PhD program in linguistics are required to complete 32 units of course work toward the MA degree. See Waiver and Substitution of Course Requirements for possible exceptions.
Before a doctoral qualifying exam committee can be established for applicants to the PhD program, a student must pass a screening procedure. This procedure consists of a review of the student's graduate work at USC by Linguistics Department faculty. The review will be based on the following criteria: course work completed, including grades and papers; faculty recommendations; and evaluation of both the student's MA research paper and a PhD screening paper. The MA research and PhD screening papers must be in two different sub areas of linguistics, for example: syntax and psycholinguistics, or phonology and semantics, or sociolinguistics and typology.
The MA research paper must be completed and defended prior to the end of the fourth semester of graduate study, and the PhD screening paper must be completed and defended prior to the end of the fifth semester. The set of courses leading to the MA research paper and the PhD screening paper are determined through recommendation of the screening committee and approval of the Graduate Studies Committee.
Following the successful completion of the screening procedure, the student will establish a five-member qualifying exam committee. The qualifying exam committee is composed of at least five members; a minimum of three, including at least one tenured member, must be from the Linguistics Department and one must be a faculty member from outside the Linguistics Department. The Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Programs is ex officio a member of all qualifying exam committees. (Refer to the Graduate School Policies and Requirements for instructions on forming a qualifying exam committee.)
The Request to Take the Qualifying Examination Form is the means by which the qualifying exam committee is formally established. This form should be filed with the qualifying exam committee and the Graduate School the semester prior to taking the qualifying examination but no later than 30 days before the date of the student's written examination. In order to take the written examination, the student must submit a dissertation prospectus and an original research paper to each member of the qualifying exam committee.
The examination qualifying a student for candidacy for the PhD degree is comprehensive in nature, partly written and partly oral. Prior to taking the qualifying examination, the student must have met all of the departmental requirements for doing so and have the recommendation of the qualifying exam committee. The committee will determine and administer the written examination.
The written examination consists of a limited number of questions in the fields related to the student's research. Students will receive the written examination two weeks after submitting the qualifying paper and will have 30 days to complete the questions. An oral examination will be scheduled by the qualifying exam committee two weeks after the written examination has been submitted.
The successful completion of the qualifying procedure is represented by the approval by the qualifying exam committee of (1) the prospectus, (2) the original research paper, (3) the written examination, and (4) oral defense.
The final stage of the program is the submission and defense of a dissertation that makes an original and substantial contribution to its field of study. Refer to the Graduate School section of the catalogue for the policies and procedures governing the submission of a dissertation.
Application deadline: December 1
Students interested in East Asian linguistics take the Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics with a specialization in East Asian linguistics. In addition to all requirements for the PhD in linguistics, the following courses are required: four courses or 15 units related to East Asian linguistics that are approved by the Graduate Studies Committee (GSC), which may be chosen from the following list: EALC 537, EALC 547, EALC 557, EALC 558, EALC 560, EALC 561, EALC 580, EALC 620 and LING 539. Upon approval by the GSC, other courses may be substituted. In addition, one of the two screening papers, the research paper associated with the qualifying examination and the doctoral dissertation must deal with at least one East Asian language. Students must also take LING 794a Doctoral Dissertation, LING 794b Doctoral Dissertation. Students must pass the reading examination in one East Asian language.
Four courses or 15 units related to East Asian linguistics that are approved by the Graduate Studies Committee (GSC), which may be chosen from the following list:
Application deadline: January 1
Students interested in Slavic linguistics take the Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics with a specialization in Slavic linguistics. In addition to all requirements for the MA in Linguistics, the following courses are required: LING 542; SLL 510, SLL 512, SLL 514 and SLL 516; three LING 600-level seminars; and 794a Doctoral Dissertation, 794b Doctoral Dissertation . Students must pass reading examinations in one Slavic language and either French or German.
In addition to all requirements for the MA in Linguistics, the following courses are required:
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Kaprielian Hall 104
(213) 740-2400
FAX: (213) 740-2424
Email: uscmsmf@usc.edu
(Graduate)
Director: Jin Ma, PhD (Mathematics)
Co-director: Michael Magill, PhD (Economics)
See Mathematics for progressive degree requirements.
Kaprielian Hall 104
(213) 740-3800
Staff Contact: Cynthia Mata-Flores (Undergraduate)
This interdisciplinary minor was created for students in business, economics and mathematics, whose majors already require some of the introductory course work. Students in other programs are welcome but should expect the minor to require more units than it does for students in those programs.
As with all minors, students must include at least four upper-division courses and four courses dedicated exclusively to this minor (which may be the same four courses). Finally, students must select four courses outside their major department. Economics majors must choose four courses outside of economics; math majors must choose four courses outside of math; business majors must choose four courses outside of the Marshall School of Business. These may be the same courses used to meet the first two conditions.
*Prerequisite required
Students majoring in business administration, economics or mathematics can meet many of these requirements with course work that also satisfies their majors. In addition to those classes, students in those majors must complete the following requirements:
The objective of this master of science program is to produce graduates with a rigorous foundation in the economic theory and mathematical modeling of financial markets. The program creates an integrated curriculum spanning four disciplines: economics, mathematics, econometrics/statistics and computational/numerical analysis. The program is designed for recent graduates in the fields of applied mathematics, physics and engineering — or for graduates in economics, business and finance with strong mathematical backgrounds — who wish to pursue high-tech finance careers in financial institutions, industry or government.
Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and the Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All applicants must take the GRE General Test. Complete transcripts of undergraduate and any graduate level courses are required, as well as a statement of purpose and three recommendation letters. A substantial undergraduate background in mathematics is required, which should include one semester of real analysis or advanced calculus, one semester of linear algebra and one semester of advanced probability/statistics. Candidates with weaker backgrounds may be required to take mathematics classes prior to admission to the program. An undergraduate knowledge of microeconomics and of macroeconomics, and partial differential equations is helpful, although it is not required for admission. Some experience in Matlab and C/C++ programming is also useful.
There is no foreign language requirement.
Thirty units of course work are required, six core courses and four to five elective courses. Students are required to satisfy a summative experience for degree completion. This will be in the form of registration in 1 unit of MATH 590 Directed Research with a summative report at the end of the term. Topics of research will be determined by the program director. The program consists of:
(FBE 555 highly recommended)
Prerequisites for any of the above courses can be waived based on students' knowledge of the subject area. Approval from the program director is required.
*The elective courses in statistics/numerical/optimization/other methods and computational and empirical finance have to be approved for each student by the program directors. Other electives, not on this list, may sometimes be approved after consultation with program directors.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
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(213) 740-2400
FAX: (213) 740-2424
Email: mathinfo@dornsife.usc.edu
Chair: Eric M. Friedlander, PhD
University Professor, USC Associates Chair in Natural Sciences and Professor of Biological Sciences, Computer Science and Mathematics: Michael S. Waterman, PhD (Biological Sciences)
University Professor, Distinguished Professor in Electrical Engineering and Mathematics and Andrew and Erna Viterbi Chair in Communications: Solomon Golomb, PhD (Electrical Engineering)
Dean's Professor of Mathematics: Eric M. Friedlander, PhD
Gabilan Assistant Professor of Mathematics: Sami Assaf, PhD
Professors: Kenneth Alexander, PhD; Richard Arratia, PhD; Peter Baxendale, PhD; Francis Bonahon, PhD*; Susan Friedlander, PhD; Jason Fulman, PhD; Larry Goldstein, PhD; Robert Guralnick, PhD*; Nicolai T.A. Haydn, PhD; Edmond A. Jonckheere, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Sheldon Kamienny, PhD; Igor Kukavica, PhD; Charles Lanski, PhD; Aaron Lauda, PhD; Sergey Lototsky, PhD; Jin Ma, PhD; Feodor Malikov, PhD; Remigijus Mikulevicius, PhD; M. Susan Montgomery, PhD*; Paul K. Newton, PhD (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering); Gary Rosen, PhD; Robert J. Sacker, PhD; Fengzhu Sun, PhD (Biological Sciences); Chunming Wang, PhD; Nicholas P. Warner, PhD (Physics); Jianfeng Zhang, PhD; Mohammed Ziane, PhD
Associate Professor: Jay Bartroff, PhD
Assistant Professor: Aravind Asok, PhD
Associate Professor (Teaching): Cymra Haskell, PhD
Assistant Professors (Teaching): David Crombecque, PhD; Nathaniel Emerson, PhD
Assistant Professors (Non-Tenure Track) of Mathematics: Andrea Appel, PhD; Bradley Drew, PhD; Tobias Johnson, PhD; Tuan Nguyen, PhD, Brian Ryals, PhD; James Zhao, PhD; Guangbin Zhuang, PhD
Professors Emeritus: Ronald E. Bruck Jr., PhD; Wlodek Proskurowski, PhD; Alan Schumitzky, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award.
The Department of Mathematics has designed its major to give students an understanding of the several areas of mathematics. The program of study allows students to use electives to prepare themselves for a specific field, whether in industry, teaching or advanced graduate research. The faculty is engaged in a wide variety of research activities and offers courses in many areas.
The department offers the BS, BA and minor in mathematics; BS and BA in applied and computational mathematics; BS in mathematics/economics; minor in mathematical finance and minor in statistics; progressive degree programs in mathematics; MS in applied mathematics; MS in mathematical finance; MS in statistics; MA in mathematics; MA in applied mathematics; MS in computational molecular biology; PhD in applied mathematics; and PhD in mathematics.
The university grants four units of credit in mathematics for scores of 4 or 5.
For each undergraduate degree an overall GPA of 2.0 in all upper-division courses taken for the degree is required. In addition, any upper-division course specifically listed as required must be passed with a grade of C (2.0) or better (e.g., MATH 410, MATH 425a, MATH 425b and MATH 471 for the BS degree).
This interdisciplinary minor was created for students in business, economics and mathematics, whose majors already require some of the introductory course work. Students in other programs are welcome but should expect the minor to require more units than it does for students in these programs. For more information, see Mathematical Finance.
The honors program is available for mathematics majors. A student must apply to the department for admission. A minimum grade point average of 3.5 is required in the first two years of university work as well as in the lowerdivision mathematics courses MATH 125, MATH 126 or MATH 127, MATH 225 and MATH 226 or MATH 227.
The students must complete all requirements for the degree program in which they are enrolled. MATH 410, MATH 425a, MATH 425b and MATH 471 are required. The remaining courses at the 400 level or higher must be acceptable for the BS degree.
In addition, students in the honors program must register for at least four units of MATH 490x Directed Research. The student must have an overall GPA of at least 3.5 in all courses at the 400 level or higher.
Those students intending to go on to graduate school should satisfy the language requirement in French, German or Russian.
Outstanding undergraduate students may apply for a master's degree in any area for which their major is relevant. If accepted into the master's degree program, the student may work simultaneously toward their bachelor's degree and the master's degree. To apply for a master's degree, a student must have completed at least 64 units, but fewer than 96 units, toward their major. The application requires two letters of recommendation from USC faculty, at least one of whom must be in the department of the student's major. For more information on progressive degree programs, see here.
All applicants must take the Graduate Record Examinations General Test.
A substantial undergraduate background in mathematics which includes one year of real analysis (MATH 425a/MATH 425b), one semester of abstract algebra (MATH 410) and one semester of upper-division linear algebra (MATH 471) is required. Students enrolled in one of the department's master of science or arts programs must complete the PhD screening procedure prior to admission to a PhD program.
A substantial undergraduate background in mathematics which includes one semester of real analysis or advanced calculus and one semester of linear algebra is required.
Regular admission pending completion during the first year of graduate studies of prerequisite undergraduate mathematics may be considered for applicants who otherwise qualify for the program.
These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and The Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
See Mathematical Finance.
At least one programming course such as CSCI 101, ITP 109, ITP 110x, ITP 165x or other programming courses approved by the program advisers.
At least three additional courses with significant quantitative content, in mathematics, natural sciences, computer science, engineering, economics or other fields approved by the department. At least two of these must be outside the mathematics department; moreover, at least two of these three must be in the same department, one of which must be an upper-division course.
At least one programming course such as
At least four additional courses with significant quantitative content in mathematics, natural sciences, computer science, engineering, economics or other fields approved by the department. At least three of the four must be outside the mathematics department; and at least one must be upper-division.
Four additional courses in natural sciences or computer science, but excluding courses in mathematics, are required. At least one of these must be an upper-division course, and each of the four courses must be acceptable for the Bachelor of Science degree in the department in which it is offered.
Students are required to take seven courses in economics, seven courses in mathematics and one course in computer programming languages.
Electives must be approved by the program advisers.
These four courses at the 400 level or above must total at least 16 units.
Kaprielian Hall 104
(213) 740-2400
This interdisciplinary minor should appeal to students from any discipline who are interested in acquiring a basic understanding of the mathematics underlying modern statistical analysis and inference techniques, in learning how to handle and analyze large data sets, and in gaining insight into the applications of modern statistics. Students who complete this minor should be able to critically interpret statistically based conclusions, should be viable candidates for entry level positions requiring some knowledge of modern statistics and data analysis, and should be prepared to enter a graduate-level program in applied statistics. The only prerequisite for this minor is one semester of elementary calculus.
As with all minors, students must include at least four upper-division courses and four courses dedicated exclusively to this minor (which may be the same four courses). Finally, students must select four courses outside their major department. These may be the same four courses used to meet the first two conditions. Note that Math BA and BS economics/mathematics students may complete this minor by taking MATH 407 and MATH 408 and at least 16 additional upper-division units approved by the Department of Mathematics, which are not in their major department and not being used to satisfy a requirement for their major. Note also that if calculus must be taken to satisfy the prerequisite for MATH 307, 20 units would be required to complete the minor.
*Electives may be any upper-division or graduate level classes involving the theory or application of statistics approved by the Department of Mathematics. The department maintains a list of currently pre-approved courses that students may choose from. Potential courses include: BISC 478 Computational Genome Analysis (4 units), ECON 318 Introduction to Econometrics (4 units), ECON 419 Advanced Econometrics (4 units) and PSYC 421L Applied Multivariate Statistical Methods (4 units).
The objective of the Master of Arts program is to prepare students for research, teaching and other professional careers in mathematics and applied mathematics, respectively. In addition to the algebra requirement and differential geometry/topology option for the Master of Arts in Mathematics, the two programs differ in emphasis: the Master of Arts in Mathematics emphasizes the core courses in pure mathematics, and the Master of Arts in Applied Mathematics emphasizes courses in mathematics and affiliated fields that are fundamental in applied mathematics.
The two year MA program is an expansion of the first year of graduate studies in the PhD program in mathematics (respectively, the PhD program in applied mathematics). The program provides a rigorous foundation in mathematics (applied mathematics) while affording students additional time for preparatory training. The comprehensive examinations for the MA program can serve as the preliminary qualifying examination for either PhD program, and the written PhD qualifying examinations serve as comprehensive examinations for the corresponding Master of Arts degree.
At least 24 units are required, including:
The degree is completed with either departmental examinations (two written examinations selected from the two required components and the optional component) or a thesis demonstrating research ability in pure mathematics (the thesis option requires four additional thesis units selected from MATH 594a, MATH 594b, MATH 594z).
Other elective courses, including those from other departments, have to be approved by the program adviser.
The degree is completed with either departmental comprehensive examinations (two examinations, one covering the required component MATH 525a, and the second covering one of the elective MATH courses) or a thesis demonstrating research ability in applied mathematics (the thesis option requires four additional thesis units selected from MATH 594a, MATH 594b, MATH 594z).
This program is intended for individuals who are seeking or currently hold positions which involve mathematical applications, or for mid-career people wishing to improve their skills in applied areas. Specific options in the program include: biomedicine, discrete mathematics, economics, finance and business economics, fluid dynamics, numerical analysis and computation, and systems and control. In addition, students may design their own option to suit specific needs.
On admission to the program, each student is assigned an option adviser. The adviser serves on the student's master's committee and assists the student in determining the courses of study in the selected option. Courses of instruction are drawn from the Department of Mathematics and other participating departments which include: aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, civil engineering, computer science, economics, electrical engineering, business administration, mechanical engineering, physiology and biophysics, and preventive medicine.
In addition, registration in MATH 594a, MATH 594b and a master's thesis is required for all students. This thesis is the end product of a practicum in the selected option. The practicum is supervised by the student's master's committee.
For this program students are not required to take the screening examination or to satisfy a foreign language requirement.
The computational molecular biology program is designed to attract recent graduates in either mathematics, statistics, biology or computer science, or scientists and engineers interested in retraining. A commercial or laboratory internship is required. Students will be prepared for employment in the rapidly expanding areas of computational molecular biology and bioinformatics. The program has two tracks, appropriate for different undergraduate backgrounds: biology and mathematical science. The required courses for each track are indicated below.
*Both tracks
**Biology track
***Mathematical science track
Students are required to demonstrate skill in C++, Java or Perl, and to demonstrate knowledge of molecular biology at the level of BISC 320L. A substantial report on the commercial or laboratory internship must be submitted (for which enrollment in MATH 592 is required).
The objective of the Master of Arts program is to prepare students for research, teaching and other professional careers in mathematics and applied mathematics, respectively. In addition to the algebra requirement and differential geometry/topology option for the Master of Arts in Mathematics, the two programs differ in emphasis: the Master of Arts in Mathematics emphasizes the core courses in pure mathematics, and the Master of Arts in Applied Mathematics emphasizes courses in mathematics and affiliated fields that are fundamental in applied mathematics.
The two year MA program is an expansion of the first year of graduate studies in the PhD program in mathematics (respectively, the PhD program in applied mathematics). The program provides a rigorous foundation in mathematics (applied mathematics) while affording students additional time for preparatory training. The comprehensive examinations for the MA program can serve as the preliminary qualifying examination for either PhD program, and the written PhD qualifying examinations serve as comprehensive examinations for the corresponding Master of Arts degree.
At least 24 units are required, including:
The degree is completed with either departmental examinations (two written examinations selected from the two required components and the optional component) or a thesis demonstrating research ability in pure mathematics (the thesis option requires four additional thesis units selected from MATH 594a, MATH 594b, MATH 594z).
Other elective courses, including those from other departments, have to be approved by the program adviser.
The degree is completed with either departmental comprehensive examinations (two examinations, one covering the required component MATH 525a, and the second covering one of the elective MATH courses) or a thesis demonstrating research ability in applied mathematics (the thesis option requires four additional thesis units selected from MATH 594a, MATH 594b, MATH 594z).
The object of this program is to provide academic instruction in statistical theory with a solid mathematical foundation while emphasizing applications to real world problems. Some probability theory is included to provide a rigorous foundation. The program is intended for individuals who are seeking or currently hold positions that involve statistical methodology and practice. A student may orient his or her course of study toward a particular field of application through appropriate selections from the program listings plus elective courses from other disciplines.
Thirty units of course work are required, including:
Students may opt for a master's thesis (and registration in MATH 594a, MATH 594b) or a written examination covering material from MATH 505a or MATH 507a, and MATH 541a, MATH 541b. The examination will normally be given at the end of the fall semester. Students must pass MATH 505a or MATH 507a, and MATH 541a, MATH 541b with a grade of B or higher. If a student receives a grade of B- or lower in any of these courses, the requirement can be waived upon passing the screening exam for the course at the master's level or higher.
Application deadline: December 15
The program requires a maximum effort by the student for a minimum of four years of full-time work.
The screening examination consists of four one-hour examinations covering the subject content of: MATH 502a Numerical Analysis; MATH 505a Applied Probability (or, at the student's discretion, MATH 507a Theory of Probability); MATH 525a Real Analysis; and MATH 541a Introduction to Mathematical Statistics.
The department offers the examinations twice a year, at the end of summer and at the beginning of the spring semester. All four parts of the screening examination must be attempted by the end of the third semester (not counting summer sessions) in the program. The students may take each of the exams as many times as they wish, but three of the exams must be successfully completed by the end of the fourth semester (not counting summer sessions) and all four must be successfully completed by the end of the sixth semester in the program. The qualifying examination should follow two or three semesters after the successful completion of the screening procedure.
No later than at the end of the first semester after passing the screening procedure the student must form a qualifying exam committee consisting of an adviser and four other faculty members, including at least one from another department.
The written portion of the qualifying examination consists of a PhD dissertation proposal. This document should include: introduction, statement of the problem, literature survey, methodology, summary of preliminary results, proposed research, references, appendix (including one or two fundamental references).
The oral portion of the qualifying examination consists of a presentation of the PhD dissertation proposal. The student must demonstrate research potential.
The student must complete, with no grade lower than B, a minimum of 60 units of courses carrying graduate credit and approved by the qualifying exam committee.
These must include
No transfer of credit will be considered until the screening examination is passed. A maximum of 30 units of graduate work at another institution may be applied toward the course requirements for the PhD A grade of B(A = 4.0) or lower will not be accepted and, at most, two grades of B will be accepted. A PhD candidate may petition the department for transfer of additional credit, after he or she passes the qualifying examination.
The student must demonstrate a reading comprehension of mathematics in one language (other than English) in which there is a significant body of research mathematics (such as Chinese, French, German, Japanese and Russian) by passing a written examination, administered by the Mathematics Department, in translation of mathematical content.
Following passage of the screening examination and approval of a dissertation topic by the qualifying exam committee, the student begins research toward the dissertation under the supervision of the dissertation committee. The primary requirement of the PhD is an acceptable dissertation based on a substantial amount of original research conducted by the student.
Opportunities for research are available from the faculty in several areas of applied mathematics with an emphasis on: computational biology, control theory, financial mathematics, mathematical neurosciences, numerical analysis, optimization, scientific computing, statistical genetics, statistics and stochastic differential equations.
Application deadline: December 15
The program requires the maximum endeavor by the student for normally a minimum of four years of full-time work.
The student must choose between two concentrations: Pure Mathematics or Pure and Applied Mathematics.
Appointment of a qualifying exam committee and retention in the doctoral program are contingent on passing the preliminary qualifying examination by the end of the second semester. If a student fails the examination, the department, at its discretion, may permit the student to take it again during the third semester of graduate studies.
The preliminary qualifying exam is a written two-hour examination administered by the department. The student must choose between two options: analysis or algebra. Each option approximately covers the content of two one-semester graduate courses, with the precise list of possible topics made available to the student by the department.
The student must complete with no grade lower than B a minimum of 60 units of courses carrying graduate credit and approved by the qualifying exam committee.
No transfer of credit will be considered until the screening examination is passed. Normally a maximum of 30 units of graduate work at another institution may be applied toward the course requirements for the PhD A grade of B- or lower will not be accepted, and, at most, two grades of B will be accepted. A PhD candidate may petition the department for transfer of additional credit after passing the qualifying examination.
The student must demonstrate a reading comprehension of mathematics in one language (other than English) in which there is a significant body of research mathematics (such as Chinese, French, German, Japanese and Russian) by passing a written examination, administered by the department, in translation of mathematical content.
The written portion of the qualifying examination is comprehensive, consisting of two, two-hour examinations administered by the department. These examinations cover two out of the following five options, excluding the option already selected for the preliminary examination: algebra, analysis, geometry/topology, probability/statistics, differential equations. Each option approximately covers the content of two, one-semester graduate courses, with the precise list of possible topics made available to the students by the department. The selection of options must be approved by the qualifying exam committee.
The oral portion of the qualifying examination covers one topic selected from department research areas in mathematics and approved by the qualifying exam committee. The student must demonstrate research potential in this field.
Following passage of the qualifying examination and approval of a dissertation topic by the qualifying exam committee, the student begins research toward the dissertation under the supervision of the dissertation committee. The primary requirement for the PhD is an acceptable dissertation which is based on a substantial amount of original research conducted by the student.
Opportunities for research are offered in the areas of algebraic geometry, arithmetic geometry, combinatorics, complex geometry, control theory, differential equations, differential geometry, dynamical systems, functional analysis, geometric analysis, group theory, K-theory, nonlinear analysis, number theory, numerical analysis, optimization, probability, representation theory, ring theory and topology.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Taper Hall of Humanities 449
(213) 740-2795
FAX: (213) 740-9354
Email: mdes@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/mesp
Chair: Laurie A. Brand, PhD
Robert Grandford Wright Professor and Professor of International Relations and Middle East Studies: Laurie A. Brand, PhD (International Relations)
Professor: Azade-Ayse Rorlich, PhD (History)
Associate Professor: Ramzi Rouighi, PhD (History)
Assistant Professor: Olivia Harrison, PhD (French and Italian)
Lecturers: Hani Khafipour, PhD; Suzan Wali
John Elliott Chair in Economics: M. Hashem Pesaran, PhD (Economics)
Professors: Richard Dekmejian, PhD (Political Science); Jeffrey B. Nugent, PhD (Economics and Business); Bruce Zuckerman, PhD (Religion)
Associate Professor: Sarah Gulatieri, PhD (History and American Studies and Ethnicity)
Assistant Professor: Christelle Fischer-Bovet, PhD (Classics)
Associate Professor of the Practice: Lynn Swartz Dodd, PhD (Religion)
Assistant Professor (Teaching): Peyman Nojoumian, PhD
Lecturers: Fayez Hammad, PhD (Political Science); Rym Kaki, PhD (Public Policy)
This major is an interdisciplinary degree which draws on courses from anthropology, classics, economics, history, international relations, Judaic studies, linguistics, political science and religion. It offers students interested in exploring the richness and complexity of the Middle East, broadly defined as extending from Morocco through Iran, a framework for developing both expertise and wide-ranging critical perspectives on the region's past, present and future. The variety of courses will allow students to tailor their choices to a range of possible emphases.
No more than two courses may be counted toward this major and another major.
All MDES majors must demonstrate fourth semester competency in a Middle Eastern language. This can be achieved through placement, transfer credits from other institutions (subject to approval by MDES language faculty), from study abroad, or through successfully completing the level IV Arabic (ARAB 252), Persian (IRAN 250) or Hebrew (HEBR 315) courses at USC.
Arabic:
Persian:
Hebrew:
Students must also take seven additional courses, six of which must be upper-division courses, chosen from the list below:
*Counts as an upper-division course
Students majoring in Middle East studies are strongly encouraged to study in the Middle East in one of USC's study abroad programs. With departmental approval, courses relevant to the major taken abroad may be counted toward the MDES major. USC currently has programs at Boğazici University in Istanbul, Princess Sumaya University for Technology in Amman and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
Honors Program
Candidates for the BA in Middle East Studies may receive a designation on their transcripts of departmental honors. Admission to the honors program is required.
Prerequisites: 3.33 overall GPA; 3.5 GPA or better in courses in the major; a minimum grade of B+ in MDES/HIST 180; completion of two upper-level MDES courses (400 level or Advanced Language) including one course requiring a seminar paper, at the time of admission; submission of an application form to the MDES undergraduate faculty adviser.
Required for departmental honors: The student must maintain the GPA requirements stated above and successfully complete the MDES 492 Honors Thesis. In semesters when MDES 492 is not offered, students may, with program approval, substitute MDES 490 (independent study) as constituting an honors seminar equivalent.
The Iranian Studies minor provides students with the foundation for an advanced understanding of Iran, its history, peoples and cultures, from antiquity to the present. Neighboring countries that participated in Persian culture are included, as well as non-Persian Iranian peoples. Students finishing this minor will also have at least an intermediate ability in Persian, the official language of Iran, widely used in neighboring countries as well.
Five courses (20 units) are required for the minor. All students must take HIST 180 and IRAN 250. For those students who do not already have IRAN 250 equivalent proficiency, IRAN 120, IRAN 150 and IRAN 220 or their equivalent (which do not count toward the minor) must be completed before enrolling in IRAN 250. For those with prior study of Persian, a placement exam is offered by the USC Language Center to determine language level. If student proficiency surpasses the third-semester college level, the USC Language Center should be consulted about a higher level proficiency exam.
At least one course (4 units) of the three additional courses (12 units) must be selected from the upper-division Iranian Studies initiative courses. The other two (8 units) may be chosen from the upper-division Iranian Studies initiative courses or the upper-division Middle East Studies courses listed below:
Drawing on courses from nine different departments, this interdisciplinary minor offers students interested in exploring the richness and complexity of the Middle East, broadly defined as extending from Morocco through Iran, a framework for developing a basic but solid understanding of the region. Students may select courses that provide a broad introduction across disciplines, or they may choose courses that address a particular historical period or theme.
Five courses (20 units) are required for the minor. All students must take HIST 180. To complete the minor a student must also take four upper-division courses from the list below from at least three departments. There is no language requirement for the minor.
*Counts as an upper-division course
**Counts toward major only with departmental approval
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Hedco Neurosciences Building 120
(213) 740-6091
FAX: (213) 740-2534
Email: yuhungw@usc.edu
Participating Faculty: See Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Philosophy, Psychology, Engineering, Gerontology, Medicine and Pharmacy in this catalogue.
An honors program is available to outstanding students who are pursuing a BA or BS degree in Neuroscience. This program offers students exceptional opportunities to participate in undergraduate research, culminating in the experience of writing an honors thesis summarizing their completed research. Honors students must register for 4 units of Directed Research (NEUR 490x). Honors students are also required to take two semesters of the Honors Seminar (BISC 493x as one of their upper-division electives, 1 unit/semester), in which small groups of students discuss recent findings in neuroscience literature and their own research. After completing the honors seminar, honors students also take one semester of Honors Thesis (BISC 494x, 2 units), in which students write their senior thesis. Students earning honors in neuroscience must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.5 at graduation. This program leads to the designation on the transcript of Bachelor of Arts/Science in Neuroscience with Honors.
Co-coordinators: Irving Biederman, PhD and Albert Herrera
Undergraduate Advisers: Lica Abu-Esba, abuesba@dornsife.usc.edu; Briana Weiland, bweiland@dornsife.usc.edu
The computational neuroscience major is designed for those students with an interest in applying mathematical and computational methodologies toward understanding the structure and functioning of the nervous system. The major will provide progressive training in interdisciplinary and inter-faculty aspects of neuroscience, and serve as a foundation for students interested in pursuing post-graduate education in graduate or professional schools or career opportunities in technically advanced occupations. Research is integral to this major and students are encouraged to engage in research with neuroscience faculty as early as possible in their undergraduate years.
A grade of C- or higher is required to count toward major requirements.
Eleven core courses (44 units) + 6-7 electives (16-18 units) for a total of 62-68 units.
Students are to take a total of three courses. The courses are listed in the table according to the programming language of the courses. It is not obligatory that all courses be from the same programming language, but the student should be aware that knowledge of a different language will likely be assumed in the advanced courses. Only one introductory programming course will be counted toward the major, although an introductory programming course is not required.
Optional: Choose one course (2-4 units).
Choose 2-3 courses (6-12 units). A minimum of two courses is required.
A graduate-level advanced course from those listed below may be substituted for the undergraduate advanced course with permission:
Choose 1-2 courses (4 units).
Choose one (4 units).
Choose one Math course (4 units) from the list below OR choose one additional course from the areas listed above not already counting for the major.
Co-coordinators: Irving Biederman, PhD and Albert Herrera, PhD.
Undergraduate Advisers: Lica Abu-Esba, abuesba@dornsife.usc.edu; Briana Weiland, bweiland@dornsife.usc.edu
A grade of C- or higher is required to count toward major requirements.
The degree requires eight core courses (32 units) and four elective courses (12-16 unites) for a total of 44-48 units.
*An equivalent course may be substituted with permission.
Four upper-division elective courses from the following list are required. At least one course in the upper-division electives must carry a lab ("L") designation or be NEUR 490x. No more than 4 units of NEUR 490x may be used to fulfill the upper-division elective requirement.
*Only an elective for BA and minor.
*With minimum GPA of 3.3 and permission of co-coordinators and instructor
Co-coordinators: Irving Biederman, PhD and Albert Herrera, PhD.
Undergraduate Advisers: Lica Abu-Esba, abuesba@dornsife.usc.edu; Briana Weiland, bweiland@dornsife.usc.edu
A grade of C- or higher is required to count toward major requirements.
The degree requires 14 core courses (54-56 units) and five elective courses (16-20 unites) for a total of 70-76 units.
*An equivalent course may be substituted with permission.
Five upper-division elective courses from the following list are required. At least one course in the upper-division electives must carry a lab ("L") designation or be 490. No more than 4 units of NEUR 490x may be used to fulfill the upper-division elective requirement.
*With minimum GPA of 3.3 and permission of co-directors and instructor
Co-coordinators: Sarah Bottjer, PhD, and Irving Biederman, PhD
Undergraduate Advisers: Eva Hinojoza, hinojoza@dornsife.usc.edu; Briana Weiland, bweiland@dornsife.usc.edu
A grade of C- or higher is required to count toward minor requirements.
*An equivalent course may be substituted with permission
**Prerequisite: BISC 220 or BISC 221
***Prerequisite: PSYC 100
Recommended but not required: CHEM 103Lx (or CHEM 105La) plus MATH 125
Students who have not already taken the prerequisites (BISC 220/BISC 221 and PSYC 100) will need to take a total of 28 units to satisfy the requirements of a minor in neuroscience. Thus, the range of units will vary from 20 to 28 depending on a student's background.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Zumberge Hall of Science 117
(213) 740-6106
FAX: (213) 740-8801
Email: waite@usc.edu
oceansciences.usc.edu
Director: Douglas E. Hammond, PhD
Participating Faculty: See Biological Sciences, Earth Sciences and Engineering in this catalogue.
Applications for the Ocean Sciences program should be routed through the affiliated departments and a separate letter sent to the Ocean Sciences Director, Douglas E. Hammond, USC Earth Sciences, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0740.
The Graduate Program in Ocean Sciences (GPOS) provides interdisciplinary education and training to prepare professional ocean scientists for careers in academia, industry, and state and federal government. Students develop the ability to identify and solve significant problems in ocean sciences by using their training in several disciplines. They develop the ability to formulate and test hypotheses and integrate information and concepts about how the earth-ocean system is structured and how it functions. Training also is provided to develop skills in oral and written communication of technical and scientific information. Both MS and PhD degree programs are offered; both require preparation of a thesis (MS) or dissertation (PhD).
All rules and regulations described in The Graduate School section of this catalogue and Graduate Admission apply to students in the GPOS.
Official acceptance by the GPOS Admissions Committee is based on the recommendation of faculty from an affiliated department. Acceptance depends upon the applicant's letters of recommendation, research experience, intended area of research, personal interview (whenever possible), and the availability of a faculty member willing to advise and sponsor the applicant.
A BS or BA degree in an appropriate field of natural science, engineering or mathematics is required for admission.
It is expected that applicants to the GPOS will have attained a scholarship average of at least "B" (3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale) preferably in the natural sciences or mathematics. Applicants must have taken the GRE aptitude test (verbal and quantitative). Successful applicants typically score in excess of 600 on both verbal and quantitative parts of the exam.
Applicants should contact the GPOS office by email or phone for an admission package. The GPOS admits students for both the fall and spring semesters; however, applicants for assistantships are encouraged to apply for the fall semester.
Advanced degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and The Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
The Graduate Program in Ocean Sciences is designed to be interdisciplinary, reflecting the nature of the field that combines principles of physical, chemical, geological and biological oceanography to solve relevant problems in the ocean environment.
The program does not accept applicants for a Master of Science degree in ocean sciences. The MS degree is intended only as a transitional degree in the process of completing requirements for the PhD in ocean sciences.
None required.
The MS degree in Ocean Sciences requires at least 24 units of course work, including two core courses (OS 512 and 582). Four thesis units (OS 594) are also required. At least 16 units of course work must be at the 500-level or higher; no more than six units can be directed research (OS 590); a maximum of four units with superior grades in approved course work may be transferred from an accredited graduate school. Students are required to maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 in all graduate work.
Students should arrange for the appointment of a thesis adviser and committee after the first semester, or at the latest, after the first year of graduate work. The thesis committee should consist of the adviser plus two other faculty members, all of whom are generally selected from GPOS faculty. Once the committee is arranged, the student may make formal application to the Graduate School for the MS degree.
To be determined by qualifying exam committee.
The PhD degree in Ocean Sciences requires at least 27 units of formal course work (including seminars) of the 60 total units needed. Two core courses are required (OS 512, OS 582). No more than 15 units of 400-level course work may be applied. A maximum of 30 units may be transferred from an accredited graduate school.
Students are required to maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 in all graduate work.
Students may request permission to take the PhD qualifying examination on completion of 24 units of course work, including two core courses in Ocean Sciences.
Students in the PhD program must pass the screening procedure before their 25th unit of graduate credit. Screening consists of a review of the student's progress and is usually done by the GPOS Review Committee following a written recommendation by the student's adviser(s). Screening occurs at the end of each semester.
The doctoral qualifying exam committee is formed after the student has passed the screening procedure. The committee is appointed by the department with the advice of the student's research adviser. The five-member committee consists of the adviser, a minimum of three other members from the GPOS faculty, and one additional tenure-track faculty member. The committee must include faculty members from more than one academic department. A tenure-track faculty member must serve as research adviser or co-adviser. The committee consults with the student, recommends an appropriate program of study and administers written and oral qualifying examinations.
The student may request permission to take the PhD qualifying examination upon completion of 24 units of course work, including two core courses in ocean sciences. The qualifying examination consists of a written and an oral part, both parts prepared, conducted and evaluated by the student's examination committee. The written examination will consist of a number of questions given on two consecutive days. Questions will be comprehensive in scope with respect to the student's chosen area of specialization and will be designed to test the student's conceptual, analytical and integrative ability and preparation.
The written part of the qualifying examination must be taken before the oral examination. The oral examination will be in the area of the student's intended research and will be based on a research project selected and developed by the student into a written proposition. The oral examination will be conducted and evaluated by the student's examination committee. The oral examination must be taken within one month of the written examination.
After the student has passed the qualifying examination, the qualifying exam committee recommends to the Graduate School that the student be admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree. Following admission to candidacy the student must register for OS 794 Dissertation every semester, except summers, until the degree is awarded.
Once the qualifying examination is passed, the student is required, as soon as possible, to appoint a dissertation committee, using an appointment of committee form which can be found on the Graduate School Website (usc.edu/schools/GraduateSchool). All or some of the qualifying exam committee may be nominated. Until a dissertation committee is appointed, the qualifying exam committee will have responsibility for the student's program of study. The student must undertake an original investigation of a problem in ocean sciences. The topic must be approved by the student's dissertation committee and will usually be based on the written proposition presented in the qualifying examination.
A dissertation based on the student's research must be approved by the student's dissertation committee. The student must then defend the dissertation. The process for submission of the dissertation to the Graduate School can be found on the Graduate School Website under "Current Students — Thesis and Dissertations." This process should be started approximately one month before the defense, and the student must allow adequate time after the defense for final copy preparation.
The dissertation must conform to the general regulations described in Regulations for Format and Presentation of Theses and Dissertations, also available from the Graduate School Website, Additional regulations and information on the organization and preparation of the dissertation are provided in Directions for Preparation of Dissertations and Research Reports as Required by the Graduate Program in Ocean Sciences/University of Southern California, available in the GPOS office.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Mudd Hall of Philosophy
(213) 740-4084
FAX: (213) 740-5174
Email: philos@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/phil
Director: Scott Soames, PhD
Distinguished Professor: Scott Soames, PhD*
Provost Professor of Philosophy and Law: Gary Watson, PhD
Professor of Philosophy and Maurice Jones, Jr. — Class of 1925 Professor of Law: Andrei Marmor, LLB, PhD
William T. Dalessi Professor of Law and Professor of Philosophy: Gregory Keating, PhD (Law)
Professors: Stephen Finlay, PhD; John Hawthorne, PhD; Robin Jeshion, PhD; Sharon Lloyd, PhD*; Edwin McCann, PhD*; Kevin W. Robb, PhD*; Mark Schroeder, PhD*; Gabriel Uzquiano Cruz, PhD; James Van Cleve, PhD; Kadri Vihvelin, PhD; Ralph Wedgewood, PhD
Associate Professors: Zlatan Damnjanovic, PhD; John H. Dreher, PhD; Janet Levin, PhD; Jonathan Quong, PhD; Jacob Ross, PhD
Assistant Professors: Andrew Bacon, PhD; Shieva Kleinschmidt, PhD; Jefferey Sanford Russel, PhD
Emeritus University Professor and Emeritus Dean of the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences: S. Marshall Cohen, MA*
Emeritus Professors: Frank Lewis, PhD; George Wilson, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award.
The School of Philosophy offers courses in most areas of philosophy, including philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, epistemology, metaphysics, logic, philosophy of science, political philosophy, ethics, aesthetics, the history of philosophy, phenomenology and existentialism. The major in philosophy is designed to acquaint students with the fundamental problems of Western thought and introduce them to the concepts and techniques necessary for independent philosophical thinking; it is equally intended to provide a broadening perspective for the various areas of specialization in the natural and social sciences and in literature and the arts. The school also offers minors in: ethics and moral philosophy; philosophy; philosophy for business, law, and the professions; and theories of art.
The School of Philosophy offers a Master of Arts in Philosophy, a Master of Arts in Philosophy and Law, a joint degree with the USC Gould School of Law and a Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy.
Double majors are encouraged but a student must work in close consultation with the undergraduate adviser.
See Linguistics.
Students who are considering the possibility of continuing their education at a graduate level in philosophy or similar disciplines, or students who wish to undertake a more intensive course of studies in philosophy, which includes original independent research, are strongly encouraged to take the major with honors.
The major with honors requires completion of the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts, with the following additional requirements:
Students who intend to complete the major with honors are encouraged to enroll in the program during their sophomore year (but no later than the end of the first term of their junior year), and should consult about their studies with the faculty adviser for the honors program on a continuous basis.
See Interdisciplinary Studies.
The objective of the graduate program in philosophy is to equip suitably prepared and talented students to function effectively as teachers, thinkers and writers on philosophical topics in the Western tradition. The program provides for a wide range of studies within philosophy, but emphasizes the history of philosophy, both classical and modern, along with the traditional core disciplines: ethics, epistemology, metaphysics and logic.
Because philosophy is as much a special manner of intellectual activity as it is a special subject matter, the graduate student is expected not only to master major works in the historical and contemporary literature of philosophical thought, but also to develop the ability to engage in the ongoing process of philosophical research and dialogue.
An applicant for admission normally has an undergraduate major in philosophy, but programs may be arranged for promising students who do not. At least three letters of recommendation from the student's undergraduate teachers should be sent to the chair of graduate admissions of the School of Philosophy. All applicants are required to take the verbal and quantitative General Tests of the Graduate Record Examinations.
These degrees are awarded under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and The Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
The progressive degree program permits exceptional undergraduate students with a major in philosophy to receive both an undergraduate degree and the Master of Arts in Philosophy and Law within five years. A minimum GPA of 3.5, two letters of recommendation and outstanding performance in philosophy courses are required for admission to this program. For other requirements of the progressive degree program, see here.
In addition to the departmental graduate adviser, who has the formal role in graduate advising, each student will be matched with a personal adviser, who will share responsibility with the graduate adviser for monitoring a student's progress semester by semester. The graduate adviser is available to counsel any graduate student on all aspects of the graduate program. A student's personal adviser will consult informally with the student semester by semester on how to interpret his or her grades and especially the written reports provided by the instructor for each course in which the student is enrolled, discuss informally the student's selection of courses each semester, and generally keep track of the student's progress in the program. At the appropriate time, the student will consult his or her adviser concerning the appointment of a faculty committee for guidance and supervision. An official qualifying exam committee will be appointed at the time the student passes the screening examination; for the rules governing its establishment and makeup, see General Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in the Graduate School section. The qualifying exam committee will meet with the student soon after its appointment, and at least once each academic year thereafter.
The School of Philosophy offers three major options: the major in philosophy, the major in philosophy with honors, and the major in philosophy, politics and law.
The major in philosophy requires eight courses in philosophy; six of these must be at the upper-division level.
Students must take at least one course from each of the three categories listed below:
During the senior year, students enrolled in one of the three majors' programs in philosophy can take a capstone seminar. Students who are enrolled in one of the minors in philosophy may enroll in a capstone seminar only with the permission of the instructor. Enrollment in these seminars will not exceed 15 students. Students may enroll in a capstone seminar only if they have satisfied the following requirements: taken a course in logic (PHIL 250a, PHIL 250b, PHIL 350, PHIL 351, or PHIL 352), taken at least one 400-level course in philosophy and have a GPA in philosophy of 3.0 or above.
This interdisciplinary major combines, in a systematic and structured way, basic education in philosophy, political theory and elements of law. An interdisciplinary approach to the combination of these three disciplines may be of particular interest to students contemplating post-graduate work in law; those interested in a career in public service or politics; and those attracted by the rigor of philosophy and its attention to foundational issues, who are also interested in politics and law. Students are exposed to a wider range of conceptual and methodological approaches than they would in any single discipline, while learning enough philosophy and political science to leave a choice of options for graduate schools. The major requires nine classes, one of which must be a gateway course — PHIL 300, PHIL 315, PHIL 320, PHIL 340 or PHIL 360 — distributed as follows.
Students who satisfy one of their general education requirements by taking a core, thematic options course of comparable scope and content, can, at the discretion of the director of the School of Philosophy and the philosophy undergraduate adviser for this major, substitute that course for one of the above.
The two courses must belong to different categories, and one of these courses must be a gateway course: PHIL 300, PHIL 315, PHIL 320, PHIL 340 or PHIL 360. Students are required to take a gateway course before enrolling in any 400-level course in philosophy.
Students in the major may enroll in a capstone seminar in philosophy if they have satisfied the general requirements: a GPA of 3.0 in major course work; a course in logic, and at least one 400-level course in philosophy, taken prior to the capstone seminar.
The aim of the minor is to provide students headed for medicine, biology, psychology and other health care professions with a broad humanistic perspective not found in professional education and the critical tools to deal with the ethical issues that may arise in their professional lives.
Students are required to take five courses in philosophy, at least four of which must be upper-division. Students must take at least one lower-division or 300-level course before taking any 400-level courses.
The aim of the minor is to provide students headed for business, law or the professions a strong set of critical, analytic and expository skills, while providing them with a broad humanistic perspective not found in professional education.
Students are required to take five courses, at least four of which must be upper-division. They must take one course from each of the following categories (1–4), and one additional course from either category 2 or 3. Students must take at least one lower-division or 300-level course before taking any 400-level courses.
The minor in philosophy requires the completion of five philosophy courses, at least four of which are upper-division courses. All minors must take a gateway course — PHIL 315, PHIL 320, PHIL 340, or PHIL 360 — before enrolling in any 400-level course.
Theorizing about the arts takes place in the discipline of philosophy (aesthetics) as well as in all the individual disciplines concerned with the individual arts. Some of the issues involved (is perspective a matter of convention?; how does acting differ in cinema and in theatre?) are specific to a particular discipline or disciplines, but their discussion typically involves very general issues (in the cases mentioned, issues about the nature of convention or of artistic media) and many of the issues manifest themselves in all these disciplines (the relation of intention to interpretation; the epistemological and moral status of the arts; the nature of evaluative judgments). The understanding of these issues can be greatly enhanced by studying them as they arise in different arts and in different theoretical traditions. The minor should be of interest to students with an interest in philosophy, or students in any of the arts who are interested in their theoretical dimensions.
There are no entrance requirements for the minor, which requires six courses (23 or 24 units, depending on course selection).
The department does not accept applicants for a Master of Arts degree in philosophy. The MA degree is intended only as a transitional degree in the process of completing requirements for the PhD in philosophy.
A student may obtain an MA in philosophy by fulfilling the following requirements: a minimum of 36 units in the USC philosophy school, at least 24 of which must be at the 500 level. Requirements include: PHIL 500, PHIL 503 and a 500-level course in each of the following three areas: metaphysics and epistemology, ethics and other value theory, and history of philosophy. Of the remaining four required (4-unit) courses, only four units of PHIL 590 are applicable to the degree. A publishable research paper is also required.
A total of 36 units are required for the degree, including at least 24 units in philosophy. Twelve of these must come from completing the specialization and breadth requirements. The former requires students to take a 4unit, 500-level course in philosophy on a topic spanning philosophy and law. The latter requires students to take PHIL 500 or PHIL 503, plus another 4-unit, 500-level course in philosophy on a topic that does not span philosophy and law, including but not limited to topics in metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of language, philosophy of science, ethics, aesthetics and history of philosophy. Students must also demonstrate a basic proficiency in symbolic logic, typically by passing, at a sufficiently high level, one of a specified range of 4-unit courses in logic offered by the School of Philosophy. The law requirement for this degree consists of two courses in the USC Gould School of Law. The first must be either LAW 503 Contracts or LAW 509 Torts I. The second must be either LAW 504 Criminal Law or LAW 508 Constitutional Law. Students who elect to take LAW 504 would normally also take 1 unit of PHIL 590 as an accompaniment. Degree candidates must also write a master's thesis on some subject in legal philosophy. At least one of the thesis advisers must have an appointment in the School of Philosophy.
Students must complete 24 units in the USC School of Philosophy and 69 units in the USC Gould School of Law.
First Year: Required law school curriculum
Second and Third Years: The School of Philosophy prefers that students take at least one philosophy course each semester. During the four semesters, students must take at least 16 units at the 500-level, including PHIL 450 Intermediate Symbolic Logic or PHIL 510 Philosophical Logic and PHIL 500, and PHIL 503, one 400- or 500level course in ethics or social/political philosophy or aesthetics or philosophy of law; one 400- or 500-level course in metaphysics or epistemology or philosophy of language or philosophy of science or philosophy of mind; one 400- or 500-level course in the history of ancient or early modern philosophy; passage of the second year review that shall include a research paper based on a completed seminar paper and completion of a publishable research paper. Students must also complete 36 additional law units.
Application deadline: January 1
The minimum number of course credits required for the PhD is 60 units. No more than 8 of these units may be from 590 courses and no more than 8 of these units may be from 400-level courses in the School of Philosophy. PHIL 450 does not count toward this maximum of 8 units of 400-level courses in the School of Philosophy. No more than eight of these units may be earned in 794 Doctoral Dissertation. Each student must pass PHIL 450 with a grade of B or better and must pass both PHIL 500 and PHIL 503 with a grade of B+ or better. PHIL 450 and both PHIL 500 and PHIL 503 must be satisfactorily completed by the end of the second year.
The student may take up to two courses in a field of study related to philosophy. The PhD dissertation may be written in any area of philosophy for which adequate supervision is available from within the university. PhD students are also required to show evidence of practical or editorial training, or their equivalent.
A foreign language examination, specified by the school, in French, German, Latin or classical Greek is required. The faculty may approve a replacement of the language requirement by a research tool requirement, consisting of an approved course or examination in a subject essential to the student's research program. The course or examination must be passed before the qualifying examination is attempted.
There are three levels of evaluation in the PhD program prior to the dissertation:
There is a distribution requirement of six courses at the 500 level in the School of Philosophy, two each representing breadth within each of the following three areas: (1) metaphysics and epistemology (broadly construed, including philosophical logic; philosophy of science; philosophy of math, mind, and language), (2) value theory (broadly construed, including aesthetics, political philosophy, and the philosophy of law), and (3) pre-1879 history of philosophy. PHIL 500, PHIL 503 and PHIL 590 courses cannot count toward this requirement. Up to two 400-level courses may count by petition toward this requirement, provided that the departmental standards for graduate-level course work are met. For courses straddling two areas (for example, history of ancient philosophy and metaphysics; history of modern philosophy and ethics), instructors will indicate on the syllabus which requirement the course will satisfy. Courses dealing with subject matter within more than one of the areas listed may be used to satisfy any of the areas encompassed by the course although no single course may be used to satisfy two requirements at once. The two courses within each distribution area must represent breadth, as determined in advance by the graduate adviser and in accordance with departmental guidelines. All distribution requirements must be completed by the end of the fifth semester.
Students in the PhD program must pass a screening procedure before undertaking their 25th unit (seventh course) of graduate credit. This will be based on a review of the student's work to date, and will take into account not only information acquired but also those intellectual qualities and capacities that are essential for good work in philosophy: the capacity to think and write on philosophical issues with clarity, consistency and thoroughness; the ability to understand in detail what is involved in the meaning and justification of philosophical claims or positions; the ability to recognize and to draw out fine conceptual distinctions and to perceive their logical relationships; and strong intellectual curiosity and independence of thought.
Graduate student progress is reviewed on a regular basis each term. In addition, apart from the screening procedure, there are more formal reviews conducted at the end of the 4th and 6th semesters of study, as described below.
In the fourth semester of study, normally the spring of the second year, each student shall submit two papers, approximately 8,000 words each, in different fields of philosophy (ordinarily two substantially revised papers previously submitted in seminars). The choice of papers should be made in consultation with the Graduate Adviser. The second year evaluation will be made on the basis of faculty review of the submitted papers and consideration of the student's total record.
For the review following the sixth semester of study, students are to select one from a list of pre-designated areas in philosophy and master the material on a pre-assigned reading list of important works in that area. At the beginning of the sixth semester, each student will take a written examination, designed by the faculty of the School of Philosophy, on the materials covered in the relevant reading list followed by an oral examination exploringtheir knowledge of the field. This examination must be passed by the end of the sixth semester. The examining committee for each student will consist of faculty conversant with the field and appointed by the school.
This examination consists of a written prospectus of the proposed dissertation and an in-depth oral examination on the form and subject matter of the proposed dissertation. All faculty members may inspect the prospectus and be present at the oral, but evaluation of the qualifying examination is the responsibility of the student's qualifying exam committee. The examination is not passed if two or more members of the qualifying exam committee find it unsatisfactory.
The qualifying examination is not offered in the summer. Those who intend to take this examination must meet all the conditions specified in the section on general requirements for the PhD Students are expected to pass the qualifying exam by the end of the seventh semester. Students who have not passed the qualifying exam by the end of the seventh semester will be subject to faculty review, and may not be allowed to continue in the program.
When the student passes the qualifying examination, a dissertation committee (see Graduate Advisement), replacing the qualifying exam committee, is appointed by the director of the school in consultation with the student and the philosophy faculty. Normally, the qualifying exam committee simply becomes the dissertation committee. This committee and the candidate will then agree upon how the dissertation is to be developed and written. The dissertation must be an original contribution to some well-defined area in philosophy, and must give evidence of the student's ability to do respectable, large-scale research, thinking, and writing in the field. The school requires the defense oral when the research and writing of the dissertation is substantially complete. Attendance at this oral examination is open to all members of the university faculty, but the examination is conducted and evaluated by the candidate's dissertation committee. The faculty normally works with the dissertations only in the fall and spring semesters, and the student should plan accordingly.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Physical Education Building 108
(213) 740-2488
Fax: (213) 821-1058
Email: phed@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/phed
Director: Steve VanKanegan, MS
Administrative Coordinator: Amber Harris, MPW
Equipment Manager: Victor Escobar
Master Lecturers: Danielle Roman, MS; Steve VanKanegan, MS
Senior Lecturer: Timothy L. Burton, MEd
Lecturers: Ian Culbertson, BA; Stephanie Eggert, MS; Steve Hsu, MS; John Jessee, MS; Isabelle Pilliere Mazumdar, BA
The physical education program provides a variety of offerings in fitness and activities classes designed to promote health and general fitness based upon individual goals and needs. Fitness classes focus primarily on development of muscle strength, muscle endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, general wellness principles and nutritional guidelines. Activities classes stress fundamental techniques, tactics, rules, etiquette and the importance of leisure time activities to physical, mental and social well-being.
No more than four units of physical education activity courses may be applied to a student's overall unit requirement, toward his or her USC degree.
Registration in courses PHED 102a, PHED 102b–PHED 163 is contingent upon assessment of students' knowledge and competence in performance during the first two class meetings. Students who wear glasses while participating in vigorous activities must secure departmental approval of provisions made for eye protection in courses PHED 140. Course PHED 165 is reserved for students who are reporting for regular freshman or varsity athletic squads.
To obtain a prerequisite waiver to take a b class before having taken the a section, the instructor's approval and signature are needed. Students should be aware that in the future they cannot take the prerequisite course in the activity for credit after having it waived.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Ahmanson Center for Biological Research (ACB) 439
Main: (213) 740-0848; Undergraduate: (213) 740-1140; Graduate:
(213) 740-8685
FAX: (213) 740-8094
Email: physics@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/physics
Chair: Stephan Haas, PhD
University Professor and Provost Emeritus and Professor of Physics and Education: Lloyd Armstrong, Jr.
Presidential Professor of Physics and Medicine: Murray Gell-Mann, PhD
William M. Keck Distinguished Professor of Engineering and Professor of Electrical Engineering and Physics and Astronomy: P. Daniel Dapkus, PhD (Electrical Engineering)
University Professor, George T. Pfleger Chair in Electrical Engineering, and Professor of Physics: Robert W. Hellwarth, PhD (Electrical Engineering)
Kenneth T. Norris Professor of Engineering Professor of Chemical Engineering and Material Science, Physics and Biomedical Engineering: Anupam Madhukar, PhD (Material Science)
Professors: Itzhak Bars, PhD; Gerd Bergmann, PhD; N. Eugene Bickers, PhD*; Hans M. Bozler, PhD; Werner Däppen, PhD*; Jack Feinberg, PhD*; Christopher M. Gould, PhD*; Martin A. Gundersen, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Stephan Haas, PhD*; Clifford Johnson, PhD*; Rajiv Kalia, PhD; Vitaly Kresin, PhD; Joseph Kunc, PhD (Aerospace Engineering); Anthony J. Levi, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Daniel Lidar, PhD (Chemical Engineering); Jia Grace Lu, PhD;Aiichiro Nakano, PhD (Computer Science); Dennis Nemeschansky, PhD; Elena Pierpaoli, PhD; Krzysztof Pilch, PhD; Edward J. Rhodes, Jr., PhD*; Hubert Saleur, PhD; Robin Shakeshaft, PhD; Armand Tanguay, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Priya Vashishta, PhD (Materials Science); Andrey Vilesov, PhD (Chemistry); William G. Wagner, PhD; Nicholas P. Warner, PhD*; Paolo Zanardi, PhD
Associate Professors: Stephen Cronin, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Michelle Povinelli, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Richard S. Thompson, PhD
Assistant Professors: James Boedicker, PhD; Mohamed El-Naggar, PhD*; Christoph A. Haselwandter, PhD; Fabien Pinaud, PhD (Biological Sciences); Remo Rohs, PhD (Biological Sciences); Susumu Takahashi, PhD (Chemistry)
Professors (Research): Leonid Didkovsky, PhD; Geraldine J. Peters, PhD
Associate Professor (Research): Rosa Di Felice, PhD
Assistant Professors (Research): Lorenzo Campos Venuti, PhD; Loris Colombo, PhD
Assistant Professor (Teaching): Vahe Peroomian, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Robert K. Cole, PhD; Melvin A. Daybell, PhD; Tu-Nan Chang, PhD
Emeritus Professor (Research): Chung-Yung (Robert) Wu, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers the Bachelor of Science in Physics, Bachelor of Science in Astronomy, Bachelor of Science in Physics/Computer Science, Bachelor of Arts in Physics, Bachelor of Arts in Astronomy, Bachelor of Science in Biophysics, Bachelor of Science in Physical Sciences, a minor in physics or astronomy, Master of Science in Physics, Master of Science in Physics for Business Applications, Master of Arts in Physics and Doctor of Philosophy in Physics.
A GPA of C (2.0) or higher is required in all upper-division courses taken in the department for all of the above major degree programs. A grade of C (2.0) or higher is required in all courses in the department specifically listed as subject requirements.
Advisement is required for all BS and BA degree candidates in the department. Students should meet with their departmental academic adviser at least once a semester to review the direction of their academic programs. Students who have not met with an adviser should contact the director of undergraduate affairs. Students are also encouraged to seek the advisement of faculty members whose specializations are appropriate to their intended field of graduate study.
Students are encouraged to become familiar with the research programs of the faculty in the department. Students who intend to pursue a PhD and a career in research in physics or astronomy following graduation are strongly encouraged to become involved directly in one of the research programs, whether as summer research assistants or as part-time laboratory assistants during the academic year. Specific research opportunities will depend upon individual faculty research programs.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers graduate study at the master's and doctoral degree levels. The graduate program prepares students for professional careers in research, teaching and developmental applications of physics.
Entering students spend time in intensive course work providing a broad background in advanced physics regardless of degree objective. Subsequent study involves a mix of course work, practical training and independent research (depending on degree objective). The doctoral program affords exceptionally close collaboration between students and faculty.
Opportunities for research are offered in atomic, molecular and optical/laser physics, astrophysics, elementary particle theory, string theory, quantum field theory, earthquake physics, helioseismology, condensed matter physics, quantum electronics/nonlinear optics, space physics and ultralow temperature physics.
Graduate degrees in the Department of Physics and Astronomy are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and The Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
Graduate study in physics is divided into three degree objectives:
This program is intended for students with an interest in astronomy who may not intend to pursue a career in the field.
*PHYS 151L, PHYS 152L and PHYS 153L may be substituted for the sequence PHYS 161L, PHYS 162L and PHYS 163L.
This program is intended primarily for students who are interested in a career in astronomy.
*PHYS 151L, PHYS 152L and PHYS 153L may be substituted for the sequence PHYS 161L, PHYS 162L and PHYS 163L.
This program is intended for students with an interest in the interdisciplinary field of biophysics. The degree program provides the physics and biology background necessary for the field while simultaneously fulfilling medical school entrance requirements.
*PHYS 151L, PHYS 152L and PHYS 153L may be substituted for the sequence PHYS 161L, PHYS 162L and PHYS 163L.
**PHYS 151L, PHYS 152L and PHYS 153L may be substituted for the sequence PHYS 161L, PHYS 162L and PHYS 163L.
This program is intended for students with an interest in the physical sciences. The program is designed to allow students interested in teaching at the secondary level to enroll in courses required for the California Single Subject Teaching credential offered through the School of Education.
*Upper-division courses must be applicable to majors in their respective departments.
**CHEM 105aL, CHEM 105bL may be substituted for the sequence CHEM 115aL, CHEM 115bL.
This program is intended for students with an interest in physics who may not intend to pursue a career in physics.
*PHYS 151L, PHYS 152L and PHYS 153L may be substituted for the sequence PHYS 161L, PHYS 162L and PHYS 163L.
**CHEM 115aL, CHEM 115bL may be substituted for the sequence CHEM105aL, CHEM105bL.
This program is intended primarily for students who are interested in a career in physics.
*PHYS 151L, PHYS 152L and PHYS 153L may be substituted for the sequence PHYS 161L, PHYS 162L and PHYS 163L.
**CHEM 105aL, CHEM 105bL may be substituted for the sequence CHEM 115aL, CHEM 115bL.
This program is intended for students with dual interests in physics and computer science who wish to complete the essential courses for both majors within their normal four-year career.
**PHYS 151L and 152L may be substituted for PHYS 161L and 162L respectively.
The astronomy minor is open to all students. A minimum of three courses taken toward the minor must be unique to the minor.
The physics minor is open to all students. Engineering students must take a minimum of three upper-division courses unique to the minor.
The prerequisite for admission for a master's degree in the
Department of Physics and Astronomy is a bachelor's degree in
physics or a related field. All applicants for admission must take
the Graduate Record Examinations, including the Physics Subject
Test. Transcripts of undergraduate records as well as transcripts
of any graduatelevel courses are required. The TOEFL or IELTS is
required of international students applying for a teaching
assistantship as well as for those applying for admission only.
Applicants may be admitted as a degree candidate
at the beginning of fall or spring semester.
All MS and MA degree students normally take at least three courses for each of two semesters. A total of 24 units of credit is required for graduation. Admitted students may transfer a maximum of 4 units of credit to apply toward the degree requirements.
There is no foreign language requirement for the MS or MA
Option A MS in Physics: The MS degree requires satisfactory completion of seven courses (exclusive of PHYS 500 and PHYS 594), of which no more than one course may be PHYS 590 Directed Research. In addition, satisfactory completion of a thesis (and 4 units of PHYS 594) is required.
Option B MA in Physics: The MA degree requires satisfactory completion of eight courses (exclusive of PHYS 500 and PHYS 590) plus a high level of performance on the comprehensive examination.
The required courses for either option are PHYS 504, PHYS 508a and PHYS 558a. For either option at least five courses must be at the 500 level or higher and remaining courses at the 400 level or higher; at least five courses must be in physics. All required physics courses must be passed with a grade of B- or better. No upper-division courses required for the BA in physics at USC may be counted for credit toward the MA or MS degree.
All master's degree candidates are required to take the departmental screening examination not later than during their second semester (excluding summer). This examination serves as the required comprehensive examination for the MA degree. A high level of performance is required for the MA degree, and a superior level is required for admission to (or continuation in) the PhD program.
The prerequisite for admission for a master's degree in the
Department of Physics and Astronomy is a bachelor's degree in
physics or a related field. All applicants for admission must take
the Graduate Record Examinations, including the Physics Subject
Test. Transcripts of undergraduate records as well as transcripts
of any graduatelevel courses are required. The TOEFL or IELTS is
required of international students applying for a teaching
assistantship as well as for those applying for admission only.
Applicants may be admitted as a degree candidate
at the beginning of fall or spring semester.
All MS and MA degree students normally take at least three courses for each of two semesters. A total of 24 units of credit is required for graduation. Admitted students may transfer a maximum of 4 units of credit to apply toward the degree requirements.
There is no foreign language requirement for the MS or MA
Option A MS in Physics: The MS degree requires satisfactory completion of seven courses (exclusive of PHYS 500 and PHYS 594), of which no more than one course may be PHYS 590 Directed Research. In addition, satisfactory completion of a thesis (and 4 units of PHYS 594) is required.
Option B MA in Physics: The MA degree requires satisfactory completion of eight courses (exclusive of PHYS 500 and PHYS 590) plus a high level of performance on the comprehensive examination.
The required courses for either option are PHYS 504, PHYS 508a and PHYS 558a. For either option at least five courses must be at the 500 level or higher and remaining courses at the 400 level or higher; at least five courses must be in physics. All required physics courses must be passed with a grade of B- or better. No upper-division courses required for the BA in physics at USC may be counted for credit toward the MA or MS degree.
All master's degree candidates are required to take the departmental screening examination not later than during their second semester (excluding summer). This examination serves as the required comprehensive examination for the MA degree. A high level of performance is required for the MA degree, and a superior level is required for admission to (or continuation in) the PhD program.
The prerequisite for admission to the Master of Science in Physics for Business Applications is a bachelor's degree in physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering or related field. Applicants should have previous upperdivision course work in electricity and magnetism and quantum mechanics/modern physics. All applicants for admission must take the Graduate Record Examinations general test and are encouraged to take the Physics Subject Test. Transcripts of undergraduate records as well as transcripts of any graduate-level courses are required. The TOEFL or IELTS is required of international students applying for a teaching assistantship as well as for those applying for admission only. Applicants may be admitted to the program at the beginning of fall or spring semester.
All full-time MS degree students are expected to take three courses toward the degree for each of the first three semesters. Part-time students are expected to complete at least three courses per calendar year. A total of 36 units of credit is required for graduation. Admitted students may transfer a maximum of 8 units of credit to apply toward degree requirements.
There is no foreign language requirement for the MS degree.
By the end of the first semester in residence, students are required to demonstrate a skill level in programming in C or C++. This skill may be demonstrated by a practical exam or by passing a relevant computer language course.
The MS in Physics for Business Applications degree requires completion of 36 units of course work plus satisfactory submission of a final technical report. The physics requirement is 17 units of courses, including PHYS 516, PHYS 518, PHYS 520, PHYS 558a, PHYS 650 and PHYS 692. The business requirement is 12 units of courses. Business courses may be selected from one of three tracks: Corporate Finance (GSBA 510, GSBA 548 and one of GSBA 518 or GSBA 543 are required with electives chosen from FBE 529, FBE 531, FBE 532 and FBE 562); Information Systems (GSBA 518 or GSBA 543 required with electives chosen from IOM 533 and IOM 540); or Operations Management (GSBA 518 or GSBA 543 required with electives chosen from DSO 525, DSO 537, DSO 581, DSO 582 and DSO 583). Alternative business tracks can be taken with departmental approval. An additional 6 units of technical electives are required, to be chosen from PHYS 408b, PHYS 440, PHYS 504, PHYS 510, PHYS 558b, MATH 407 or MATH 408. Alternative technical electives can be taken with departmental approval. All required courses must be passed with a grade of B- or better.
All students in physics are required to submit a final technical report within one semester of completion of the internship PHYS 692. This report will be reviewed by the department to establish both its technical merit and the quality of written communication skills of the master's student. A grade will be registered for PHYS 692 upon satisfactory review of the final report.
Application deadline: January 1
The prerequisite for admission to the doctoral program in the Department of Physics and Astronomy is a bachelor's (or master's) degree in physics or related field. All applicants for admission must take the Graduate Record Examinations, including the Physics Subject Test. Transcripts of undergraduate records as well as transcripts of any graduate-level courses are required. The TOEFL or IELTS is required of international students applying for a teaching assistantship as well as for those applying for admission only. Applicants may be admitted to the program at the beginning of the fall or spring semester.
PhD students in physics normally enroll in three courses for each of the first four semesters in graduate school. A total of 60 units of credit is required for graduation. Students admitted to the PhD program may transfer a maximum of 30 units of credit to apply toward degree requirements. For students admitted with Advanced Standing (entry with an appropriate completed graduate degree from an accredited institution), a minimum of 36 units of course work beyond that graduate degree, exclusive of PHYS 794, will be required.
There is no foreign language requirement for the PhD
The student is expected to have prepared for understanding all branches of physics. A minimum of 11 graduate courses in physics, excluding graduate colloquium, dissertation and directed research courses, taken at this university and elsewhere, is required. The required courses for the PhD are PHYS 504, PHYS 508a, PHYS 508b, PHYS 510, PHYS 518 and PHYS 558a, PHYS 558b plus four elective graduate courses in physics. In addition, four units of PHYS 500 and PHYS 794 are required. All required physics courses (except 500 and 794) must be passed with a grade of B- or better. After passing the qualifying examination the student must register for PHYS 794 Doctoral Dissertation each fall and spring semester.
Any student proceeding toward the PhD in physics must pass the departmental screening examination at a superior level. The exam must be taken not later than during the second semester (excluding summers, but including time in the MA/MS program) in the department. New advanced students who have passed an equivalent comprehensive examination at a well-recognized research university with superior grades may apply to the departmental examination committee for an oral interview in order to be exempted from the written screening examination. A faculty member who supervises the research of such a student in the department must support this application.
The graduate adviser serves as adviser to incoming students and assists in the appointment of the qualifying exam committee, which is formed after the screening examination has been passed. After the student passes the qualifying examination and a dissertation topic is approved, the five-member qualifying exam committee becomes known as the dissertation committee and is responsible for monitoring the candidate's progress and for approving the final content and form of the dissertation.
The qualifying examination must be attempted not later than during the fifth semester (or in the case of advanced students, the third semester) in the department (excluding summer). The PhD qualifying examination contains a written part and an oral part. The written part consists of a critical review by the student of a published work selected by the qualifying exam committee and of a research proposal prepared by the student on the area in which the student intends to do a doctoral dissertation. The oral part expands on the written part.
A doctoral dissertation in physics is expected to be an extensive description of original research carried out by the student. A complete discussion of reported research in relation to previous work by others is essential.
The dissertation must be defended in a final oral examination. The candidate must be prepared to answer general questions in the field as well as specific questions regarding the dissertation.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Von KleinSmid Center 327
(213) 740-6998
FAX: (213) 740-8893
Email: posc@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/politicalscience
Chair: Dennis Chong, PhD
Blue Cross of California Chair in Health Care Finance and Professor of Policy, Planning and Development and Political Science: Glenn Melnick, PhD (Public Policy)
C. Erwin and Ione L. Piper Dean's Chair and Professor of Policy, Planning and Development and Political Science: Dan Mazmanian, PhD (Public Policy)
C. Erwin and Ione L. Piper Professor of Policy, Planning and Development and Political Science: Jack Knott, PhD
Robert C. Packard Trustee Chair in Law and Professor of Law, Economics and Political Science: Edward McCaffery, JD (Law)
Emery Evans Olson Chair in Non-Profit Entrepreneurship and Public Policy and Professor of Public Policy and Political Science: James Ferris, PhD (Public Policy)
Jeffrey J. Miller Chair in Government, Business and the Economy and Professor of Public Policy and Political Science: Elizabeth Graddy, PhD (Public Policy)
Leon Benwell Professor of Law and Professor of Law and International Relations and Political Science: Edwin Smith, JD (Law)
Maria B. Crutcher Professor of Citizenship and Democratic Values: Terry L. Cooper, PhD (Public Policy)
Robert Kingsley Professor in Law and Professor of Law and Political Science: Susan Estrich, JD (Law)
Walter Annenberg Chair in Communication and Professor of Political Science: Ernest J. Wilson III, PhD (Communication)
Carmen H. and Louis Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics and Professor of the Practice of Political Science: Robert M. Shrum, PhD
Professors: Dennis Chong, PhD; Ann Crigler, PhD*; Richard H. Dekmejian, PhD; Mary Dudziak, PhD (Law); Philip Ethington, PhD (History); Thomas Hollihan, PhD (Communication); Jane Junn, PhD; Sharon Lloyd, PhD (Philosophy); Nancy Lutkehaus, PhD (Anthropology); John Matsusaka, PhD (Finance and Business Economics); Alison D. Renteln, PhD*; Stanley Rosen, PhD*; Eliz Sanasarian, PhD*; Shui Yan Tang, PhD (Public Policy); Priscilla Wohlstetter, PhD (Education)
Associate Professors: John E. Barnes, PhD*; Christian Grose, PhD; Ange-Marie Hancock, PhD; Juliet Musso, PhD (Public Policy); Jefferey M. Sellers, PhD
Assistant Professors: Morris Levy, PhD; Nicholas Weller, PhD
Professor of the Practice: Bill Lockyer, JD; William Simon Jr., JD
Associate Professor of the Practice: Yael Wolinsky-Nahmias, PhD
Assistant Professors (Teaching): Arthur Auerbach, PhD; Anthony Kammas, PhD
Assistant Professor of the Practice: Daniel Schnur, BA
Adjunct Assistant Professors: William Fahey, JD; Jose Gomez, PhD; George Newhouse Jr., JD; Olu K. Orange, JD; Darry Sragow, JD
Professor Emeritus of Political Science and History and Associates Chair Emeritus in Social Science: Mark Kann, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Nora Hamilton, PhD; John R. Schmidhauser, PhD
Emeritus Associate Professor: Joseph L. Nyomarkay, PhD*
*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award.
The Department of Political Science divides political science into four broad fields: American politics, political thought, comparative politics, and law and public policy. The department offers regional specialization in six areas: Latin America, East Asia, Western Europe, Russia and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics provides local internships for students as part of their course work or as independent study.
The Department of Political Science offers: the BA; minors in political science; law and society; race, ethnicity and politics; human rights; and political organizing in the digital age. The department also offers MA and PhD degrees under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School, as well as a dual PhD in Political Science and International Relations/Juris Doctor with the USC Gould School of Law.
The department has faculty and staff advisers who provide academic advisement, career counseling and advisement to pre-law students and those wishing to go on to graduate studies. All majors are encouraged to see their adviser.
This interdisciplinary program consists of nine courses chosen from PHIL, POSC, LAW and ANTH. See Philosophy.
See Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures.
See the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies.
The department offers an honors program for outstanding undergraduate students in the junior and senior years. The two semester program emphasizes a specialized topic (a different area each year) in political science. The organization of the course during the first semester follows the seminar model, emphasizing independent research, discussion, and oral and written reports. In the second semester, the student is required to write a thesis under the direction of a faculty member. Students are admitted to the program after careful screening on the basis of their academic record and a personal interview. Classes are limited to about 10 students.
The department also offers an honors sequence for freshmen and sophomores, POSC 190a, POSC 190b. The first semester is a small seminar of about 10 students. The second semester is a continuation with a major research paper due as the final.
There are two honor societies of special interest to political science majors. Pi Sigma Alpha stimulates scholarship and interest in the subject of government by providing tangible recognition to students who have excelled in the field. Political science majors are eligible to join after successful completion of at least three upper-division courses in political science. An overall grade point average of 3.5 or higher is required, with a minimum of 3.5 in all political science classes.
The second honor society is Blackstonians. This is a pre-law honor society for undergraduate students designed to recognize academic excellence, assist the student in his or her preparation for law school, and expand the knowledge of the legal profession. Membership is restricted to students who have completed at least 32 units (16 of which must be from USC), but not more than 118 units, and have maintained at least a 3.5 grade point average.
The department hosts the USC Mock Trial Team. This trial advocacy training program is designed to develop students' knowledge of substantive areas of civil law, criminal law and evidence. Additionally, public speaking skills are honed and societal mores are explored. Legal concepts, sociocultural theory and presentational skills are then applied through participation in courtroom advocacy competitions nationwide and local public interest advocacy assignments. Academic credit is earned through POSC 398. Membership on the team is required to enroll.
These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and The Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
All graduate students are required to maintain regular contact with the graduate coordinator to assure compliance with departmental regulations.
Department majors are required to take nine courses (36 units) in political science.
At least six of the nine courses must be at the 300-level or above, including at least one course in each of the following four fields: American politics, political thought, comparative politics, and law and public policy. No more than one course (or four units) of POSC 395 or POSC 490x may be counted toward the 36 unit departmental requirements.
Students who have a double major in political science and in another department in the social sciences, may, with prior permission of the department undergraduate adviser, substitute one upper-division course from the second major for one upper-division political science course. In the development of an undergraduate program, students should consult periodically with the political science undergraduate adviser and/or with departmental faculty.
While majoring in political science and fulfilling the department requirements, a student may elect to emphasize a particular regional area in the fields of comparative government, diplomacy and international politics. Regional specializations are offered in six areas: East Asia, Western Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Africa, Russia and Eastern Europe. With the approval of the faculty, a student may organize an academic program in such a way as to fulfill the general education language requirements with the language or languages of the regional area specialization. In addition, it is assumed the student will fulfill other social sciences and humanities requirements and electives with courses focusing on the history and culture of the particular area of specialization. Such a pattern of courses at the undergraduate level will strengthen a student's qualifications for graduate-level area programs, as well as for various forms of foreign service.
Application deadline (for PhD): December 1
The Political Science and International Relations program and the USC Gould School of Law jointly offer a dual degree program leading to the JD/PhD degree. Applicants must apply to the Political Science and International Relations program and the law school and meet the requirements for admission to both. In addition to the LSAT, students interested in this program are required to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE).
In the first year students take their course work in the law school exclusively. To earn the JD, all students (including dual degree students) must complete 35 numerically graded law units at USC after the first year. The associate dean may make exceptions to this rule for students enrolled in law honors programs. The second and third years include a total of 40 units of courses in political science and international relations and 40 units of law. Students must complete a five-course core theory and methodology sequence. They must include a classics-oriented, two-semester political, social, comparative and international theory sequence (currently POSC 530 and IR 500), a multivariate statistics course (such as IR 514 or POSC 600) and a philosophies/methodologies in social inquiry course (IR 513 or POSC 500). Finally in their second, third or fourth year, they must take an approved advanced research methods course.
To obtain a PhD in Political Science and International Relations, students must pass the screening process. After the completion of required field course work with a grade of B or better, a substantive paper or USC MA thesis relevant to the program, students must take a PhD qualifying examination in two of their three fields of concentration. The third field will be completed by taking at least three courses and passing each with a grade of B or better. The final requirement, following successful completion of the qualifying examination, is a doctoral dissertation.
Only students who have a degree objective of obtaining the PhD will be admitted into the Political Science and International Relations program. However, interested students can obtain a MA degree while pursuing the PhD. The degree is awarded upon successful completion of (a) 28 units, including three of the five courses in the program's core theory and methodology sequence, a master's thesis and registration in POSC 594a, POSC 594b orIR 594a, IR 594b; and (b) the approval of the master's thesis by the thesis committee.
The protection of human rights has become a matter of international concern. Despite widespread media coverage of violations, flagrant abuses occur daily throughout the world. The human rights minor provides students with in-depth knowledge about various human rights issues.
Drawing together classes from a range of departments in and outside the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, this interdisciplinary minor will cover the theoretical foundations of human rights, historical and current developments, case studies and policies. Students will be required to take their learning outside the classroom through an internship or by teaching human rights in the community and will be encouraged to join relevant student organizations.
Total unit requirements for the minor are 18*. Students take one core course in human rights, POSC 448a The Politics of Peace. In addition, the minor requires two courses dealing with international human rights, one domestic human rights related course and a community involvement experience through the Department of Political Science.
Students are required to take their learning outside the classroom through an internship with a focus in human rights, teaching human rights in the community or an independent project. Students who choose the internship must enroll in POSC 395 and those who choose do an independent project must enroll in POSC 490x. Approval is needed to enroll in POSC 395 and POSC 490x.
POSC majors must take four courses (16 units) outside of the Political Science Department for a total of 22 units.
This interdisciplinary program focuses on the effect of law on society as well as the ways in which social forces influence the legal system. The idea is that students will understand the law if they look beyond "law on the books" to "law in action." Thus, it is important to study key legal institutions such as the legal profession, the judiciary, juries, the police, legislatures, and administrative agencies. In addition, the minor introduces students to legal policies like plea bargaining and the death penalty, and the constitutional principles that underlie political debates about them, e.g., equal protection, due process and privacy.
The requirements for the minor include seven courses (28 units). All students are required to take POSC 130 Law, Politics, and Public Policy.
At least four classes must be unique to the minor. Political science majors must take upper-division courses only from categories 5, 6 and 7. Non-political science majors must take at least one upper-division course from 5, 6 or 7.
The digital environment is changing the face of political organization, both in domestic American electoral politics and in the methods used by transnational social movements to call attention to problems around the globe. Howard Dean's use of the Internet to fund his 2004 presidential campaign has made other candidates aware of the political power of the Web in fundraising and grass-roots orchestration of local (and "global") events.
This minor should be of interest to students majoring in international relations, political science or other programs who plan to use technology to affect contemporary national and international affairs. As with all minors, students must choose four courses dedicated exclusively to this minor and four courses outside their major departments. These may, but need not be, the same four courses.
This minor is intended to help students engage in domestic and international political organizing by creating Websites, podcasting and using other new technologies. It should help students secure internships and jobs with political and international organizations, and generally improve their abilities to change the world.
The capstone class allows students to engage more deeply in one of the contributing areas of study.
Students who minor in political science must take five courses, 20 units, in political science. Students can either pursue course work in a traditional subfield (American politics, comparative politics, law and public policy, or political theory) or in a specific issue area of concentration (civil liberties and human rights, race, ethnicity, and gender, urban political problems, Asian politics, etc.).
Those who focus their studies on a traditional subfield must take the lower-level introductory course in that subfield: POSC 100 Theory and Practice of American Democracy (American politics); POSC 110 Ideology and Political Conflict (political theory); POSC 120 Comparative Politics (comparative politics) or POSC 130 Law, Politics and Public Policy (law and public policy).
Students pursuing the minor must also take four upper-division courses, three of which must be in the chosen subfield. Students choose from a predetermined list of courses divided by subfield in consultation with and approval of the department's undergraduate student adviser.
Those who pursue a specific issue area of concentration are required to take the department's designated gateway course, POSC 120 Comparative Politics, and at least three upper-division courses in the issue area of concentration. A fourth upper-division course must be taken in the issue area of concentration or a complementary area. The upper-division courses are chosen in consultation with and approval of the department's undergraduate student adviser.
The interdisciplinary minor in race, ethnicity and politics helps students analyze and critically evaluate contemporary race relations and how race matters in politics today.
All students are required to take POSC 421 Ethnic Politics. In addition, students must also take one course from each category: Race and Gender in a Global Context, Comparative Racial Politics, Social/Historical (Racial Perspective) and Racial Formation. The following is a list of courses that fulfill each category.
*Political science majors are required to take seven courses (28 units).
Political science majors must take four courses (at least three must be upper-division) from the Social/Historical and the Racial Formation categories. At least four classes must be unique to the minor and not taken for additional major, minor or general education credit.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Von KleinSmid Center 327
(213) 740-1695
FAX: (213) 740-0281
Email: cgrose@usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/poir
Director: Christian Grose, PhD
The PhD degree is awarded to students who have demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the disciplines of political science and international relations and the ability to make an original research contribution. The PhD in Political Science and International Relations requirements are fulfilled by successfully completing a minimum of 70 units beyond the BA, the PhD screening process, three fields of concentration, a substantive paper, a foreign language requirement (if applicable), qualifying examinations, a dissertation proposal, and a written dissertation and its oral defense.
The faculty of the Department of Political Science and the School of International Relations welcome talented candidates from a variety of backgrounds. Although a prior degree in political science or international relations is not necessary, it is strongly recommended that applicants have completed at least some course work in related fields, including political theory, statistics and social science research methods.
Admission decisions are based on consideration of applicants' prior academic performance, as reflected in course grades, the results of the Graduate Record Examination, letters of recommendation, and a statement of intent that demonstrates a seriousness of purpose, a high level of motivation and a desire to benefit from our faculty's areas of expertise or interest. Applicants also are required to submit a sample of their written work in English, preferably a research-oriented paper. Business, government and other practical experiences may also be taken into account. Applicants whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL or IELTS examination.
Before completion of 24 units, students will be reviewed by a screening committee made up of the program director, one teacher of one of the core courses and one professor nominated by the student. This committee will review the student's progress, including grades and written faculty evaluations of course work.
The committee will be responsible for deciding, at an early stage in the student's career, if the student is likely to finish the PhD program. After reviewing the student's record, the committee may decide to (1) continue the student, (2) not continue the student and admit the student into a terminal MA degree program, or (3) fail the student's performance in the screening process, i.e., not continue the student in either the MA or PhD programs.
All doctoral candidates must complete an approved sequence of four courses in core theory and methodology, including a classics-oriented course in political theory, a multivariate statistics course, a philosophies/methodologies of social inquiry course, and a course in advanced research methods.
The selection of additional courses should be guided by the distribution requirements of the PhD program. The student will choose three fields of concentration, of which two will be examined fields. Each examined field of concentration requires completion of four graduate-level courses, including the core course in standard fields, with an average grade consistent with university and program requirements. The third non-examined field of concentration requires completion of three graduate-level courses with an average grade consistent with university and program requirements. Students are also advised to take an independent study course to work toward their substantive paper requirement. Additional courses necessary to complete the 70 units required by the Guidelines for Graduate Study in Political Science and International Relations should be taken in consultation with faculty advisers.
The standing fields of concentration include: American politics; comparative politics; international political economy; and international security and foreign policy. The candidate must satisfy two of these four standing fields by passing a written field qualifying examination. The student may satisfy the third field by completing four courses in one of these four, or may propose another customized field of study to be approved by relevant faculty and the PhD program director and steering committee. For example, students can design a third field that cuts across disciplinary boundaries or focuses on specific areas of political science and international relations beyond the standing fields. The guidelines and program director can provide illustrations of this type of third field.
The student is required to demonstrate intermediate proficiency in a language other than English if the student's primary field requires it. Students should consult the guidelines and the program director.
To show evidence of the capacity to conduct original research and before taking the qualifying exam, each student will submit a substantive paper. The student will submit the draft of his or her substantive paper to the chair of the qualifying exam committee one month prior to the qualifying examinations. After consultation with the chair and necessary revisions, the student is to distribute the paper to all members of the qualifying exam committee at least 14 days prior to the oral defense. The substantive paper should be presented and defended in the oral component of the qualifying examination as a viable journal submission to a peer-reviewed professional journal. It is strongly encouraged that the paper should be submitted to a professional journal approved by the student's adviser within one year of the defense.
Ordinarily, students will take the qualifying exams no later than the fifth semester in the PhD program. Students will be examined in two of their three fields of concentration. The third field will be completed by taking at least four courses and passing them with an average grade consistent with university and program requirements. The qualifying exam committee will evaluate the quality of these two written exams as evidence of the capacity to define and complete a PhD dissertation.
The written examinations are closed book and will be administered over two days at least once per academic year. Examination questions will be written by a committee of the tenure track faculty in each field. The director of POIR graduate studies (program director), in consultation with the chair of the Department of Political Science and the director of the School of International Relations, will appoint one faculty member from each field to coordinate the writing of the relevant field exam. The field exam coordinators will then seek assistance from other faculty in their field, including those with whom the student has studied, to compose the written examination questions.
The oral portion of the student's qualifying examination will be administered by his or her qualifying exam committee. The oral examination will be based on the student's two written field exams and the substantive paper. The qualifying exam committee will be made up of five members. In consultation with his or her principal adviser, the student will select two members, one from each standing field in which he or she will be examined, and the other two field examiners and the outside member of the qualifying exam committee. Final approval of the qualifying exam committee requires the signature of the program director.
Students will pass the qualifying examinations if no more than one member of the qualifying exam committee dissents after reviewing the student's record at USC and performance on the written and oral parts of the qualifying exams. At the discretion of the qualifying exam committee, students who do not pass the exams may be allowed to retake the qualifying exams the next time they are offered. Students are admitted to candidacy for the PhD when they have completed the university residency requirement, passed the written and oral portions of the PhD qualifying examinations, and defended their dissertation proposal.
Upon completion of the qualifying examinations, the student, in consultation with the principal adviser, selects a dissertation committee in accordance with university rules. Within six months of completing the qualifying examinations, students should have a formal defense of the dissertation proposal before their dissertation committee. The PhD is earned upon the submission of the written dissertation and its successful defense before the dissertation committee.
Consult the Requirements for Graduation section and the Graduate School section of this catalogue regarding time limitations for completion of the degree and other Graduate School requirements.
All graduate students considering an academic career should generally have research, teaching and advisement experiences as part of their program of study.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Von KleinSmid Center 263
(213) 740-8964
FAX: (213) 740-3167
Email: unruhins@usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/unruh
Director: Dan Schnur, BA
Chief of Staff: Kerstyn Olson, MA
The Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics sponsors events designed to introduce students to the world of practical politics. Each semester, the institute facilitates internships with government, political and advocacy offices in the Los Angeles metropolitan area and beyond. The institute also sponsors numerous discussion series that bring prominent political and governmental leaders to USC to speak to small groups of students in an informal setting. In the spring, the institute organizes the Cerrell Seminar in Political Leadership — a trip to Sacramento at which USC students meet with legislators, lobbyists and members of the media to discuss important issues in state politics.
The Unruh Institute of Politics works closely with the Political Student Assembly (PSA). PSA was formed in January 2006 as a division of the Student Affairs Program Board and seeks to actively involve students in campus, state and national political issues.
Students volunteer to work in one of over 500 political and governmental offices throughout the Los Angeles area, in Sacramento and in Washington, D.C., enabling them to gain firsthand political experience. As interns, students acquire basic political understanding and skills in government, campaign, media or advocacy organizations. Through their assignments, students have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the many ways in which people are important to politics and politics to people.
By gaining hands-on experience in government and politics, student interns develop real-world political and job skills to assist them in their future careers. Many talented interns are fortunate enough to secure full-time employment based upon their internship experience.
Students enroll in POSC 395 Directed Governmental and Political Leadership Internship, for two to eight units. Students can enroll in POSC 395 during the fall, spring or summer. In the summer, students can apply for institute-sponsored fellowships to help defray tuition and living expenses.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Office of Advanced and Professional Programs
Mark Taper Hall 355
(213) 740-1384
FAX: (213) 740-5002
Email: mpw@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/mpw
Director: Brighde Mullins, MFA
Professor of the Practice: Brighde Mullins, MFA
Assistant Professors (Teaching): Prince Gomolvilas, MFA; Dinah Lenney, MFA
Senior Lecturers: M.G. Lord; Timothy Kirkman
Lecturer: Gina B. Nahai, MPW
The Master of Professional Writing Program develops students' mastery of craft across multiple genres and prepares students for writing careers. It is designed for students who want to explore a range of writerly possibilities, and aims to develop writing and writers across genre, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, new media, and writing for stage and screen. Program faculty are working writers who bring their expertise to seminars, lectures and workshops.
The academic curriculum includes a range of courses that focus on all aspects of the writing life, as well as oneon-one tutorials geared to the completion of a professional quality final project. Although students will ultimately focus in one genre, the degree is specifically intended for writers interested in exploring the connections to be found in literature, entertainment and art. Program graduates include television writers, screenwriters, writers and teachers of literary fiction and poetry, Web content providers and designers, editors, publishers, and technical writers.
Thirty units of work are required to earn the MPW degree. MPW 500 Survey of Professional Writing (3 units) is required and should be taken in the first semester. Fifteen additional units must be earned in the student's major genre (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or writing for stage and screen), including MPW 592a, MPW 592b, MPW 592z or MPW 594a, MPW 594b, MPW 594z Master's Thesis. While taking Professional Writing Project or Master's Thesis, with advisement from their faculty mentors, students will generate their master's professional projects in their respective genres. These projects may be a full length novel, a collection of short stories, a nonfiction manuscript, a collection of essays, a collection of poems, or a full length screenplay or stageplay. The remaining 12 units consist of electives from the MPW curriculum, and students are encouraged to choose widely.
The progressive degree program permits exceptional undergraduate students to receive both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Professional Writing within five years. It is intended for students with extraordinary MPW preparation and performance who demonstrate a superior level of overall scholarship.
Progressive degree program students must fulfill all of the requirements for both the bachelor's degree and the master's degree, including a professional writing project or a master's thesis. The unit requirement for the master's degree can be reduced by as much as one-third. The degrees may be awarded separately, but the master's degree will not be awarded before the undergraduate degree.
The time limit for completing a progressive degree program is 12 semesters.
Further details about progressive degrees can be found on the Requirements for Graduation page.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Seeley G. Mudd Building 501
(213) 740-2203
FAX: (213) 746-9082
Email: psychology@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/psyc
Chair: JoAnn M. Farver, PhD
University Professor, Dana Dornsife Chair in Neuroscience and Professor of Psychology and Neurology: Hanna Damasio, MD
University Professor, David Dornsife Chair in Neuroscience and Professor of Psychology and Neurology: Antonio Damasio, MD, PhD
Harold Dornsife Chair in Neurosciences and Professor of Psychology and Computer Science: Irving Biederman, PhD
Provost Professor of Cell and Neurobiology, and Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Psychology: Pat Levitt, PhD (Cell and Neurobiology)
Provost Professor of Psychology and Business: Wendy Wood, PhD
Provost Professor of Psychology and Marketing: Norbert Schwarz, PhD
Provost Professor of Social Work, Preventive Medicine, Psychiatry, Family Medicine and Gerontology and Psychology: William Vega, PhD
Dean's Professor of Psychology, and Professor of Psychology, Education, and Communication: Daphna Oyserman, PhD
Merle Bensinger Professor of Gerontology and Professor of Psychology: Bob G. Knight, PhD (Gerontology)
Viterbi Professorship in Engineering, Professor of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Linguistics and Psychology: Shrikanth (Shri) Narayanan, PhD (Engineering)
Orrin B. Evans Professor of Law and Professor of Law and Psychology: Elyn R. Saks, JD (Law)
University Professor, Fletcher Jones Chair in Computer Science, and Professor of Computer Science, Biological Sciences, and Psychology: Michael A. Arbib, PhD (Computer Science)
University Professor, ARCO/William F. Kieschnick Chair in the Neurobiology of Aging and Professor of Gerontology, Biological Sciences, Anthropology, and Psychology: Caleb E. Finch, PhD (Gerontology)
University Professor and Milo Don and Lucille Appleman Professor of Biological Sciences, Neurology and Psychology: Larry W. Swanson, PhD (Biological Sciences)
Professors: Laura A. Baker, PhD; Antoine Bechara, PhD; Sarah W. Bottjer, PhD (Biological Sciences); Peter Carnevale, PhD (Business); Gerald C. Davison, PhD*; Michael E. Dawson, PhD; JoAnn M. Farver, PhD*; Margaret Gatz, PhD*; Ernest Greene, PhD; Andrea Hollingshead, PhD (Communication); Laurent Itti, PhD (Computer Science); David G. Lavond, PhD; Steven Lopez, PhD; Thomas D. Lyon, JD, PhD (Law); Franklin R. Manis, PhD*; Gayla Margolin, PhD*; Mara Mather, PhD (Gerontology); John J. McArdle, PhD; Beth E. Meyerowitz, PhD*; Lynn Miller, PhD (Communication); Carol A. Prescott, PhD; Stephen J. Read, PhD; Robert Rueda, PhD (Education); Dan Simon, SJD (Law); Gale Sinatra, PhD (Education); Elizabeth Sowell, PhD (Pediatrics); Arthur Stone, PhD; Steven Yale Sussman, PhD (Institute for Prevention Research, Medicine); Bosco S. Tjan, PhD; Penelope K. Trickett (Social Work); Suzanne Wenzel (Social Work); Rand Wilcox, PhD; Elizabeth Zelinski, PhD (Gerontology)
Associate Professors: Lisa Aziz-Zadeh, PhD (Occupational Therapy); Giorgio Coricelli, PhD (Economics); Stanley J. Huey, Jr., PhD; Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, PhD (Education); Richard S. John, PhD; Adam Leventhal, PhD (Preventive Medicine); Stephen A. Madigan, PhD; Toben Mintz, PhD; John Monterosso, PhD*; Joseph Priester, PhD (Business); David Schwartz, PhD; Brendesha Tynes, PhD (Preventive Medicine); David A. Walsh, PhD; Jason D. Zevin, PhD
Assistant Professors: Morteza Dehghani, PhD; Genevieve Dunton, PhD (Preventive Medicine); Jesse Graham, PhD; Tara Gruenewald, PhD (Gerontology); Henrike Moll, PhD; Daniel Nation, PhD; Darby Saxbe, PhD; Scott Wiltermuth, PhD, (Business); Justin Wood, PhD*; Ya Yang, PhD (Pediatrics)
Clinical Professor: Ernest R. Katz, PhD
Clinical Assistant Professor: Marian Williams, PhD
Professors (Research): Jonathan Gratch, PhD (Computer Science); Donna Spruijt-Metz, PhD
Associate Professors (Research): Susan Luczak, PhD; Stacy Marsella, PhD (Computer Science)
Assistant Professors (Research): Karen M. Hennigan, PhD; Jonas Kaplan, PhD
Professor of the Practice: Ellen Leggett, EdD
Associate Professor of the Practice: Robert Chernoff, PhD
Assistant Professor of the Practice: Shannon Couture, PhD
Associate Professor (Teaching): Ann Renken, PhD
Assistant Professor (Teaching): C. Miranda Barone, PhD
Lecturers: William Breland, PhD; Clayton Stephenson, PhD; Alex Yukik, JD, PsyD
Adjunct Professors: Lynne Bernstein, PhD; Elizabeth Susman, PhD
Adjunct Professor (Research): Nancy Pedersen, PhD
Adjunct Associate Professor: Joanne Steuer, PhD
Adjunct Assistant Professor: Jasmine Tehrani, PhD
Adjunct Assistant Professor (Research): Kaspar Meyer, PhD
Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Mendel B. Silberberg Professor Emeritus of Social Psychology: Norman Miller, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Elaine Anderson, PhD; Kathleen Chambers, PhD; Norman Cliff, PhD; William W. Grings, PhD; Jerald Jellison, PhD; Albert R. Marston, PhD; Sarnoff A. Mednick, PhD
Clinical Associates: Barbara Cadow, PhD; Kenneth Cole, PhD; Vivian Fernandez-Credidio, PhD; Beth Leedham, PhD; Michael Maloney, PhD; Karen Meiselman, PhD; Pamella Oliver, PhD; Berta Ortiz, PhD; Cynthia G. Pearson, PhD; Charles Weinstein, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award.
The Department of Psychology offers five topical areas: (1) Brain and cognitive science, which analyzes the biological and social bases of phenomena and abilities such as appetitive behavior learning, memory, perception, decision making, social understanding, emotion, intelligence, behavior disorders, language development and language comprehension — among humans and related higher animals; (2) Developmental, which studies changes in behavior — cognitive, linguistic, social and emotional — from childhood through adolescence and adulthood into old age; (3) Clinical science, which focuses on the ways people cope, or have difficulty coping, with problems in behavior, emotions, social interaction, aging, health-related behavior, and substance use and abuse; (4) Quantitative, which focuses on the methodological, statistical and practical tools to study human behavior; and (5) Social, which examines normal human nature and conduct, develops and tests theories concerning the consequences of our social condition and its potential improvement.
In addition, the department offers a joint major in linguistics/psychology and participates in the Dornsife College's interdisciplinary program in neuroscience.
Research is integral to psychology; it enables the faculty to make contributions in the field and to be more effective teachers. Undergraduate students are encouraged to work with members of the faculty on research projects. The most direct way for students to participate in research is to enroll in a directed research course, but it is also possible to take part in ongoing research in less formal ways. Further options for research training include the honors program for psychology majors and the progressive degree program that permits students to complete all requirements for both the BA and the MA degrees in psychological science in five years.
For the lower division: LING 210, PSYC 100 and PSYC 274Lg are required. For the upper division the following courses are required: LING 301 and LING 302; PSYC 314L; two courses selected from LING 380, LING 401, LING 402, LING 403, LING 405, LING 406, LING 407, LING 410, LING 415, LING 466 and LING 485; three additional courses selected from LING 406, PSYC 301L, PSYC 326, PSYC 336L, PSYC 337L, PSYC 424 and PSYC 433. See Department of Linguistics.
See the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies.
The department offers an honors program for outstanding students in the BA, Psychology major who desire advanced research training in preparation for graduate work in the social sciences or in professional schools. The primary focus of the honors program is the completion of a research study under the guidance of a faculty adviser. Students are admitted to the program in the fall semester of their junior year and enter the program in the spring of their junior year by enrolling in PSYC 380. To be eligible for admission, a student must have an overall GPA of at least 3.5 at the time of application to the program. This program is not available to students majoring in Social Sciences with an emphasis in Psychology. Students in the honors program complete all major requirements, including PSYC-380 Junior Honors Seminar during the spring semester of their junior year and PSYC-480 Senior Honors Seminar during the spring semester of their senior year. Students complete an honors thesis proposal as part of the Junior Honors Seminar and must submit a completed senior honors thesis by April 1 of the senior year. Students are also expected to have an overall GPA of at least 3.5 at the time of graduation. For further information, contact the undergraduate adviser or the director of the program, Dr. JoAnn M. Farver.
Psi Chi is the national honor society in psychology. Membership is open to graduate and undergraduate men and women who meet the minimum qualifications. Psi Chi is a member of the Association of the College Honor Societies and is an affiliate of the American Psychological Association and the American Psychological Society.
The Department of Psychology offers an MS in Applied Psychology as well as a variety of programs leading to the PhD degree. Programs leading to the PhD degree fall within five major groupings: (1) clinical science, including specializations in adult clinical, clinical-aging and child and family; (2) developmental psychology, including child and adolescent development and adult development and aging; (3) brain and cognitive science, including cognitive neuroscience, behavioral neuroscience, clinical neuroscience and behavioral genetics; (4) quantitative methods; and (5) social psychology.
All five specialty PhD areas provide training for careers in research, teaching and applied work.
Psychology courses required for admission to the PhD program are an introductory course, a course in statistics, a course in research methods or experimental psychology and at least one course from each of the following lists: (1) one or more of comparative psychology, physiological psychology, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation, and emotion; and (2) one or more of developmental psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, personality, and history of psychology. Additional courses are desirable, as is work in the biological, physical and social sciences, in mathematics and in philosophy. Students with less background in psychology but outstanding undergraduate records in related fields are also encouraged to apply.
Students are selected on the basis of undergraduate records, scores on the Graduate Record Examinations General Test, course background, letters of evaluation, personal statement of interests and goals and evidence of research skills or interests (e.g., publications or participation in research projects).
The faculty of each specialty area select the students to be admitted in that area. Because of this procedure, applicants should designate the specialty area to which they seek admission.
Application for admission in psychology requires submission of two sets of material: special departmental forms and university application forms. Students are admitted only for study beginning in the fall semester; both sets of completed application forms must be submitted by December 1 for admission the following fall.
These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and The Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
Director: Toben Mintz, PhD
Cognitive science is an interdisciplinary major that focuses on the mind and cognition from a variety of perspectives and approaches. The core and electives sample from courses from computer science, human and evolutionary biology, linguistics, mathematics, philosophy and psychology.
The major consists of four fixed core courses, plus two tiers of flexible core courses. The first tier generally consists of more introductory courses and the second tier of more advanced courses, although there are exceptions, and some courses satisfy either tier. Students must take two courses from the first tier and three courses from the second. The purpose of the flexible tiers is to structurally implement interdisciplinary breadth with some degree of flexibility. The flexible core is a subset of the electives, from which students can choose in order to complete the required number of units.
Students may elect to focus their curriculum from one of three tracks, which are suggested courses of study for focusing on a particular theme in cognitive science. This may be accomplished through individual advisement: language, reasoning and decision-making, and the computational mind.
Total required units for major: 43–48 units. Consisting of 16 core units, 18–20 flexible core units and 9–12 elective units.
*Prerequisite required
Note: A course that is listed in both flexible core categories can be taken in either one. Students must choose a minimum of 16 upper-division units from the flexible core and electives lists.
A grade of C- or higher is required to count a class toward major requirements.
*At least one math course of 2.67 units or more is required. MATH 114x (or MATH 208x, MATH 218, or MATH 265) is required. Students with a strong math background may profit from a more advanced class.
**It is recommended that no more than two upper-division psychology courses be taken prior to the completion of PSYC 274L and PSYC 314.
Two 400-level psychology courses other than 490x totaling eight units are also required. PSYC 404L and PSYC 420 may not count toward this requirement if used to satisfy the biological category above.
An additional psychology course, either upper or lower-division of at least 2.67 units is required.
The required courses are: PSYC 100, MATH 114*, PSYC 274L and eight upper-division courses in departments in the social sciences, including five in the Department of Psychology and three outside the department but within the division. These may be any 300- or 400-numbered courses.
*MATH 208, MATH 218 or MATH 265 may substitute for MATH 114.
This interdisciplinary minor explores consumer thinking from the perspective of psychology, marketing, economics, anthropology, sociology and other departments interested in popular culture. Why do people form the attitudes and impressions they do? How do individual factors, culture, mass media, economics and social trends influence people's decisions? See USC Marshall School of Business.
This interdisciplinary minor brings together courses in psychology that focus on the social, clinical, cognitive and societal aspects of psychology and how it relates to law. This knowledge is augmented with courses from the USC Gould School of Law that identify the relationship between mental health, social psychology and law.
Twenty-four units are required for the minor. A minimum of four courses (16 units) must be unique to the minor. Psychology majors and students majoring in social sciences with an emphasis in psychology may "double count" up to two courses toward the major and minor; however, they must take a minimum of four courses that do not apply to the major.
PSYC 100 or LAW 200 (PSYC 100 is a prerequisite to upper-division PSYC classes). Psychology majors must take both courses.
The minor requires six courses: PSYC 100 and five additional courses:
One course is required in each of three of the five topic areas listed under Major Requirements. PSYC 314L may be used to fulfill one of these topic areas.
Two elective PSYC courses. One must be upper-division, 300-level or higher.
Limitations:
Seeley G. Mudd, Room 706
(213) 740-2282
Fax: (213) 746-9082
Email: appliedpsychology@usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/map
Program Director: Ellen L. Leggett, EdD
The Master of Science in Applied Psychology program (MAP) is designed for individuals who wish to pursue or advance a career in a non-academic field where knowledge of human behavior is essential to effective job performance. The program stresses practical applications of psychological principles related to social influence, human motivation, interpersonal dynamics, decision-making, and performance improvement.
The program is especially appropriate for those who have majored in a behavioral science field, e.g., psychology, sociology, political science or anthropology. These applicants must have received their baccalaureate degree by the semester in which they begin the program.
Applicants must apply for admission to the Graduate School, and satisfy all requirements for admission. Details on the method for applying, admission criteria and deadlines can be found at dornsife.usc.edu/map.
Thirty-four units of course credit is required for the MAP degree. These units are taken from an inventory of courses that are specified for the MAP program. All students are required to take PSYC 505, PSYC 550a, PSYC 550b, PSYC 552, PSYC 565, 4 to 8 units of PSYC 591, and 2 units of PSYC 592. The specific number of PSYC 591 units taken in a given semester will depend in part on what options are available from internship sponsors. In addition, students choose from the following courses to focus on either organizational psychology or on consumer psychology: PSYC 513, PSYC 517, PSYC 556, PSYC 622. MAP students may take up to 4 units of PSYC 590.
Based on the student's academic background, work experience and career goals, substitutions of up to two courses may be made from other courses eligible for graduate credit.
The program for a given cohort of students begins in the fall semester. The normal expectation is that full-time students will complete the program in two semesters plus the summer. Part-time students will generally take one or two courses per semester, and must complete the program within five years.
The Master of Science in Applied Psychology program is also available as a part-time, online degree. Students may enter this program in fall, spring or summer terms.
The department does not admit students whose objective is this master's degree. However, if a student accepted in the doctoral program does not have a master's degree, the department strongly recommends completion of the requirements for the MA in Psychology in the course of work toward the PhD degree. This involves 24 units of course work and a thesis.
The PhD/MPH dual degree combines knowledge of clinical psychology research and practice with an understanding of health from a population perspective. The student enrolls primarily in the clinical science doctoral program, while taking additional course work for the MPH. During the second and subsequent years, course work is taken in both programs. The dissertation is undertaken through the Department of Psychology.
A minimum of 24 graduate units at USC is required for the doctoral degree.
Each student must take at least 36 substantive units in psychology at USC during the first three years. Students must complete one statistics and/or research methods course as well as a set of core courses that cover topics in brain and cognitive sciences and clinical, developmental and social areas, the specifics of which are provided in the department's handbook for graduate students. Additional course requirements vary according to specialty area.
During the first and second year, students work on either a master's thesis or a research report of comparable scope and quality. A research project done at USC is required of all students (by the conclusion of the summer following the student's second year), regardless of prior graduate work.
The student's ability to master graduate-level course material is first evaluated after completion of no more than 24 units, and not later than the third semester of graduate work at USC. The final screening procedure is the successful completion of a second-year project requirement. This evaluation is based on the student's performance in courses taken and on an evaluation of the student's research competence as reflected in the second year research project. The project is evaluated by a committee of three faculty, including the student's primary adviser.
Additionally, students are evaluated each year based on adviser input, course work and research progress.
In preparation for the qualifying examination, each student assembles a five-person qualifying exam committee to direct the student's program of studies and evaluate research competence. The committee continues to serve until after the qualifying examination has been passed, the dissertation topic approved, and the student admitted to candidacy for the PhD. At that time the student assembles a dissertation committee of four or more members (usually consisting of members of the qualifying exam committee, one of whom must be a faculty member from outside the department), who advise on and evaluate the dissertation.
The qualifying examination evaluates the student's ability to conduct independent scholarship and research. The student is evaluated based on oral and written presentation of two elements: a written review paper or written exam and the dissertation proposal. The qualifying examination is planned, administered and evaluated by the student's qualifying exam committee. It should be taken no later than during the fifth semester.
A student is expected to engage in research activity throughout his or her graduate career, leading up to and culminating in the PhD dissertation. The dissertation is based on an original investigation, usually involving empirical data.
The student's doctoral dissertation is defended at either a defense oral, based on an approved preliminary copy of the dissertation, or a final oral, based on the final version of the dissertation.
Each student has a major adviser who is usually in the specialty area. The qualifying exam committee should be formed at least one semester before the student takes the qualifying examination. Advisement concerning graduate school requirements may also be sought from the staff graduate adviser and the faculty member serving as director of graduate studies.
Students in the clinical science PhD program need a minimum of three full-time in-residence academic years of graduate study plus one full year of internship at a facility approved by the clinical faculty.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Ahmanson Center 130
(213) 740-0270
FAX: (213) 740-7158
Email: religion@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/religion
Director: Lori Meeks, PhD
King Faisal Chair in Islamic Thought and Culture and Professor of Religion and American Studies and Ethnicity: Sherman Jackson, PhD*
Knight Chair in Media and Religion: Diane Winston, PhD (Communication and Religion)
Carolyn Craig Franklin Professor of Law and Religion and Professor of Law: Ronald R. Garet, JD (Law)
John R. Tansey Chair in Christian Ethics and Professor of Religion: Rev. Cecil (Chip) Murray, RelD
Alton M. Brooks Professor of Religion: James Heft, PhD
Leonard K. Firestone Professor of Religion: Donald Miller, PhD
Ruth Ziegler Early Career Chair in Jewish Studies: Jessica Marglin, PhD
Professors: Lisa Marie Bitel, PhD (History); Janet Hoskins, PhD (Anthropology); Paul Lichterman, PhD (Sociology)
Associate Professors: Sheila Briggs, MA; James McHugh, PhD; Sonya Lee, PhD (East Asian Languages & Cultures); Lori Rachelle Meeks, PhD; Duncan Williams, PhD
Assistant Professors: David Albertson, PhD*; Cavan W. Concannon, PhD; Gerard Godard, PhD (History); (Lei Kwan) Rondgao Lai, PhD
Associate Professor of the Practice: Lynn Swartz Dodd, PhD
Adjunct Professors: Stephen Smith, PhD; Varun Soni, PhD
Emeriti Professors: Robert Ellwood, PhD; Ronald Hock, PhD; John B. Orr, PhD; J. Wesley Robb, PhD, LHD*
Emeriti Associate Professors: John P. Crossley, Jr., ThD*; William W. May, PhD; Alvin S. Rudisill, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award.
The School of Religion offers undergraduate courses in biblical studies; ancient near eastern religion, east and south Asian religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism; religions in Latin America; contemporary North American religions; the histories of Judaism, Christianity and Islam; the sociology of religion; religion and gender; and topics in religious ethics. Courses are designed to facilitate a critical and comparative understanding of religious traditions in the light of the most current scholarship.
Students also have the opportunity to receive regular USC course credit for courses taken at Hebrew Union College. Students have the option to take occasional courses at Hebrew Union College or to declare an emphasis in Judaic Studies (see the requirements indicated below for more information).
The School of Religion offers the Bachelor of Arts in Religion, the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Archaeology, a Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in Judaic Studies, a minor in religion, a minor in interdisciplinary archaeology and the Doctor of Philosophy in Religion.
Majors who wish to graduate from the university with honors in religion must achieve a minimum 3.5 grade point average in the major at the time of graduation. In addition to completing the required 32 units listed above, candidates for honors must register for REL 491 x Undergraduate Honors Research, in which they must complete an acceptable senior honors project in religion. The total unit requirement to graduate with honors is 36 upper-division units.
Theta Alpha Kappa is a national honor society for those involved in the study of religion at the undergraduate and graduate level. It is open to declared majors who have completed at least three semesters of college and at least 12 units of religion courses. Students must have a GPA of at least 3.5 in major courses and an overall GPA of at least 3.0.
See Judaic Studies for a full description of the minor.
See the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies for a full description of the minor.
The School of Religion offers graduate study at the doctoral degree level in the field of religion with three tracks: Asia Pacific Religions, Comparative Christianities and Global Islam. Graduate work in the field of religion is designed to develop competencies and critical apparatuses in the distinct tracks and religious traditions as well as in religions' interactions with society, culture and the major themes that transcend the boundaries of geography, history and tradition.
The three tracks include:
Trains students in the foundational texts, histories, worldviews, socio-political and cultural impact of religions in the pre-modern and modern Asia Pacific. These religious traditions include Hinduism, Buddhism and other religious movements in the region as well as their global manifestations.
Trains students in the vast global range of historical and contemporary Christian traditions often grouped together homogeneously as Christianity. Rather than focusing exclusively on textual and intellectual traditions, this track integrates the social, cultural and material dimensions of religion in its study of plural Christianities, and challenges students to frame their research in transnational and transhistorical terms as a matter of course.
Trains students in the "global" dimensions of the Islamic tradition, from the traditional confines of the Middle East, Africa and South and Southeast Asia to include Islam, Islamic thought, Muslim culture and Muslim communities in the modern Western world. In addition to the acquisition of traditional skills for the study of religious texts, doctrine and spiritual life of believers, students will learn how Muslims negotiate concrete spaces and contexts they inhabit in the modern world.
The degree is conferred under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and The Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School. Decisions regarding the number of transfer credits to be awarded will be made on a case-by-case basis by the faculty of the School of Religion.
Director: Lynn Swartz Dodd, PhD
Archaeology deepens our understanding of peoples and societies across space and time, in all parts of the world, while expanding our knowledge of issues relevant in contemporary society. Archaeologists interpret material culture and action from our shared human past using a range of tools and approaches whether the discovery occurs with trowel in hand, or through laboratory analysis, artifact study, remote sensing, or by documenting heritage.
Archaeology majors strengthen their skills in critical thinking, assessing evidence, and formulating clear and persuasive arguments, both oral and written. Students from a wide range of disciplines will gain perspective on their own intellectual and professional interests through the study of the past.
In addition to the general education requirements, the following courses are required:
*Prerequisite required
*Prerequisite required
A Bachelor of Arts in Religion with an emphasis in Judaic Studies is offered cooperatively with the School of Religion and Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Students will complete all requirements for the bachelor of arts in religion. In fulfilling these requirements, students who choose the Judaic Studies emphasis will select any three of the following courses: REL 312; JS 321, JS 361, JS 382, JS 467.
As a prerequisite for participation in the Judaic Studies emphasis, students must enroll in either JS 100 Jewish History or JS 180 Introduction to Judaism. In addition, students who elect the Judaic Studies emphasis must complete HEBR 120, HEBR 150, and HEBR 220, which may be used to fulfill the college's language requirement.
The total number of units to graduate with the Judaic Studies emphasis major is 36 units. This does not include the Hebrew language requirement.
The department major requires REL 301 Introduction to the Study of Religion (preferably taken at the beginning of the student's major courses) and REL 401 Seminar in Religious Studies. Further, students must take six additional courses from the list below. The total unit requirement for the major is 32 units (at least 24 to 28 units must be upper-division).
Students who intend to do graduate work in some area of religious studies are encouraged to concentrate their course selections in the area of their preference and to begin learning the languages that are essential for study in that area. This includes modern languages such as Arabic, Chinese, French, German or Japanese, and perhaps an ancient language.
The minor in interdisciplinary archaeology is available to students in all schools and departments. Students from a wide range of disciplines will gain perspective on their own intellectual and professional interests through the study of the past.
Lower-division Requirements: ANTH 202 and one course from the list of lower-division electives (8 units).
Upper-division Requirements: four courses (16 units) as follows:
Archaeological Theories and Methods – one upper-division course (4 units)
And either:
one additional upper-division course from the Archaeological Theories and Methods list and two upperdivision courses from those listed in Topical/Thematic and Culture/History – three courses (12 units), or
one upper-division course from Culture/History and Thematic/Topical and two upper-division courses from the Applied/Analytical lists – three courses (12 units)
Students taking the religion minor must enroll in REL 301 Introduction to the Study of Religion. In addition, they must complete four additional religion courses, at least three of which must be upper-division courses.
The total unit requirement for the minor is 20 units; 16 of those units must be upper-division.
Students who wish to focus their minor in Jewish studies must minor in Judaic Studies.
Sixty-four units of course work are required for the PhD degree, including units of previous graduate work for which credit is allowed. No more than two language courses at the 400-level and no more than two non-language courses at the 400-level (i.e., 16 units) may be applied to the total requirement of 64 units. Time of residency is contingent upon the background and preparation of the student.
Core requirements for all doctoral students regardless of track include REL 500, REL 502, REL 592, REL 593, and a maximum of 8 units of REL 794 Doctoral Dissertation to be applied toward the 64-unit total requirement.
Additionally, mandatory courses for students in the Asia Pacific Religions track include REL 545, REL 645, and a one course from the REL 652/REL 653/REL 654/REL 655 series. Mandatory courses for students in the Comparative Christianities track include REL 535, REL 635 and REL 651. Mandatory courses for students in the Global Islam track include REL 525, REL 625 and REL 650.
In addition to the mandatory courses, students are expected to take elective courses in areas that will support their dissertation work. Such courses may be offered in related departments in the university as well as in the School of Religion and should be selected in consultation with the primary adviser.
Each student entering the PhD program will select a primary academic adviser before classes begin. The adviser must be a member of one of the three tracks that the student envisions specializing in. In addition, at least one other faculty member from that track is selected to constitute, along with the primary adviser, the student's "mentoring committee." The mentoring committee is responsible for overseeing the student's program of course work, course of language study, timing of qualifying exams and so on. The membership of the mentoring committee can be changed at any time with the agreement of the student, the student's primary adviser, and the School of Religion director of Graduate Studies. The dissertation Committee (see below) will replace the mentoring committee once candidacy is achieved. Students are expected to maintain a 3.5 GPA in course work.
The mentoring committee conducts an annual review of the student's academic performance and progress toward the degree in the spring of each year, before the end of the spring term. Should a student's performance be considered unsatisfactory, following consultation with the director of Graduate Studies, the student will be placed on probation for one year and given the opportunity to improve his or her performance. If a student's performance is still considered unsatisfactory at the end of the probationary year, the student will be dismissed from the program. Only after a successful annual review in the second year will the student be permitted to convene their qualifying examination committee.
Language competencies vary by track and are determined in consultation with the mentoring committee. Here are some general guidelines:
Asia Pacific Religions Track: Advanced facility in at least one Asian language is considered essential to the Asia Pacific Religions Track. Each student selects a primary language area. The Mentoring Committee determines which possible additional languages are necessary for the student's course of study, and the procedures for the evaluation of proficiency in those languages. The following is provided as a guideline depending on the area of sub-specialization.
Comparative Christianities Track: Students are required to demonstrate advanced ability in two languages other than English in order to enable comparative research. Given the temporal and global span of Christian traditions, the specific languages will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the student¹s mentoring committee. Customarily the committee will select one or two ancient languages and one or two modern languages. The following are the languages most frequently studied in the Comparative Christianities Track, but the mentoring committee can select others as needed:
Global Islam Track: Required to demonstrate advanced ability in the primary lingua franca of Islamic civilization to ensure the ability to conduct original research. Secondarily, students are generally encouraged to acquire facility in a secondary language within traditional Muslim religious and secular literature. Students are also encouraged to acquire facility in one European research language where deemed appropriate.
The qualifying examination process consists of five stages: (1) constituting the qualifying examination committee (this would normally include the members of the mentoring committee), (2) determining the three exam areas by the student and the qualifying examination committee, (3) taking the written examinations, (4) submission of the dissertation prospectus, (5) the qualifying oral examination.
Preparation for these exams should begin early in the student's course work. In consultation with the mentoring committee the students will select their primary area and also take an exam in the other two cognate areas. Preparation for the qualifying exam continues with supplementary readings based on a bibliography prepared by the student in conjunction with the qualifying examination committee. This committee is responsible for setting the exam questions for the cognate written exams. The student is given 24 hours to write on a total of three questions for each exam. Each of the written exams is evaluated by all members of the examination committee.
The dissertation prospectus should begin with a general review of the scholarship in the field, and situate the thesis within that field. It should clearly articulate the thesis and program of research, identifying the available source material to be consulted. The prospectus must include a chapter outline, and a full bibliography of primary and secondary sources.
The oral examination will occur shortly after the submission of the dissertation prospectus. It will focus on the content of the written exams, the basic literature in the student's primary field, as well as the content and cogency of the prospectus.
The dissertation committee, consisting of three faculty members, is formed immediately following advancement to candidacy. The committee consists of at least two faculty members in the track of the student's specialization as well as one other School of Religion faculty member. Candidates may also add an additional faculty member external to the School of Religion if appropriate. This final stage of the program requires the submission of an acceptable dissertation based on original investigation. The dissertation must show technical mastery expected in each track, evidence of independent research, and the analytical and interpretive ability expected of a scholar.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Taper Hall of Humanities 255
(213) 740-2735
FAX: (213) 740-8550
Email: slavic@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/sll
Chair: Thomas Seifrid, PhD
Professors: John Bowlt, PhD*; Sharon Carnicke, PhD (Dramatic Arts); Marcus Levitt, PhD*; Sarah Pratt, PhD*; Azade-Ayse Rorlich, PhD (History); Thomas Seifrid, PhD*; Alexander Zholkovsky, PhD*
Associate Professors: Robert English, PhD (International Relations); Roumyana Pancheva, PhD (Linguistics)
Assistant Professor: Anna Krakus, PhD
Professor (Teaching) of Russian: Tatiana Akishina, PhD
Associate Professor (Teaching) of German: Britta Bothe, PhD
Assistant Professors (Teaching) of German: John W. Arensmeyer Jr., PhD; Eve Lee, PhD
Lecturer: John Adam Peters III
Emeritus Professor: Anthony M. Mlikotin, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award.
The Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures offers a major in Russian at the undergraduate level and minors in Russian and Russian Area Studies. The major combines thorough preparation in the Russian language with the study of Russian literature, art and culture. Particular emphasis is placed on developments in contemporary Russia. Students are required to study four semesters of Russian language as a prerequisite to the major. The major itself requires an additional three semesters of language study, three semesters of an advanced seminar on Russian culture (with varying content), and two elective courses, either in Russian literature and culture (in translation or Russian, depending on course scheduling) or in Russian area studies.
The Department of Linguistics offers, under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School, the Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics (Specialization in Slavic Linguistics).
The Department of Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture offers, under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School, the Master of Arts and the Doctor of Philosophy in Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture (Slavic Languages and Literatures).
See Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture in this catalogue.
Application deadline: January 1
See Linguistics in this catalogue.
The Certificate in Foreign Language Teaching provides certification in the theory and practice of second or foreign language teaching for student language teachers concurrently enrolled in graduate degree programs in foreign languages or related graduate programs at USC; for graduates of such programs who are teaching languages; for external candidates concurrently enrolled in similar programs at accredited colleges or universities; or for graduates of such programs who are teaching languages. The certificate is meant to supplement graduate study in the literature or linguistics of foreign languages. It is also meant to supplement classroom teaching. Refer to the Department of Spanish and Portuguese for course work requirements.
The major in Central European studies combines background in relevant languages (Russian plus either German or Polish, or more intensive study of Russian) with course work in international relations and the history, culture and politics of the region.
No longer an imperial backwater, Central Europe has risen from its Cold War stasis to become one of the world's most dynamic and important regions. Stretching from the Baltic Sea to the Balkan Peninsula, and from the Eastern lands of Germany to the Western regions of Russia, this onetime great-power battleground is now a vital trade and energy corridor, a mosaic of languages and cultures, a place of both successful state-building and persistent ethnic frictions, and a promising but still-precarious bridge between the former Soviet Union and the West. Central Europe rivals the Far East and Southwest Asia as one of the world's most strategically important regions — now, and over the coming decades. Those who master its history and politics, its economic, cultural and linguistic diversity, will be well positioned for fellowships, graduate work, business or analytical careers centered on this fascinating region.
The objectives of this interdisciplinary major are to provide students with: 1) the historical background and linguistic-cultural skills necessary for in-depth study of Central Europe; 2) knowledge of its main post-Cold War political, ethnic, and economic trends; and 3) understanding of current issues from nationalism and immigration to trade, military-diplomatic and alliance politics.
The fundamental linguistic background of the major is Russian (12 units).
Beyond the second year of Russian, students may choose from among three options: further work on Russian; or a year of German; or a year of Polish (8 units).
Required upper-division courses in international relations: two courses must be chosen from among the following (8 units):
In addition three electives are required from among the following. At least one course must be at the 400 level. With prior approval, IR 490x Directed Research (4 units) or SLL 490x Directed Research (4 units) may be substituted for one of these courses (12 units):
or its equivalent
The course taken to fulfill the requirement outside the Slavic department cannot also count as an elective.
Lower-division requirements for the major plus three upper-division elective courses chosen from the following (at least two of the areas must be represented): Russian language (SLL 310, SLL 340, SLL 420); Russian literature and culture taught in Russian (SLL 321, SLL 465); Russian literature, art and culture taught in translation (SLL 330, SLL 344, SLL 345, SLL 348, SLL 378).
The doctorate in Slavic languages and literatures is designed to prepare students for a career of teaching and scholarship at the university level. It provides a thorough grounding in Russian literary and cultural history as well as in the theoretical perspectives current in the field. Elective course work, particularly at the upper level, allows students to take advantage of the department's expertise in such additional areas as Russian art, Russian theater, and eastern European cinema. The linguistic component of the curriculum together with the experience as a teaching assistant in Russian language courses that many students gain also serves as preparation for positions involving language teaching. Depending on departmental offerings, further study in a second Slavic language and culture may also be possible.
An undergraduate major in Russian or its equivalent is a prerequisite for graduate work.
These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation page and the Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
The department does not accept applicants for a Master of Arts degree in Slavic Languages and Literatures. The MA degree is intended only as a transitional degree in the process of completing requirements for the PhD in Slavic Languages and Literatures. The MA portion of the program comprises 30 units.
The program conducts a thorough review of all first-year students at the end of the second semester. To be permitted to continue doctoral work, students must receive a satisfactory evaluation in this review.
Non-native speakers of Russian must successfully complete 8 units (4 semesters) of SLL 500 Topics in Advanced Russian and pass a proficiency exam in the language.
A written exam based on a reading list, followed by an oral exam, must be successfully passed before the MA can be awarded. It is normally taken at the end of the semester in which MA course work is completed.
Students pursuing the Ph.D. in Slavic Languages and Literatures are required to complete a minimum of 60 units of course work beyond the baccalaureate. In addition to the 30 units completed toward the M.A., students are required to complete the courses listed below; to demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written Russian; to demonstrate reading knowledge of French and German (in exceptional cases a second Slavic language may substitute for either French or German; instruction in Slavic languages other than Russian is not scheduled on a regular basis); to pass the qualifying examination, which must be taken after all course work has been completed; to complete and successfully defend a dissertation.
Plus electives, from SLL or relevant offerings in CSLC, COLT, ENGL, FREN, SPAN etc. as approved by the department. At least 9 of these units must be completed in SLL.
An oral defense of the dissertation must be satisfactorily completed before the dissertation can be filed with the Graduate School.
The degree of Ph.D. in Slavic Languages and Literatures is conferred when all of the degree requirements have been completed satisfactorily.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Hazel and Stanley Hall 314
(213) 740-3533
FAX: (213) 740-3535
Email: soci@dornsife.usc.edu
http://dornsife.usc.edu/soci/
Chair: Michael Messner, PhD*
University Professor, Wallis Annenberg Chair of Communication Technology and Society and Professor of Communication, Sociology, Planning and International Relations: Manuel Castells, PhD (Communications)
Turpanjian Chair in Civil Society and Social Change and Professor of Sociology and American Studies and Ethnicity: Manuel Pastor, PhD*
Professors: Lynne Casper, PhD; Nina Eliasoph, PhD; Sharon Hays, PhD; Pierrette Hondagneu-Sotelo, PhD*; Paul Lichterman, PhD; Michael Messner, PhD*; Dowell Myers, PhD (Policy, Planning and Development); Rhacel Salazar Parreñas, PhD; Camille Rich, JD (Law); Avelardo Valdez, PhD (Social Work); John P. Wilson, PhD
Associate Professors: Timothy Biblarz, PhD*; Jennifer Hook, PhD; Elaine Bell Kaplan, PhD; Andrew Lakoff, PhD; Leland Saito, PhD; Jody Agius Vallejo, PhD*
Assistant Professors: Jennifer Ailshire, PhD (Gerontology); Katie Hasson, PhD; Dan Lainer-Vos, PhD; Alwyn Lim, PhD; Ann Owens, PhD; Emily Ryo, PhD (Law); Emily Smith-Greenaway, PhD; Veronica Terriquez, PhD
Professor (Research): Brian Finch, PhD
Associate Professor (Teaching): Karen Sternheimer, PhD
Emeriti Professors: Constance Ahrons, PhD; Vern Bengtson, PhD (Gerontology); Lamar T. Empey, PhD; Malcolm Klein; Jon Miller, PhD*; H. Edward Ransford, PhD; Maurice D. Van Arsdol Jr., PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award.
The Department of Sociology offers bachelor's degrees in sociology, health and the human sciences, and non-governmental organizations and social change. The Department of Sociology also offers a number of minors and the Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology.
Students of sociology examine the patterns of social life, focusing on the relationship of individuals to society and the interaction of culture, economy and politics in shaping social life. The greater Los Angeles area provides a natural laboratory for students to explore such sociological themes as race relations, work and workplace, immigration, the family in a changing society, population trends, globalization, religion, and the criminal justice system.
Matching the special strengths of our faculty and cutting edge research in the discipline, USC's sociology program offers two central areas of concentration — social inequality, and social change and public policy. Many of our undergraduate courses include opportunities to engage actively with the community and to pursue multi-faceted independent research projects.
Seniors with 3.5 GPAs in the major and 3.25 overall are encouraged to participate in the sociology honors program consisting of two intensive senior honors seminars (SOCI 494 and SOCI 495). Under faculty guidance, honors students design and complete a significant piece of original sociological research.
Juniors and seniors who have made substantial progress toward completion of the program and have achieved a 3.3. GPA in sociology and a 3.0 GPA overall are eligible for the Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology Honors Society.
To satisfy the university's minor requirements, students must choose at least four courses (16 units) outside their major department and at least four courses (16 units) of upper-division course work. In addition, at least four courses (16 units) must be dedicated to the minor (not counting for credit toward a major, another minor or USC core requirements).
American Studies and Ethnicity (see American Studies and Ethnicity).
Law and Society (see Political Science).
Race, Ethnicity and Politics (see Political Science).
The Department of Sociology offers programs of study leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree. The PhD is directed toward the training of theoretically and methodologically sophisticated sociologists who have an enduring commitment to the practice and teaching of sociology.
Applicants must complete their applications by December 1. Consideration for university fellowships is possible as early as November for students whose applications are complete.
All applicants must have a bachelor's degree, a GPA of at least 3.0, and one or more courses in either undergraduate statistics or college algebra.
Admission to regular graduate status ordinarily requires possession of a bachelor's degree, a GPA of at least 3.0, one or more courses in undergraduate statistics and/or college algebra, and three letters of recommendation. The GRE is also required. International applicants must also submit their score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Approximately 5–8 students enroll each year from the available pool of applicants. Each application receives careful attention and is judged in terms of the full set of criteria.
A limited number of graduate course units taken elsewhere may be considered for transfer into the graduate program. These units are transferred in on a course-by-course basis.
The following materials should be submitted to apply for graduate study:
These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and The Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
All graduate students must be in residence and must take at least eight units of graduate work each semester (except during Advanced and Qualifying Examinations), prior to work on the dissertation.
The department does not admit students whose objective is a master's degree. However, if a student accepted in the program does not have a master's degree, the department strongly recommends completion of the requirements for the MA in the course of work toward the PhD degree.
Choose one module among the six below:
Choose one course from the list below:
Choose two courses from the list below, or one from this list and one upper-division course from a module not yet chosen, above.
(at least 20 upper-division)
This interdisciplinary program focuses on the roots of social conflict, on theories and methods for understanding them, and on the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and nonprofits that address them. To remedy social problems, we need to examine their economic, political and social roots, as well as the varied forms of organizations that aim to fix them. Students will engage in various methods of analysis, from investigations of everyday interactions to explorations of larger economic, political and social structures. In classrooms and internships, students will learn how people in NGOs and nonprofits promote new forms of citizenship and governance, aiming to protect the environment and to lessen the suffering of people around the world.
The major requires nine courses (36 units) chosen from the specific lists of requirements below. As with all interdisciplinary majors, students may double-count no more than three courses from this degree to satisfy any other major.
*Prerequisite required
*Prerequisite required
Nine courses (36 units) are required to complete the major.
All sociology majors must complete the four core courses of sociology:
Five additional courses are required for the major. These are to be chosen from the elective upper-division sociology courses grouped into two theme areas:
All students are required to take at least one course from each of the two theme areas.
All students must achieve an overall average of C (2.0) or better in the nine courses required for completion of the major.
Students who complete four upper-division courses in a single theme area will receive departmental recognition and documentation of their "expertise" in their chosen area of specialization — social inequality, or social change and public policy.
Social Inequality — courses address the character, causes and consequences of social inequality, paying particular attention to immigration, race, ethnicity, gender, sexualities and/or class. These courses include:
Honors students may substitute SOCI 494 Honors Seminar I for one social inequality course.
Social Change and Public Policy — courses address the character, causes and consequences of social change, paying particular attention to the role of human agency, grassroots organizing and/or political action, as well as the implications for public policy. These courses include:
Honors students may substitute SOCI 495 Honors Seminar II for one social change and public policy course.
The interdisciplinary minor in forensics and criminality was designed for students interested in the study of law, deviant behavior or careers in the criminal justice system. In this program, students study psychological and/or ethical issues related to criminal behavior, consider criminality in the context of social class analysis, and learn about the American system of criminal justice. Twenty units are required, 4 at the lower-division and 16 at the upper-division level. Contact Dornsife College Advising for further details.
Students should choose a curriculum for their minor based on their academic interests. Those students interested in white collar crime, for example, might choose POSC 130 Law, Politics, and Public Policy at the lower-division level, REL 375 Conflict and Change and the Ethics of Business, SOCI 350 Social Exclusion, Social Power, and Deviance, PHIL 340 Philosophy of Law and PPD 342 Crime and Public Policy.
Those who are interested in the criminal justice system might choose LAW 200x Law and Society, REL 341 Ethics in a Technological Society, SOCI 351 Public Policy and Juvenile Justice, POSC 340 Constitutional Law and POSC 432 The Politics of Local Criminal Justice.
Those interested in individual and social determinants of deviancy might take PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology, PSYC 360 Abnormal Psychology, or PSYC 363 Criminal Behavior, or PSYC 365 Introduction to Forensic Psychology; SOCI 360 Social Inequality: Class, Status, and Power, LAW 402 Psychology and Law and SOCI 353 Public Policy and Criminal Justice.
*Prerequisite: PSYC 100
(213) 740-2534
This interdisciplinary minor is intended for students in all schools with an interest in human relations as a subject of study or professional goal. In addition to course work in organizational behavior, social psychology and management, this minor includes attention to questions of ethics and leadership.
As with all minors, students must include at least four upper-division courses and four courses dedicated exclusively to this minor (not used for credit toward a major, another minor or general education requirements). Finally, students must select four courses outside their major department. Students seeking the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology must choose four courses outside of sociology; those seeking the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration must choose four courses outside the USC Marshall School of Business.
*Course has prerequisite or corequisite
This minor explores the potential of photography as an instrument of social change that allows individuals to document their circumstances, share their stories and change their lives. Students have the opportunity to examine the impact of images and the power of storytelling both in the classroom and in the field and study the issues raised by this kind of social exploration and commentary.
Students learn techniques of digital photography and theories of culture to help them understand diverse cultural phenomena and navigate their own cultural biases. In the field, students apply these techniques and theories by developing their own body of work. In addition, students can mentor individuals in the community to use photography and digital media to share their personal narratives, thus empowering community members to reflect critically upon their circumstances and to participate in their visual representation.
This interdisciplinary minor brings together students from schools and majors across the USC campus, allowing them to interact with one another and with scholars, artists and professionals associated with key organizations such as the Institute for Photographic Empowerment and Venice Arts.
(8 units, in 2 courses — each from a different department)
(8 units, in 2 courses — each from a different department)
Students in this program will also have opportunities for special access to USC Annenberg's Public Diplomacy classes.
The beginning of the 21st century has witnessed a number of public controversies at the intersection of science, technology and society. Such discussions are characterized by divergent views on the role of science and technology in contemporary life. Over the next decades many of the most crucial challenges we face will require the integration of societal values with scientific and technological developments — whether in managing end-of-life care, preserving the environment, or continuing to nurture scientific innovation. This minor introduces students to a number of approaches to these questions, taking advantage of the diverse offerings in this area at USC.
SOCI 210 Science, Technology and Social Conflict (4)
Four or five* classes, selected from at least two of the three categories:
*CE 469 and CE 473 are 3-unit courses; choosing one of these courses requires students to take six total courses for the minor.
Five courses (20 units) are required to complete the minor in sociology.
All minors are required to take at least two of the core courses in sociology:
The remaining three courses may be chosen from among the upper-division courses in the two theme areas — social inequality, and social change and public policy (see sociology theme areas listed above).
A minimum of 60 graduate units is necessary for the PhD, among which are the following required courses: SOCI 510, SOCI 520, SOCI 521, SOCI 525, SOCI 511, and SOCI 621 or 620. In addition, each student must specialize in two subareas of sociology and must take at least 8 units in each area such as: urban sociology, complex organizations, stratification, ethnic relations, sociology of aging, medical sociology, communication and culture, deviance, sociology of gender, demography, and so on.
Normally, students must complete the screening procedure during the third semester of enrollment. Students will have completed two full semesters of work by this point and, hence, will have taken no fewer than 16 and no more than 32 units, including at least the following: SOCI 510, SOCI 525, and SOCI 511. Students are evaluated on subject matter competence and satisfactory progress. When the screening procedure is successfully completed, the student has one semester in which to form a qualifying exam committee.
Each student is required to complete an independent empirical research project which is approved by two members of his or her qualifying exam committee. In some instances, this requirement may be met by acceptance of a satisfactory master's thesis from some other university.
The department does not generally require proficiency in a foreign language; however, as with other courses outside the department, a student's qualifying exam committee may in some cases require proficiency in a foreign language.
Following the completion of their empirical papers and most of their course work, students are required to take a written and oral examination in their two standard areas. If the written examination is passed, the oral part of the examination can be devoted to a preliminary discussion of dissertation plans. When these are completed successfully, the student is advanced to PhD candidacy.
After the dissertation is completed, the student and the dissertation committee, in conjunction with the department chair, may elect either a defense oral or a final oral examination in defense of the dissertation. The defense oral is normally chosen in sociology.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Sophomore Seminars focus on topics of current interest in research and scholarship. They are small classes that encourage close interaction between faculty and students.
During the fall and spring semesters, sophomores earn 2 units of credit through participation in these weekly seminars. During intensive special sessions, sophomores earn 1 unit of credit. These courses emphasize active exploration of the life of the mind through a variety of classroom activities and assignments.
To encourage a relaxed interchange of information and ideas, each seminar is graded credit/no credit and limited in enrollment to 18 students.
Sophomore Seminars will be offered for the fall and spring semesters in a variety of subjects. They will also be offered during intensive special sessions. Individual topics will be indicated in the Schedule of Classes under the SSEM designation.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Taper Hall of Humanities 156
(213) 740-1258
FAX: (213) 740-9463
Email: spanish@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/spanish
Chair: Erin Graff Zivin, PhD
Professors: Erin Graff Zivin, PhD; Mario Saltarelli, PhD; Sherry Marie Velasco, PhD*
Associate Professors: Roberto Ignacio Díaz, PhD*; Julián Daniel Gutiérrez-Albilla, PhD
Assistant Professors: Brenno Kenji Kaneyasu-Maranhao, PhD; Samuel Steinberg, PhD
Associate Professors (Teaching): Marianna Chodorowska-Pilch, PdD; Consuelo Siguenza-Ortiz, PhD
Assistant Professors (Teaching): Gayle Fiedler Vierma, PhD; Ivette M. Gómez, PhD; Anahit Hakoupian, PhD; Ana Teresa Martinez-Sequeira, PhD; Ellen Oliveira, PhD; Andrea Parra, PhD; Charles Paus, PhD; Liana Stepanyan, PhD; David Zarazúa, PhD
Senior Lecturer: Lorena Gallego, MA
Lecturers: Vianey Cano Brito Cabrera, PhD; Carolina Castillo Larrea, MA; Jaclyn Cohen-Steinberg, PhD; Maura Crowley, PhD; Marie Enright, PhD; Maria Fages Agudo; Jamie Fudacz, PhD; Leah Kemp, PhD; Lori Mesrobian, PhD; Martin Ocon-Gamarra, PhD; Karen Perez, PhD; Sarah Portnoy, PhD; Natalie Thurman, PhD; Maria Del Mar Windeler, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Paul Ilie, PhD; Carmen Silva-Corvalán, PhD*
Emeritus Associate Professor: J. Ramón Araluce, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award.
The Department of Spanish and Portuguese offers both a major and a minor in Spanish, emphasizing the language, linguistics and culture of Spain and Latin America.
With an intellectual commitment to multiculturalism and interdisciplinarity, the undergraduate program actively explores the transnational intersection of various aspects of Spanish and Latin American culture, including literature, folklore, cinema, art, music and architecture. While living and studying in 21st century Los Angeles — the ideal site for thinking about the planet's increasingly transcultural condition — students are challenged to consider and reconsider a number of important issues: the growing importance of popular culture in Iberia, Latin America and Latino USA; the role of race, class and gender within Spanish and Latin American society; the crucial impact of diasporas and migrations on our contemporary cultural landscape; among many others.
The department encourages students to combine a Spanish major with a double major or minor in another discipline either within the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences or other schools at USC. Faculty undergraduate advisers are available to help provide information and assistance to students wishing to explore these various options.
The department also offers basic language instruction in both Spanish and Portuguese through which students can satisfy their foreign language requirement.
The PhD in Linguistics (Hispanic Linguistics) is offered through the Linguistics Department. See here for degree requirements. The MA and PhD, Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture (Spanish and Latin American Studies) are offered through the Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture program. See here for degree requirements.
Students majoring or minoring in Spanish are eligible to join SUSA, the Spanish Undergraduate Students Association. Each year SUSA sponsors a variety of activities which enrich the cultural, intellectual and academic experience of the undergraduate student.
Students with previous exposure to Spanish are required to take a placement test, administered by the Center for Testing and Assessment. Students with no record of previous exposure to Spanish are not required to take the placement examination and should contact the department for assistance.
All courses at the 200, 300 and 400 levels are conducted in Spanish unless otherwise noted in the course descriptions that follow. Courses are kept small to allow for maximum interaction between students and professors.
A college undergraduate adviser is assigned to provide academic advisement prior to registration and throughout the academic year.
The BA in Spanish with Honors is available to students who have a GPA of at least 3.5 in courses counted for major credit and an overall GPA of 3.0 (by the time of graduation). Desire to complete the major with honors typically should be approved by a department faculty member no later than the second semester of the junior year. To complete the honors program the student must write an honors thesis in Spanish in conjunction with a 400-level course. The thesis, in the range of 25–30 pages (6,250–7,500 words), must be endorsed by a departmental honors committee by April 1 of the senior year.
The PhD in Linguistics (Hispanic Linguistics) is offered through the Linguistics Department. See here for degree requirements. The MA and PhD, Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture (Spanish and Latin American Studies) are offered through the Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture program. See here for degree requirements.
The Certificate in Foreign Language Teaching provides certification in the theory and practice of second or foreign language teaching for student language teachers concurrently enrolled in graduate degree programs in foreign languages or related graduate programs at USC; for graduates of such programs who are teaching languages; for external candidates concurrently enrolled in similar programs in accredited colleges or universities; or for graduates of such programs who are teaching languages. The certificate is meant to supplement graduate study in the literature or linguistics of foreign languages. It is also meant to supplement classroom teaching. Therefore all candidates for this certificate are required to have taught a second or foreign language for at least one academic year at USC or elsewhere. At USC, this requirement and the course work requirements can be fulfilled concurrently, but external candidates are required to show proof of such teaching experience as a condition of admission.
In addition to teaching, certificate candidates must complete a minimum of four courses (minimum of 12 units) in four areas of study — linguistics, language acquisition, language teaching methodology, and the teaching of literacy or the literature or culture of a second or foreign language.
The program consists of a practicum and a minimum of four courses: one each in linguistics, language acquisition, language teaching methods, and the teaching of literacy, literature or culture.
Linguistics: (minimum of 3 units) LING 411 x Linguistics and Education or, with permission of instructor, an appropriate course in the linguistics of a particular language
Language Acquisition: (minimum of 3 units) LING 527 Second Language Acquisition or an appropriate alternative course
Language Teaching Methods: (minimum of 3 units) MDA 593 Practicum in Teaching the Liberal Arts or EALC 562 Teaching of the East Asian Languages or SPAN 511 Techniques and Procedures of Teaching Spanish as a Second Language or an appropriate alternative course
Literacy/Literature/Culture: (minimum of 3 units) An appropriate course in teaching of the literature or culture of a particular language
Four other upper-division SPAN courses.
Only one section of SPAN 316x may be taken for major or minor credit.
*Majors and minors may request a waiver of one or both courses (SPAN 260 and/or SPAN 261) if they meet one or more of the following prerequisites: a) a score of 5 on the Spanish language or literature advanced placement (AP) exam; b) a score of 6 or 7 on the Spanish International Baccalaureate Higher-Level exam (IBHL); c) a score of 800 in the Spanish SAT subject exam; or d) demonstrate advanced proficiency in spoken and written Spanish. Departmental approval is required in every case.
**SPAN 260 and SPAN 261 may be taken concurrently. The second of these courses may be taken concurrently with a 300-level course.
The Latin American Studies minor recognizes the lasting importance of U.S.-Latin American relations. The overriding goal is to encourage students to learn more about Latin America by combining conceptual, area and language studies during their time at USC. The purpose of this 20-unit minor is to deepen students' knowledge of Latin America by offering courses from multiple disciplines within a context of close faculty guidance. The gateway requirement of one 4-unit course provides the student with options in both humanities and the social sciences, and the designated electives are similarly meant to allow students to blend these specialties.
For fulfillment of the requirements for the minor a student must choose four classes outside of his or her major department dedicated exclusively to the minor (which may be the same four classes). After the gateway course, these elective courses must be spread across at least two disciplines and/or departments.
If the student has chosen a lower-division (100- or 200-level) course among the introductory choices, all area electives must be at the upper-division (300- or 400-) level.
*The second 260-type course may be taken concurrently with upper-division courses.
Majors and minors may request a waiver of one or both courses (SPAN 265 and/or SPAN 266) if they meet one or more of the following prerequisites: a) a score of 5 on the Spanish language or literature advanced placement (AP) exam, b) a score of 6 or 7 on the Spanish International Baccalaureate Higher-Level exam (IBHL), c) a score of 800 in the Spanish SAT subject exam or d) demonstration of advanced proficiency in spoken and written Spanish. Departmental approval is required in every case.
SPAN 265 and SPAN 266 may be taken concurrently. The second of these courses may be taken concurrently with a 300-level course.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Allen Hancock Foundation Building B55
(213) 740-5910
FAX: (213) 740-9687
Email: spatialsciences@dornsife.usc.edu
Director: John P. Wilson, PhD
Associate Director: Susan Kamei
Professors: Maged Dessouky, PhD (Industrial and Systems Engineering); Philip Ethington, PhD (History); John P. Wilson, PhD (Sociology)*
Associate Professors: Francois Bar, PhD (Communications); Myles Cockburn, PhD (Preventive Medicine); Elizabeth Currid-Halkett, PhD (Public Policy); Mandour Rahimi, PhD (Industrial and Systems Engineering)
Assistant Professors: Jennifer Ailshire, PhD (Gerontology); George Bank-Weiss, PhD (Civil & Environmental Engineering); Meredith Franklin, PhD (Preventive Medicine); Ann Owens, PhD (Sociology); Alexander Robinson, PhD (Architecture); Kelly Sanders, PhD (Civil & Environmental Engineering)
Professor of the Practice of Spatial Science: Karen K. Kemp, PhD
Professors (Research): Brian Finch, PhD (Sociology); Craig Knoblock, PhD (Computer Science)
Associate Professor (Research): Travis R. Longcore, PhD
Associate Professor (Teaching): Jennifer N. Swift, PhD
Assistant Professors (Teaching): Darren M. Ruddell, PhD; Daniel N. Warshawsky, PhD
Assistant Professor of the Practice: Jordan T. Hastings, PhD
Lecturers: Yao-Yi Chiang, PhD; Su Jin Lee, PhD; Katsuhiko Oda, PhD; Tarek Rashed, PhD; Robert O. Vos, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award.
The programs and courses affiliated with the Spatial Sciences Institute explore the various ways in which space is used to acquire, represent, organize, analyze, model and visualize information. They seek to engage students enrolled in a range of academic programs in the natural and social sciences, the humanities and the professional schools.
The Bachelor of Science in GeoDesign is an interdisciplinary major offered by the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, the USC School of Architecture and the USC Price School of Public Policy. This degree prepares students for professional careers and/or graduate study.
The undergraduate minor in spatial studies explores how maps and related geospatial techniques may be used to describe, explore and interpret specific places and the natural and human processes.
The MS in Geographic Information Science and Technology provides state-of-the-art training in the core geographic information technologies (GIS, GPS and remote sensing, among others) and the underlying scientific principles and concepts that guide their design and use. This is an online program and may be taken by undergraduate students majoring in other disciplines as a progressive master's degree.
The Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science and Technology incorporates the same online core courses and electives as the master's degree and may be taken by master's and doctoral students majoring in other disciplines.
The Spatial Sciences Institute offers an MS in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) and serves as the administrative lead for the Interdisciplinary PhD in Population, Health and Place (PHP). This interdisciplinary doctoral program draws on faculty and courses in the departments of Preventive Medicine and Sociology in addition to the Spatial Sciences Institute and provides training for careers in research, teaching and applied work.
The courses required for admission are an introductory geography or sociology course, a course in statistics, a course in research methods or experimental design and at least one course from each of the following lists: (1) one or more of social demography, society and population, medical sociology; (2) one or more of cartography, human geography, medical geography, spatial analysis.; and (3) one or more of climatology, hydrology, environment and health. Additional courses are desirable, as is work in the biological, physical and social sciences, in mathematics and in philosophy. Students with less background in public health, sociology or the spatial sciences, but outstanding undergraduate records in related fields are also encouraged to apply.
Students are selected on the basis of undergraduate records, scores on the Graduate Record Examinations' General Test, course background, three letters of evaluation, personal statement of interests and goals, and evidence of research skills or interests (e.g., publications or participation in research projects).
Application for admission to the PhD Program in Population, Health and Place requires submission of two sets of material: special program forms and university application forms. Students are admitted only for study beginning in the fall semester; both sets of completed application forms must be submitted by December 1 for admission the following fall.
These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation - GRAD and the Graduate School for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
This multidisciplinary certificate program provides USC master's and doctoral students with a specialization in urban sustainability problems resulting from the growth of cities caused by natural population increase and massive rural-to-urban population flows. See the USC Price School of Public Policy.
The Bachelor of Science in GeoDesign is an interdisciplinary major offered by the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, the USC School of Architecture, and the USC Price School of Public Policy. This degree prepares students for professional careers and/or graduate study by engaging them in the acquisition, representation, analysis, modeling and visualization of spatial information set in the context of the built environment and policy. The underlying spatial principles, methods and tools can be used to support sustainable planning, facility and infrastructure management, the design of livable and healthy communities, and a series of regional planning applications to address pollution, water and energy needs, and the impact of population growth on the environment. The major electives provide students with opportunities to explore one or more facets of the built environment and a series of complementary analytical and visualization tools in more detail. Finally, the major is structured to provide students with sufficient elective credits to explore minors or other programs at USC so they can broaden their education to better prepare themselves for the next stage of their lives.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program requires six courses in different categories, plus writing and diversity requirements, which together comprise the USC Core.
A minimum grade of C, 2.0 (A = 4.0) must be earned in each of the core courses and the capstone course. In addition, a minimum grade point average of C (2.0) or higher must be achieved in the major to earn the geodesign degree. No more than 16 units of core courses may be taken prior to the successful completion of the geodesign pre-major requirements.
Both pre-major requirements must be taken for a letter grade and a minimum grade of C, 2.0 (A = 4.0), must be earned in each of the pre-major courses.
All students will take four units of a capstone experience during their senior year. This may be fulfilled by taking SSCI 412L GeoDesign Practicum (4 units) which may be offered by any of the three units cross-listed (SSCI, ARCH, PPD) and will require students to use their knowledge and skills on a real project with a real client.
A suite of courses that further the development of practical, theoretical, and field knowledge and skills, including computer graphics, drawing, policy analysis, public finance, and statistics. Choose additional electives from the two lists equal to at least six courses (24 units) in all. At least two courses must come from Group A and two courses from Group B.
Candidates for the BS in GeoDesign can receive an honors degree by meeting these requirements: a 3.7 GPA in department courses at the time of graduation; completion of an honors research project or thesis under the guidance of a faculty member (SSCI 412L). Admission to the program is granted by the departmental undergraduate adviser in the semester preceding enrollment in SSCI 412L; students should have a 3.7 GPA in the major at this time.
The spatial studies minor requires a minimum of 20 units, consisting of one lower-division elective, three required courses and an upper-division elective. The minor offers students an opportunity to examine some of the major challenges of the 21st century (climate change, human health and sustainability, urbanization and cultural homogenization, among others) through a spatial lens.
AHF B55B
(213) 740-8298
Email: watsonke@usc.edu
Director: John P. Wilson, PhD
The online MS in Geographic Information Science and Technology requires 28 units of graduate work and provides state-of-the-art training in the core geographic information technologies (geographic information systems, global positioning systems and remote sensing, among others) and the underlying scientific principles and concepts that guide their design and use. The individual courses incorporate multiple curricular pathways tailored to the increasingly diverse backgrounds, occupations and applications that rely on geospatial data, analysis and visualization.
Twenty-eight units of graduate work are required.
All electives are chosen in direct consultation with the student's academic adviser based on background, academic interests, etc.
The courses in this program are open to students living and/or working anywhere, including students at USC's Los Angeles, Orange County, Sacramento and Washington, D.C. centers. The master's program can be completed in two to three years as long as students take one or two courses in each of the fall, spring and summer semesters. Continuous enrollment in the fall, spring and summer terms is required in this program, including SSCI 594abz summer registration.
Four groups of students are served by this program:
Candidates for admission among the first two groups of students must have: (1) a BA or BS degree or its international equivalent; (2) a minimum 3.0 GPA (A = 4.0). All course work taken at the undergraduate level is used to calculate the GPA. Exceptions will be made in cases of very high GRE scores or some other compelling evidence of potential to excel in graduate studies (e.g., outstanding letters of recommendation). Preference will be given to candidates with significant professional experience working with geographic information systems and related geospatial technologies.
Applicants are required to submit the following documents: (1) completed application for admission, which can be found online at usc.edu/admission/graduate; (2) statement of purpose; (3) a writing sample; (4) official transcripts from all schools previously attended; (5) two letters of recommendation; and (6) results of the GRE General Test. International students must submit TOEFL scores with a minimum score of 100 on the Internetbased examination, or an IELTS score of 7.
The statement of purpose should be uploaded into the online application. This statement should: (1) describe the student's motivation, field of interest and career goals; and (2) identify potential projects that the student might pursue for the master's thesis project.
The master's program utilizes rolling admissions and enrollment based on the standard academic calendar. This means that students may start the program in either the fall, spring or summer semesters.
Those interested in learning more about this program should contact Kate Kelsey, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, AHF B55B, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0374.
AHF B55B
(213) 740-8298
Email: watsonke@usc.edu
Director: John P. Wilson, PhD
The online Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science and Technology requires 16 units of graduate work and provides state-of-the-art training in some of the core geographic information science technologies and the underlying scientific principles and concepts that guide their design and use.
Sixteen units of graduate work are required.
The courses in this program are open to students living and/or working anywhere, including students at USC's Los Angeles, Orange County, Sacramento and Washington, D.C. centers. The certificate program can be completed in one to two years as long as students take one or two courses in each of the fall, spring and summer semesters. The graduate certificate program can serve as a possible "stepping stone" toward the geographic information science and technology master's degree program. Continuous enrollment in the fall, spring and summer terms is required in this program.
AHF B55B
(213) 740-8298
Email: watsonke@usc.edu
Director: John P. Wilson, PhD
The online Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence requires 16 units of graduate work and provides stateof-the-art training in some of the core geospatial technologies and the underlying scientific concepts and analytical methods that guide their design and use to solve a variety of human security problems and challenges.
Sixteen units of graduate work are required.
The courses in this program are open to students living and/or working anywhere, including students at USC's Los Angeles, Orange County, Sacramento and Washington, D.C. centers. The certificate program can be completed in as few as two and no more than four semesters depending on the numbers of courses taken in each of the fall, spring and summer semesters. The graduate certificate program can serve as a possible "stepping stone" toward the geographic information science and technology master's degree program. Continuous enrollment, including summer, is required.
AHF B55B
(213) 740-8298
Email: watsonke@usc.edu
Director: John P. Wilson, PhD
The online Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Leadership requires 16 units of graduate work. The capstone course focuses on the cultivation of leadership skills and practices, and the electives afford students the opportunity to strengthen their knowledge of selected geospatial technologies, the underlying scientific concepts and analytical methods, and the ways they can be used in decision-making.
Sixteen units of graduate work are required.
The courses in this program are open to students living and/or working anywhere, including students at USC's Los Angeles, Orange County, Sacramento and Washington, D.C. centers. The certificate program can be completed in as few as two and no more than four semesters depending on the numbers of courses taken in each of the fall, spring and summer semesters. Continuous enrollment, including summer, is required.
Two groups of students are served by this program:
Candidates for admission among the first group of students must have: (1) a BA or BS degree or its international equivalent; (2) a minimum 3.0 GPA (A = 4.0) undergraduate GPA. All course work taken at the undergraduate level is used to calculate the GPA. Exceptions will be made in cases of very high GRE scores or some other compelling evidence of potential to excel in graduate studies (e.g., outstanding letters of recommendation). Preference will be given to candidates with significant professional experience working with geographic information systems and related geospatial technologies.
Applicants are required to submit the following documents: (1) completed application for admission, which can be found online at usc.edu/admission/graduate; (2) statement of purpose; (3) official transcripts from all schools previously attended. International students must submit TOEFL scores with a minimum score of 100 on the Internet-based examination, or an IELTS score of 7.
The graduate certificate program utilizes rolling admissions and enrollment based on the standard academic calendar. This means that students may start the program in either the fall, spring or summer semesters.
Those interested in learning more about this program should contact Kate Kelsey, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, AHF B55B, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0374.
AHF B56C
(213) 740-8298
Email: watsonke@usc.edu
Director: John P. Wilson, PhD
The Graduate Certificate in Spatial Analytics requires 12 units of graduate work and provides doctoral students with an opportunity to learn about the fundamental guiding principles (i.e. spatial cognition, positioning, spatial representations and data models, map projections and datums, modifiable unit area problems, remote sensing, spatial analysis and modeling techniques and cartographic principles) and a series of rapidly evolving geospatial technologies that take advantage of the Cloud and the Web as well as advances in analytical techniques, modeling tools and online data sources.
Twelve units of graduate work are required.
The courses in this program are open to students enrolled in any one of USC's doctoral programs. The three courses that make up this graduate certificate provide a vibrant and evolving series of learning opportunities for doctoral students wishing to look at their own disciplines and potential research topics through a spatial lens.
A minimum of 24 graduate units at USC is required for the doctoral degree.
Each student must take at least 44 substantive units in preventive medicine (health), sociology (population) and the spatial sciences (place) at USC during the first three years. Students must complete two laboratory rotations (4 units total) as well as a set of core courses that cover topics in biostatistics, demography, epidemiology and spatial sciences, the specifics of which are provided in the Spatial Sciences Institute's handbook for graduate students. Additional course requirements vary according to specialty area and/or dissertation topic.
During the first and second year, students work on either a refereed journal article, book chapter or a research report of comparable scope and quality. A research project done at USC is required of all students (by the conclusion of the summer following the student's second year), regardless of prior graduate work.
The student's ability to master graduate-level course material is first evaluated after completion of no more than 24 units, and not later than the third semester of graduate work at USC. The final screening procedure is the successful completion of a second-year project requirement. This evaluation is based on the student's performance in courses taken and on an evaluation of the student's research competence as reflected in the first- and second-year research projects. The projects are evaluated by a committee of three faculty, including the student's primary adviser.
Additionally, students are evaluated each year based on adviser input, course work and research progress.
In preparation for the qualifying examination, each student assembles a five-person guidance committee to direct the student's program of studies and evaluate research competence. The committee must include at least one member from the lists of eligible faculty in Demography, Preventive Medicine and Spatial Sciences listed in the each of the contributing fields specified in the Spatial Sciences Institute's handbook for graduate students. The committee continues to serve until after the qualifying examination has been passed, the dissertation topic approved, and the student admitted to candidacy for the PhD. At that time the student assembles a dissertation committee of four or more members (usually consisting of members of the guidance committee, one of whom must be a faculty member from outside the three contributing departments), who advise on and evaluate the dissertation.
The qualifying examination evaluates the student's ability to conduct independent scholarship and research. The student is evaluated based on oral and written presentation of two elements: a written review paper or written exam and the dissertation proposal. The qualifying examination is planned, administered and evaluated by the student's guidance committee. It should be taken no later than during the sixth semester.
A student is expected to engage in research activity throughout his or her graduate career, leading up to and culminating in the Ph.D. dissertation. The dissertation is based on an original investigation, usually involving empirical data.
The student's doctoral dissertation is defended at either a defense oral, based on an approved preliminary copy of the dissertation, or a final oral, based on the final version of the dissertation.
Each student has a major adviser who is usually in the specialty area. The guidance committee should be formed at least one semester before the student takes the qualifying examination. Advisement concerning graduate school requirements may also be sought from the Spatial Sciences staff student adviser and the faculty member serving as director of graduate studies.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
College Academic Services Building 200
(213) 740-2961
(800) 872-2961
Email: thematicoption@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/thematic-option
Director: Pennelope Von Helmolt, PhD
Lecturer: Trisha Tucker, PhD
Thematic Option, the university's general education core honors program, is an alternative to regular core general education requirements. The program is interdisciplinary and provides a strong intellectual community.
The program teaches students to formulate ethical questions, to analyze and understand the reasoning behind views that differ from their own, to recognize the roles that historical, political and social forces play in matters of personal choice, and to express their views coherently in writing. Thematic Option can be arranged to fit any major.
To maintain small classes and allow for extensive discussion, Thematic Option is limited to 200 students each year. Students must be highly motivated, with a record of academic achievement. The average Thematic Option student has cumulative SAT scores above 2200 and an "A" high school GPA. The program is rigorous and requires extensive reading and writing.
The Thematic Option honors curriculum consists of four interdisciplinary core classes taught around distinct themes: CORE-101 Symbols and Conceptual Systems: Thematic Option Honors Program; CORE-102 Culture and Values: Thematic Option Honors Program; CORE-103 The Process of Change in Science: Thematic Option Honors Program; and CORE-104 Change and the Future: Thematic Option Honors Program.
CORE-111 Writing Seminar I: Thematic Option Honors Program and CORE-112 Writing Seminar II: Thematic Option Honors Program make up the eight units of writing to meet the university requirement. The classes are accompanied by individual, bi-weekly tutorials. CORE 111, which requires concurrent enrollment with an affiliated CORE 102, focuses on critical thinking and analysis, focusing on academic argument and reasoning through close reading of primary texts. CORE 112 teaches students to convey complex ideas and to advance sophistication of essay structure, grounded argument, and to identify and address specific audiences persuasively in academic discourse.
The core Thematic Option curriculum is supplemented by four additional courses taken from the General Education Program: one in Quantitative Reasoning, one in The Arts, one in Social Analysis, and one in the Physical Sciences. Completion of CORE 102 and CORE 111 with a passing grade satisfies the University's General Education Seminar requirement.
Liberal Arts Modules are a college-wide honors opportunity that bring together students with substantial training in their respective disciplines to study a common subject area using multiple approaches while participating in a cross-disciplinary dialogue.
Liberal Arts Modules provide a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary study with peers and faculty from different disciplines. The themes and topics change each semester depending on faculty participation. Students are exposed to different approaches to societal issues, gain experience working collaboratively with peers from other academic areas, apply their knowledge to new subject areas and focus sustained critical attention on disciplinary methods of inquiry.
A typical module includes four classes: three small seminars and one CORE 498 course. The program requires simultaneous enrollment in one of the three seminars and in CORE 498, for a total of 8 units.
Students with at least junior standing and a major/minor GPA of at least 3.0 are eligible to apply. Preference is given to students pursuing double majors or other major/minor combinations in the liberal arts. Students graduating with a BA or USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences BS degree who complete a module and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 will have "Distinction in Liberal Arts" listed on their USC Transcript.
Simultaneous registration in CORE 498 and a CORE 499 Special Topics class that is part of the Liberal Arts Module.
The interdisciplinary minor in Thematic Approaches to Humanities and Society allows students to examine a range of thematic and theoretical approaches to understanding culture and society from multiple standpoints in the humanities. The minor is rich in course and schedule options, enabling students with an interest in the humanities to continue their studies. It also includes co-curricular events and advisement from Thematic Option staff. Thematic approaches to humanities and society builds on the intellectual community developed in the Thematic Option honors program and is open to all interested students.
The minor focuses on themes such as interdisciplinary perspectives and modes of inquiry; approaches to criticism and history; reification, ideology, contextualization; and knowledge, human diversity and social relations. Students choose six 4-unit classes, including one lower-division elective, one upper-division Thematic Option class (CORE 301 Modes of Inquiry), and four upper-division electives. Students also complete a 2-unit reading salon (CORE 200 Liberal Arts Reading Salon).
Enroll in four of the following, at least one from List A, one from List B and not more than one from List C. Not more than two may come from any one department. Courses must be chosen in consultation with a Thematic Option adviser.
Return to: Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Jefferson Building 150 (JEF 150, mc 1293)
(213) 740-1980
FAX: (213) 740-4100
Email: writprog@usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/writing-program
Director: John Holland
Professors (Teaching): Diana Blaine, PhD; Geoffrey Middlebrook, PhD
Associate Professors (Teaching): Norah Ashe, PhD; Stephanie Bower, PhD; Andrew De Silva, MPW; Kevin Egan, PhD; William Feuer, PhD; Phyllis Franzek, PhD; Nathalie Joseph, PhD; Stephen Mack, PhD; Matthew Manson, PhD; Mark Marino, PhD; Indra Mukhopadhyay, PhD; John Murray, EdD; Erika Nanes, PhD; Eric Rawson, PhD; Sandra Ross, MA; Scott Smith, PhD; David Tomkins, PhD; Robert Waller Jr., MPW; William Wyatt, MPW
Assistant Professors (Teaching): Michael Bunn, PhD; Jessica Wells Cantiello, PhD; LauraAnne Carroll-Adler, PhD; Jeffrey Chisum, PhD; James Condon VII, PhD; Jay Fisher, MPW; Farida Habeeb, PhD; Steve Posner, MPW; Shefali Rajamannar, PhD; Deborah Sims, PhD; Ellen Wayland-Smith, PhD
Lecturers: Jennifer Sopchockchai Bankard, PhD; James Clements, PhD; Carlos Delgado, PhD; Elizabeth Durst, PhD; Antonio Elefano, JD; William Gorski, PhD; Amanda Hobmeier, PhD; Ashley Karlin, PhD; Rory Lukins, PhD; Philip McNiff, MPW; Sarah Mesel, PhD; Amy Meyerson, MPW; Cory Nelson, PhD; Daniel Pecchenino, PhD; DeAnna Rivera, JD; Atia, Sattar, PhD; Brandon Som; John James Strong, MPW
Writing Program courses are designed to help students develop practices of reading, writing and critical reasoning that are necessary for success in academic and professional discourse. Writing Program pedagogy emphasizes small classes and frequent conferences in order to provide the highly individuated instruction and careful feedback necessary to extend the writing process and enhance the rhetorical judgment of each student. To meet the university's writing requirement, students must complete WRIT 150 (or its equivalent) and an advanced writing course, WRIT 340.
WRIT 150 Writing and Critical Reasoning–Thematic Approaches focuses on the rhetorical principles and techniques necessary for successful college-level writing. Special attention is paid to critical thinking and reading, sentence-level fluency, research techniques, and the elements of academic argument and reasoning. WRIT 150 will not satisfy the lower-division writing requirement if taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.
All students at USC, except those who satisfy their general education requirements through the Thematic Option Program, must complete WRIT 340 Advanced Writing, an upper-division course designed to help students write on topics related to their disciplinary or professional interests. Students usually enroll in WRIT 340 in their junior year, and may not take the course earlier than their sophomore year. Different schools within the university offer sections of this course. Students should consult their major departments to determine which version of WRIT 340 best complements their program of study. WRIT 340 will not satisfy the university's advanced writing requirement if taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.
All classes that meet the university's advanced writing requirement teach students to write clear, grammatical, well-structured prose; to discover and convey complex ideas critically; and to appreciate the nuances of effective argumentation. The principal aim of the requirement is to develop a student's capacity to formulate thoughtful and compelling writing for specific academic, professional and public audiences.
Some students are better served by taking a preparatory course before they enroll in WRIT 150. Entering freshmen who score below a specified level on the verbal portion of the SAT take the University Writing Examination. Based on the results of this examination, certain students enroll in WRIT 120 Introduction to College Writing or WRIT 121 Introduction to College Writing in a Second Language during their first semester at USC.
International students take the University Writing Examination after having completed any course work required by the American Language Institute.
Students may complete the lower-division requirement by completing an equivalent second-semester composition course that is taken for a letter grade option (not Pass/No Pass) at another institution after high school graduation and prior to enrolling at USC. Equivalent transfer credit is determined by the university's articulation officer. The advanced writing requirement must be completed at USC.
Students should complete the lower-division writing course requirement by the end of their first year at USC and must complete it before they enroll in their sixty-fifth unit. Transfer students who have not completed the lower-division requirement prior to entering USC should enroll in WRIT 150 during their first semester at USC, and must enroll in WRIT 150 no later than their nineteenth unit (second semester) at USC.
Christian Brown, an Annenberg graduate student, edits a radio script for a breaking news story in Annenberg's converged Julie Chen/Leslie Moonves and CBS Media Center.
The USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism is a national leader in education and scholarship in the fields of communication, journalism, public diplomacy and public relations. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing the core skills of leadership, innovation, service and entrepreneurship and drawing upon the resources of a networked university located in the media capital of the world. USC Annenberg's commitment to the converged practice of communication and journalism, interdisciplinary studies, and collaboration makes it unique among peer institutions. Students learn from theory and practice, and the school's programs put it at the crossroads of media, entertainment technology, and globalization.
USC Annenberg's nationally accredited School of Journalism provides experience for students in all media platforms, with a digital newsroom, state-of-the-art editing equipment for radio and television news production and the opportunity to work at on-campus media outlets. The school's public relations program prepares students to thrive in advocacy communication, learning to write and communicate targeted messages across media platforms. The School of Communication's multidisciplinary curriculum explores how human interaction and technology affect communities, businesses, nations and the world, preparing students for careers in communication, persuasion and leadership. USC Annenberg's active internship program and study abroad opportunities give students the broad, global perspective required to be successful professionals.
USC Annenberg alumni fill top posts in the communication and media industries, and remain an invaluable resource to students and faculty. USC Annenberg's more than 100 faculty members have been recognized in diverse fields, and their expertise challenges students to become communication leaders.
Ernest James Wilson III, PhD, Dean, Walter H. Annenberg Chair in Communication
Philip Seib, JD, Vice Dean, Professor of Journalism, Public Diplomacy and International Relations
Margaret McLaughlin, PhD, Senior Associate Dean, Faculty Affairs and Research, Professor of Communication
Bruce Missaggia, MBA, CFM, CMA, CRA, Associate Dean, Finance and Programs
Diana O'Leary, MS, Associate Dean, External Relations
Allyson Hill, MA, Associate Dean, Admissions
James Vasquez, BA, Associate Dean, Operations
Sarah Banet-Weiser, PhD, Director, School of Communication, Professor of Communication
Willow Bay, MBA, Director, School of Journalism, Professor of Professional Practice
Jeremy Rosenberg, BA, Assistant Dean, Public Affairs and Special Events
Gordon Stables, PhD, Assistant Dean, Student Affairs, Clinical Professor of Communication
Return to: USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
305
(213) 740-0900 (academic inquiries)
(213) 740-3951 (administrative)
(213) 821-0770 (admission inquiries)
FAX: (213) 740-3913
annenberg.usc.edu
Director: Sarah Banet-Weiser, PhD
Associate Director: Imre S. Meszaros, EdD
Associate Director: Dorine Lawrence-Hughes, JD, EdD
Walter H. Annenberg Chair in Communication: Ernest J. Wilson III, PhD
University Professor and Annenberg Family Chair in Communication Leadership: Geoffrey Cowan, LLB
Wallis Annenberg Chair in Communication and Journalism: Manuel Castells, PhD
Norman Lear Chair in Entertainment, Media and Society: Martin H. Kaplan, PhD
Provost Professor of Communication, Journalism and Cinematic Arts: Henry Jenkins, PhD
Professors: Jonathan D. Aronson, PhD; Sandra Ball-Rokeach, PhD; Sarah Banet-Weiser, PhD*; Manuel Castells, PhD; Peter Clarke, PhD; Michael J. Cody, PhD; Geoffrey Cowan, LLB*; Nicholas Cull, PhD (Director, Public Diplomacy Master's Program); Janet Fulk, PhD; G. Thomas Goodnight, PhD; Larry Gross, PhD; Thomas A. Hollihan, PhD; Andrea Hollingshead, PhD; Henry Jenkins, PhD; Doe Mayer, MA (Cinematic Arts); Margaret McLaughlin, PhD; Lynn C. Miller, PhD; Peter R. Monge, PhD (Director, Doctoral Program)*; Sheila T. Murphy, PhD; Philip Seib, JD; Ernest J. Wilson III, PhD
Associate Professors: Francois Bar, PhD; Joshua Kun, PhD (Journalism); Randall Lake, PhD; Andrew Lakoff, PhD (Dornsife, Anthropology and Sociology); Stephen O'Leary, PhD; Patricia Riley, PhD (Director, Global Communication Master's Program); Kenneth K. Sereno, PhD*; Stacy Smith, PhD; Douglas Thomas, PhD; Dmitri Williams, PhD
Assistant Professors: Michael Ananny, PhD (Journalism); Taj Frazier, PhD; Yu Hong, PhD; Lian Jian, PhD; Kjerstin Thorson, PhD (Journalism)
Clinical Professors: Daniel Durbin, PhD; Colleen M. Keough, PhD; Ben Lee, PhD; Karen North, PhD (Director, Digital Social Media Master's Program); Susan Resnick West, PhD; Robert Scheer; Christopher Smith, PhD; Gordon Stables, PhD.(Assistant Dean, Student Affairs; Director, Trojan Debate Squad); Jonathan Taplin; Alison Trope, PhD (Director, Undergraduate Studies); Rebecca Weintraub, PhD (Director, Communication Management Master's Program)
Clinical Associate Professors: Robert Banks, PhD; Daniela Baroffio, PhD; Mathew Curtis, PhD; Carmen Lee, PhD
Clinical Assistant Professors: David Craig, PhD; Marcia Dawkins, PhD; Dorine Lawrence-Hughes, JD, EdD; Michael Robinson, PhD; Brad Shipley, PhD; Paolo Sigismondi, PhD; Kimberlie Stephens, PhD
Lecturers: Courtney Pade, PhD; Jessica Gould Neff, PhD
Research Professor: Jeffrey Cole, PhD (Director, Center for the Digital Future)
Adjunct Faculty: Anne Framroze, MA; Michael Overing, JD; Paula Patnoe-Woodley, MA; Jillian Pierson, PhD; Gary Wexler; Kelton Rhoads, PhD
Emeritus Professor: Walter R. Fisher, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
The School of Communication offers programs of study leading to a BA in Communication; minors in Sports Media Studies, Communication and the Entertainment Industry, Communication Technology Practices and Platforms, Global Communication, Health Communication, Media Economics and Entrepreneurship, Professional and Managerial Communication, Communication Law and Media Policy, Cultural Studies and Interdisciplinary Law and Society; progressive degrees in Master of Communication Management and Master of Public Diplomacy; a Master of Science in Digital Social Media; an MA and PhD in Communication; MA in Global Communication (in conjunction with the London School of Economics); a Master of Communication Management and two Masters of Public Diplomacy. The Master of Public Diplomacy combines the resources of the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences' School of International Relations. The Communication Management Program has established dual degree programs with the USC Gould School of Law and Hebrew Union College.
The School of Communication offers programs of study leading to a BA degree and minors in Communication and the Entertainment Industry, Communication Technology Practices and Platforms, Global Communication, Health Communication, Media Economics and Entrepreneurship, Professional and Managerial Communication, Sports Media Studies, and Communication Law and Media Policy. Many communication majors pursue, with the school's encouragement, a double major with another discipline or a minor to complement the major. Through careful planning, students can complete these options within four years.
Students must consult with an undergraduate academic adviser at least once each semester to explore course selections within the major, the minor, general education offerings and electives.
Admission is competitive. Fall 2014 incoming freshmen had an average GPA of 3.73 with an SAT score of 1960–2180 (middle 50%). Transfer students had an average college GPA of 3.70. For application instructions and deadlines, refer to the USC Admission Website. All transfer applicants must review the transfer admission application guidelines on the Annenberg Website. Contact the Annenberg Admissions Office for more information. USC exclusively uses the Common Application for freshman and transfer admission. Applicants must submit the Common Application and USC Supplement, both of which can be accessed at commonapp.org. In addition to the university writing samples, a 250-word statement of intent is required; instructions are included with the USC Supplement.
Students currently enrolled at USC who wish to change their major to communication must file a formal application with all supporting documents through the Annenberg Student Services Office. Students who entered USC as freshmen must have 32 units completed with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students who entered USC as transfers must have 16 units completed at USC with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The 3.0 GPA is a minimum standard and does not guarantee admission.
For current USC students, the application period is the first week of classes each fall and spring semester. No applications will be accepted after the first week of classes.
Students who have not been admitted to the communication major or one of the minors may complete a maximum of 20 communication (COMM) units at USC. No further communication course work may be taken until the student is admitted. Students who complete the maximum number of units without gaining admission to the school will be advised to select another major. Students are encouraged to contact the Annenberg Student Services Office, ASC 140, (213) 740-0900, for advisement on change of major criteria and major requirements. In certain cases, students may be referred to Dornsife College Advising, CAS 120, (213) 740-2534, to consult with an adviser to select another major.
The School of Communication maintains a commitment to the highest standards of ethical conduct and academic excellence. Any student found responsible for plagiarism, fabrication, cheating on examinations, or purchasing papers or other assignments will be reported to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs and Community Standards and may be dismissed from the School of Communication. There are no exceptions to the school's policy.
By design, the courses in the curriculum tend to cluster into different areas of study. These areas represent important foci in the communication discipline and are areas in which the school's faculty possess special expertise. Four such areas of study are described below. They are not mutually exclusive, nor do they exhaust the curriculum; rather, they represent partially overlapping areas of unusual depth. Students may specialize in one of these areas or may design individual programs of study by choosing other combinations of electives that best meet their needs and career objectives. Relevant courses for the clusters are posted on the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism Website.
Communication and Culture Option: This option will be attractive to a broad range of students whose careers have an international or multicultural dimension, from those interested in foreign service, travel and consulting to those seeking careers in the arts. In addition, students taking this option will be well prepared for advanced graduate study. Courses emphasize: communication as an essential component of culture and cultural production; cultural forces that shape communication practices; cultural barriers to communication; gender and diversity issues in human and mass communication and cultural production; media representations of race, ethnicity and gender; the production of meaning in diverse modes such as art, religion, popular culture and technology; and cultural criticism.
Entertainment, Communication and Society Option: This option is for students who wish to pursue careers in the entertainment industry, as well as students interested in the relationship of communication and entertainment to popular culture, globalization, cultural studies, marketing, advertising and ethics. Students taking this option will be well prepared for graduate study; they will also be able to enter the entertainment industry with a grounding in the theory, roles, issues and effects of entertainment. Courses emphasize: the theoretical underpinnings of entertainment studies; the historical context of entertainment; the roles and effects of entertainment concepts in "high art" and popular culture; the impact of entertainment on politics; advertising in an entertainment society; the blurring of marketing and entertainment and the effects of this on culture; the effects of entertainment in general and specifically on constructions of race and childhood; issues in the blurring of fact and fiction; ethical dilemmas; and the globalization of entertainment industries.
Media, Law and Politics Option: This option is designed for students who are interested in careers in government and public service, the law, and political and legal consulting, as well as advanced graduate study. Students examine communication processes in the public sphere and learn how to participate competently in these practices. Courses emphasize: the role of persuasion in the political and legal processes; the techniques used by individuals, institutions and social movements to influence public affairs; the history, design, implementation and evaluation of political campaigns; the role of public opinion; ethical issues in public communication, including the influence of media in the political and justice systems, the role of the First Amendment and the changing nature of freedom of expression in a mass-mediated environment, and problems of public participation.
Organizational and Interpersonal Communication Option: This option is most relevant to students interested in careers in business, management, human resources and development, corporate communication, and consulting, as well as advanced graduate study. Courses emphasize: interpersonal communication processes that affect and reflect personality, motives, beliefs, attitudes and values; communication's role in the development, maintenance and disintegration of social, family and intimate relationships; managing interpersonal conflict; communication between superiors and subordinates and in teams; communication's role in determining organizational culture; managing information in organizations; and the role of information technology in processes of globalization.
This progressive degree program allows USC students to complete a bachelor's degree and a Master of Communication Management or a Master of Public Diplomacy in as little as five years. Students with a 3.0 overall GPA or higher in all classes taken at the university level are eligible to apply for admission to the degree program during their junior year, if a minimum of 24 semester hours will be completed in the final year of undergraduate enrollment. However, a 3.0 GPA does not guarantee acceptance.
Current students must attend a mandatory information session conducted by Annenberg Admissions and a member of the faculty before initiating the application process. Students admitted into the progressive degree program begin taking master's level courses in their senior year and may complete the master's degree in year five. For information on the application process, refer to the Annenberg Website, annenberg.usc.edu/currentstudents. Click on progressive degree. For further details on progressive degree programs, see the Requirements for Graduation page.
See the Department of English.
See the School of International Relations for complete course requirements.
See the Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC for complete course requirements.
See the Department of Political Science.
See the Department of Sociology.
The Trojan Debate Squad provides an opportunity for outstanding students (3.0 GPA or better), both communication majors and non-majors, to compete in an intensive intercollegiate laboratory setting. Whatever the student's intended career, the skills he or she develops in research, critical thinking and oral advocacy will be invaluable. The team has an excellent record in team policy debate and is now also offering British parliamentary (worlds format) debating. The team competes at both regional and national competitions.
The School of Communication offers an 8-unit honors program for exceptional students. To qualify, students must have a 3.5 GPA both overall and in the COMM major after completing the core courses (16 units from COMM 200, COMM 201, COMM 202, COMM 203, COMM 206, COMM 207 and COMM 208 and two of COMM 204, COMM 301L and COMM 322). To graduate with School of Communication honors, a student must maintain a 3.5 overall and COMM major GPA and receive at least a B+ or higher in the two honors courses. Students either take COMM 495 Honors Seminar or work with a professor to customize a 400-level COMM course for honors status (4 units). All honor students complete COMM 497 x Honors Thesis (4 units). Contact an undergraduate adviser for further information and application forms.
Lambda Pi Eta is a national communication/journalism honor society that is open to declared communication, journalism and public relations majors who have completed (or are currently registered for) at least 60 units, at least 12 of which are in the major. To be eligible, students must have a USC GPA and a major GPA of 3.5 or higher.
This program offers qualified undergraduate students an opportunity to approach their discipline(s) of study through the critical application of multimedia expression and scholarship. The student experience will be characterized by smaller classes taught by leading faculty members and enriched by a program of lecture series, visiting scholars, symposia and conferences. For complete program requirements, see the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
The USC Annenberg Career Development Office has listings for paid and unpaid internships from around the country. Career advisers conduct mandatory advisement appointments for all sophomores and offer career workshops, guest speakers and mentoring opportunities. Students are advised to participate in at least two internships before graduation.
Through the Council on International Education Exchange, students study at the University of Amsterdam. The first week students spend in orientation sessions that include an overview of the academic program, an introduction to Amsterdam and to Dutch society and culture, as well as excursions in and around the city. Students enroll in the offerings taught in English at the University of Amsterdam. Such courses include communication, art, history, economics, environmental sciences, computer science, history, philosophy, literature, social science and theology. Students may earn a maximum of 12 USC units of upper-division COMM elective credit. A minimum USC cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for this program.
This semester program offers students the chance to study at one of Australia's premier universities, in one of the country's most exciting cities. Students take communication courses that count for major credit at USC at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and can choose from a wide variety of elective courses. UNSW is located in Kensington, just south of the center of Sydney and its commercial hub. The program gives students the chance to explore mass media and communication in a challenging environment with a distinct worldview, very different from that of the United States. Students may earn a maximum of 12 USC units of upper-division COMM elective credit. A minimum USC cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for this program.
This semester program offers students the opportunity to study Latin American culture and study at the Universidad de San Andrés, a small liberal arts college in the suburbs of Buenos Aires. Students will live and learn in this vibrant metropolis while taking communication courses that count toward major credit at USC. Buenos Aires is one of the largest cities in Latin America and will give students the chance to explore the worldview of Latin America and how it relates to communication, mass media and the world at large. The program will immerse students in South American culture. With classes being taught exclusively in Spanish, this program requires a high degree of proficiency in Spanish, both written and oral (five semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent required). A minimum USC cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for this program.
The semester program offers students the opportunity to learn about Chinese culture at the Chinese University in Hong Kong, a bilingual institution. The program also gives students the experience of living in Hong Kong where they can witness the "one country, two systems" experiment. Courses in English are offered in fine arts, literature, history, Japanese studies, intercultural studies, music, philosophy, computer science, anthropology, economics, international relations, as well as journalism and communication. For students interested in Chinese language, courses are offered in Putonghua (Mandarin) or Cantonese. Extracurricular activities include the opportunity to teach English in rural China, monthly dinner talks with Asian studies specialists and excursions to local areas of interest. Students may earn a maximum of 12 USC units of upper-division COMM elective credit. A minimum USC cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for this program.
The semester program offers students the opportunity to study communication in London, the most important center of media in Europe. Many of the communication courses offered include British media guest lecturers and site visits. The program includes one-day visits to such places as Oxford, Cambridge and Liverpool. Planned activities within London include theatre and museum visits. Students may earn 16 units of upper-division COMM elective credit. A minimum USC cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for this program. Please visit the Annenberg International Programs Website for more information on additional program requirements.
Annenberg's New Zealand program offers students the opportunity to travel to the Southern Hemisphere. Each spring, students can study at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT), a world-class institution that offers students the chance to take communication courses that count toward major credit at USC, all the while exploring the beautiful city of Auckland and the surrounding countryside. The AUT program offers communication students an exciting way to broaden their understanding of media and mass communication in a challenging environment with an outlook distinctly different from that of the United States and Southern California. Students may earn 12 units of upper-division COMM elective credit. A minimum USC cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for this program.
The semester program offers students the opportunity to learn about Brazilian culture through an intensive pre-semester Portuguese language course (*does not count for USC language requirement) and through civic engagement projects that benefit the local communities in Rio de Janeiro. Through the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), USC students enroll in 20 USC units in courses offered by CIEE and at the Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing, Brazil's top communication and journalism school. Students may earn 12 units of upper-division COMM elective credit; please visit the Annenberg International Programs Website for more information on language prerequisites. A minimum USC cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for this program.
The International Communication Studies program (ICS) allows undergraduate students to study a range of approaches to public communication media across Europe.
Students divide the five-week course into stays in Los Angeles, London, Paris, Prague, Istanbul and Rome. In addition to regular class meetings, students discuss the interplay of current world issues and international media practices with communication practitioners from international news and public relations media, government institutions, private industry and global organizations.
Students enroll in JOUR 482 Comparative Media in Europe (4 units), which will count as 4 units of upper-division COMM elective credit. A minimum USC cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for this program.
For further information, contact Annenberg International Programs at (213) 821-1276, email ascintl@usc.edu or visit annenberg.usc.edu/international.
The School of Communication offers programs of study leading to a professional Master of Communication Management, an MA/MSc in Global Communication in collaboration with the London School of Economics, a Master of Science in Digital Social Media, two Masters of Public Diplomacy and research-oriented Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Communication. The Master of Public Diplomacy combines the resources of the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences' School of International Relations. In addition, special programs enable students to earn dual degrees in communication management and law (USC Gould School of Law) and in communication management and Jewish nonprofit management (Hebrew Union College).
The degree programs are designed to ensure that students are educated in substantive studies that constitute the discipline of communication and provide a basis for competing effectively in the job market.
All students seeking the degrees in communication management and global communication will take a range of courses that prepare them for successful professional management careers in communication-related businesses, organizations and fields.
All students pursuing the research-oriented degree (PhD in Communication) are required to take two theory courses that introduce them to inquiry in human communication and two research methods courses that acquaint them with the historical/critical and social scientific techniques available to conduct scholarly research. These requirements strengthen the student's appreciation of the intellectual bases of human communication study and further the concept of a community of scholars and practitioners in the profession. Students specialize in one of seven available tracks: Global and Transnational Communication; Groups, Organizations and Networks; Health Communication and Social Dynamics; Information, Political Economy and Entertainment; Media, Culture and Community; New Media and Technology; or Rhetoric, Politics and Publics. In addition, students are encouraged to sample courses in the remaining tracks, thus obtaining an education of unparalleled breadth and depth.
Master of Communication Management, Master of Arts in Global Communication, Master of Science in Digital Social Media, Master of Public Diplomacy and Master of Public Diplomacy (Practitioner and Mid-Career Professional)
The school accepts students from a broad range of academic backgrounds in social sciences, humanities, physical sciences or professional schools. Some are employed or have work experience in communication-related fields. Others apply immediately after completing baccalaureate degrees.
Criteria: All applicants must submit the online USC Graduate Admission Application. The faculty admission committees consider many criteria in the admission selection process: the academic record and professional and work-related accomplishments are taken into account. The minimum criteria are the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree and a 3.0 GPA for all undergraduate and graduate work completed. The Master of Arts in Global Communication requires a minimum 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) cumulative GPA or international equivalent for admission. For admission to communication management, digital social media and public diplomacy, scores on the General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are required. Applicants to the communication management degree program may submit Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) scores in lieu of the GRE. Scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are required for applicants whose undergraduate degree was not completed in a country where English is the only official language. Letters of recommendations from those persons familiar with the applicant's work — preferably academically — are required also. In addition, applicants must submit a statement of purpose, transcripts of all previous college and university work attempted, résumé and writing samples.
Applicants to the global communication degree program must apply to USC and the London School of Economics (LSE). Participation in this degree program requires that students simultaneously gain admission to LSE and USC. GRE or GMAT scores are not required for admission. All students will begin their studies in London at the LSE.
Procedure: Refer to the Annenberg Website for application checklist, admission guidelines, deadlines and filing periods.
Students may enter from a variety of academic fields and majors. Applicants whose undergraduate work was in fields other than communication may be admitted on the condition that adequate preparation in directly relevant areas is evident. Completion of a master's degree in communication is not required for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy.
Criteria: All applicants must submit the online USC Graduate Admission Application. The faculty admission committee reviews each application comprehensively. Three letters of recommendation from faculty qualified to comment on an applicant's capacities for a rigorous program of study are required. Completion of a basic descriptive statistics course is recommended. In addition, a personal statement, transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, a résumé and a sample of scholarly writing are required. The MA in Communication is earned as part of the PhD program.
Procedure: Admission is granted for the fall semester only. Applicants are strongly encouraged to take the Graduate Record Examinations prior to October 1. Refer to the Annenberg Website for application guidelines and deadline.
The Global Communication, Master of Arts in Communication and Doctor of Philosophy in Communication are awarded under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to The Graduate School section of this catalogue and the Requirements for Graduation section for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program requires six courses in different categories, plus writing, foreign language and diversity requirements, which together comprise the USC Core. See The USC Core and the General Education Program for more information.
Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 overall GPA in upper division course work applied toward the major. Further, no more than 16 upper division elective units may be taken prior to completion of the entire core. No more than 4 units of COMM 380 may be counted toward the department major. The School of Communication is committed to ensuring that all declared communication majors follow the necessary requirements. Mandatory advisement is required of all communication majors each semester prior to registration. All students taking communication classes are held to the highest academic integrity standards and may be denied admission or have admission revoked as a result of conduct violations.
Qualified non-majors (generally, students with junior/senior status, a minimum 3.0 GPA and a declared major elsewhere at the university) with appropriate academic preparation may be permitted to enroll in communication electives without fulfilling prerequisite requirements. Application for a waiver should be made to an undergraduate adviser.
The rapid advance in information and communication technologies raises serious questions about the limits of free speech, censorship, and the impact of present and emerging communication policies on domestic and international industries. To address these developments, this cross-departmental minor combines courses from communication, law, economics, political science and journalism. This minor not only enables students to understand what is occurring in the communication revolution, it also prepares them to participate in the movement as critics and advocates. Requirements for admission are a minimum 3.0 GPA and completion of a minimum of 32 units (sophomore standing). The 3.0 GPA is a minimum standard and does not guarantee admission.
One must be in COMM; two must be in an outside area.
Students in this minor trace the roots and dynamics of contemporary networked technologies and learn how to participate and excel within media cultures, online networks and organizational workplaces. The minor focuses on three areas: cultures (connecting communication technologies to histories, values, and ethics of social relationships and civic communities); networks (developing qualitative and quantitative skills to model, explain and influence relationships among media and people at local and global scales); institutions (tracing the legal, organizational, economic and interpersonal contexts that produce and transform communication technologies). The field of communication technology requires individuals who can critique, cultivate, build and influence new relationships among people, platforms and practices. Whether starting careers in strategic consulting, medical informatics, non-profit management, social media design, public sector service or new media entrepreneurship, students are encouraged to utilize skills and foundational concepts underlying 21st century communication technologies.
Requirements for admission are a minimum 3.0 GPA and completion of a minimum of 32 units (sophomore standing). The 3.0 GPA is a minimum standard and does not guarantee admission.
This 20-unit minor offers courses that examine the theory, content, social impact and economics of a range of creative, media, culture and entertainment industries. Through the lens of music, film, television, advertising, digital media, games, comics and fashion, students will learn strategies for analyzing popular culture and entertainment texts, mechanisms and platforms of content distribution, as well as the historical, social, cultural and political issues shaping these entertainment fields. Taking into account shifts and disruptions in contemporary media and entertainment, students will further examine consumption, audience engagement and participation that necessarily shape our individual and collective identities. These courses will highlight the production, consumption and meanings inscribed in entertainment media industries and products. Depending on the courses selected, the minor will prepare students for a variety of careers in and/or further critical scholarship about media and entertainment industries.
Admission requirements are a minimum 3.0 grade point average and completion of 32 units (sophomore standing). The 3.0 GPA is a minimum standard and does not guarantee admission.
In recognition of the dislocation and restructuring underway in contemporary media and information industries, this 24-unit minor introduces students to the microeconomics and trends of the sector and gives them an understanding of the role that entrepreneurship plays in the new economy. Students with professional media industry aspirations will learn basic economic literacy and discover the key factors that shape competition in information markets. Further, the minor fosters an entrepreneurial mindset in students and helps them to develop the entrepreneurial skills required to build successful careers and ventures in the media and information sector. Requirements for admission are a minimum 3.0 GPA and completion of a minimum of 32 units (sophomore standing).
*Prerequisite: BAEP 450 or BAEP 451
**Prerequisite: BAEP 452
*Prerequisite: JOUR 351a
The ability to succeed in today's workplace necessitates a growing number of communication skills. As today's increasingly global and highly competitive marketplace grows in complexity, the need to understand intercultural differences, the power of structure in the workplace and other issues such as dealing with interpersonal conflicts continues to increase. This minor will provide students interested in the management of people, resources or products with these necessary tools. Requirements for admission are a minimum 3.0 GPA and completion of a minimum of 32 units (sophomore standing).
USC has a unique historical relationship to sports and sports media, and is near the center of the current sports media capital of Los Angeles. The courses examine the role of sports and sports media in culture, how the presentation of sports in media has evolved, has been shaped by cultural issues and, itself, impacted culture. This minor will enhance students' skills in working and interacting with, sports media.
Requirements for admission are a minimum 3.0 GPA and completion of a minimum of 32 units (sophomore standing). The 3.0 GPA is a minimum standard and does not guarantee admission.
Individuals seeking the Master of Arts in Communication are expected to acquire and demonstrate a general knowledge of human communication, including humanistic and social scientific approaches.
Students must apply to the PhD program in Communication and complete all application requirements. The faculty admission committee determines candidates appropriate for the MA
The program, arranged in consultation with the school's director of doctoral studies, provides two options: degree with comprehensive examination requires a total of 32 units (normally eight courses), including core courses COMM 525, COMM 526, COMM 550 and COMM 552 and four electives; or degree with thesis requires successful completion of core courses, three electives and 4 units of COMM 594a Master's Thesis, COMM 594b Master's Thesis.
Not more than two approved 400-level courses may be applied to a student's program and a maximum of 4 semester units with grades of B or better may be accepted by transfer from another institution of higher learning. The minimum acceptable GPA for successful completion of this program is 3.0.
The majority of students choose the comprehensive examination option. The examination consists of six hours of writing, taken on two different days. Permission to take an MA degree with thesis can be obtained only by application to the school screening committee.
Each student builds a program of study with faculty academic advisors, drawing on earlier academic and work experience in order to achieve desired professional goals.
Students may pursue the Master of Communication Management on either a full- or part-time basis. Full time, the degree can be finished in one year and four months (across four terms, including the summer session); parttime, all course work can be finished in two to three years. With permission from a School of Communication committee, a maximum of 4 graduate units may be transferred from another accredited institution.
There are no foreign language requirements for this degree.
Thirty-two units in approved graduate-level course work are required.
Students will take a required 4-unit research methods course in their first semester. In their second semester, students will take a required 4-unit core conceptual foundation course. During their course of study, students take 4 units from a list of approved theory-practice integration courses.
A maximum of two courses may be taken in the first semester. In the second and subsequent semesters, with approval from the director of the Master of Communication Management program, students may take up to three courses.
Among the remaining courses, at least 12 units must be from Communication Management elective areas of focus. Up to 8 may be taken at USC outside the Communication Management program; these courses must be approved by the director of the Master of Communication Management program, and may be selected from a variety of disciplines, depending upon academic and career interests.
Any given course may be taken at most three times, after which the student is no longer eligible to take the course.
The School of Communication in the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism offers a Master of Science in Digital Social Media degree, which is an intensive program focused on leadership and management of digital and social media, and online communities. Students learn to be digital and social media executives, leaders and entrepreneurs through a sequence of classes that teach conceptualization, management of development and analytics, creation of content, and implementation of digital products. Students take 32 units over the course of one calendar year including a funded, final project in which teams receive a budget to develop and launch a working, dynamic, social media product. An internship is highly recommended as students are expected to gain relevant, professional experience while enrolled in the program. No engineering skills are required, but the program provides instruction in collaborating with, and managing, developers.
The program begins in spring semester, and includes courses during summer and fall. Students applying for this program are required to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE).
The completion of this degree program requires 32 units including the successful development and launch of a digital social media product. Core courses are taught in the School for Communication and Journalism. With approval of the program director, students may select electives from the entire USC graduate curriculum.
Students choose one to three classes (4-8 units) that help them specialize their area of expertise within the realm of digital social media. Approval from the director is required for these classes. Student may choose from the director's list or request approval for other classes.
Students may elect to take classes in related topics within the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, or from engineering, business, cinema, music, or other area related to digital and social media or related to the sector of implementation that interests the students. Students are strongly encouraged to acquire relevant experience through an internship and may earn degree credit by enrolling in CMGT 591 Communication Internship. With the permission of the program director, students may take up to 8 elective units within the Annenberg School, or from other USC programs.
The USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism collaborates with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) to provide the course work necessary for students to become fully engaged with the phenomenon of global communication through this dual master's degree program. Upon satisfaction of all program requirements, students will be awarded a Master of Arts (MA) in Global Communication by USC as well as a Master of Science (MSc) in Global Media and Communications by the LSE.
This is a two-year program during which students spend their first year at the LSE and their second year at USC.
There are no foreign language requirements. Students take a one-term research methods course as part of their course work at the LSE.
The Master of Arts in Global Communication requires 42 units; the equivalent of 18 units earned at the LSE and 24 units earned at USC.
Year One at LSE: The LSE academic year has three terms. Students will complete classes approved by faculty at the LSE. Students must earn at least 3 units at the LSE, which articulates as 18 units at USC.
Year Two at USC: Students must complete COMM 598 as well as 20 elective units (5 courses) from the School of Communication graduate curriculum, excluding COMM 525, COMM 526, COMM 550 and COMM 552.
Students may choose one of their elective courses from a department outside Annenberg with the approval of their advisers.
Students will produce a final research project on global communication that will be the product of work done both at the LSE and Annenberg. Students complete a research project during the summer after their year at the LSE for which grades are awarded by LSE faculty. A passing grade is required. They will continue to develop this project during the year at Annenberg in COMM 598 and must earn a grade of B minus or higher.
The Master of Public Diplomacy combines the resources of the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences' School of International Relations. This program is designed for students who already have a substantial undergraduate background in social sciences or relevant professional experience in subjects such as communications, film and media studies, journalism, political science, public relations and international relations. Students in the program may decide to emphasize public diplomacy training most appropriate for a career in public service, the corporate world or in a nongovernmental organization (NGO) working in the ever-expanding global civil society. USC is a member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA).
Requirements for the completion of this degree program are 49 units, including the required substantive paper or alternative project. The course requirements are as follows:
These units may be taken from the School of Communication, School of International Relations or any graduate program at USC. Courses must be approved by the Public Diplomacy program director.
This program is designed for students who already have at least five years experience working in public diplomacy (engaged in international advocacy, international publicity/public relations, international broadcasting, cultural and/or exchange work or other work which the admissions committee deems to fall within their definition of public diplomacy). The program is taught over a single calendar year beginning with a summer course introducing the advanced study of public diplomacy and ending in the middle of the following summer with the submission of a piece of research work. Refer to the application guidelines on the Annenberg Prospective Student Web pages.
Requirements for the completion of this degree program are 32 units including a substantive paper or alternative project. Core courses are taught in the School of Communication and the School of International Relations, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. With approval of the program director, students may select electives from the entire USC graduate curriculum.
These units may be taken from the School of Communication, School of International Relations or any graduate program at USC.
This certificate program is for students holding master's degrees who wish to pursue or expand careers in health communication. Students will study the most recent theoretical and practical developments in the area of health communication and how this information can be used to improve public health as well as individual behavior.
Students take 16 units of graduate course work beyond the master's degree, of which 4 units may be cognate courses. One course must be from a preventive medicine, public health, pharmacology or other health science program that focuses on "what is communicated" in health communication.
This certificate program is for students holding master's degrees who wish to pursue or expand careers in international and intercultural communication management. Students will study the latest developments in information and communication technologies, markets and cultures, and industry practices within cross-nation, cross-cultural contexts.
Students take 16 units of graduate course work beyond the master's degree, of which 4 units may be cognate courses.
This certificate program is for students holding master's degrees who wish to pursue or expand careers in marketing communication. Students will study the latest developments in marketing communication research and theory and the application to marketing communication issues.
Students take 16 units of graduate course work beyond the master's degree, of which 4 units may be cognate courses.
This certificate program is for students who have already earned master's degrees and who wish to pursue or expand careers in the entertainment industry. Students will study the latest areas of entertainment-related research, theory and application. They will have a strong grounding in the theory, roles, issues and effects of entertainment as well as the impact of entertainment and new entertainment technologies on society, behavior and the entertainment industry.
Students take 16 units of graduate course work that may not be used or have been used for any other degree or certificate program, of which 4 units may be cognate courses.
This certificate program is for students holding master's degrees who wish to pursue or expand careers in communication technologies. Students will study the latest developments in new communication and media technologies and their application in a variety of organizational and social contexts.
Students take 16 units of graduate course work beyond the master's degree, of which 4 units may be cognate courses.
This certificate program is for students holding master's degrees who wish to pursue or expand careers in corporate communication and communication consulting. Students will study the latest developments in organizational communication research and theory and the application to business communication issues.
Students take 16 units of graduate course work beyond the master's degree, of which 4 units may be cognate courses.
Academic training in law and in communication management provides a powerful background for careers in business, entertainment or government life. The USC Gould School of Law and the USC Annenberg School of Communication collaborate in a program that enables these educational opportunities. Students complete both the JD and the Master of Communication Management in three years, the time normally required for the law degree alone.
Students must complete 20 units (five courses) of communication courses at the School of Communication: one required research methods course; one required core conceptual foundation course; one approved theorypractice integration course; and two courses from approved CMGT elective areas of focus.
To earn the JD, all students (including dual degree students) must complete 35 numerically graded law units at USC after the first year. The associate dean of the USC Gould School of Law may make exceptions to this rule for students enrolled in law school honors programs.
First Year: Required law school courses.
Second and Third Years: 20 units of communication courses, including the 4-unit required research methods course in the first semester of the second year, and the 4-unit required core conceptual foundation course in the second semester of the second year, and an approved 4-unit theory-practice integration course; 38 units of law courses, of which 8 units must be approved as appropriate for acceptance by the School of Communication toward its degree.
Application to pursue the dual degree should be made before completion of 15 units of work in law or 8 units toward the Master of Communication Management degree. Admission by the law school to its JD degree will be evaluated as a substitute for GRE scores.
The dual degree program, Communication Management/Jewish Nonprofit Management, offers students the opportunity for advanced study of sophisticated communication processes and technologies in the context of the nonprofit arena. The program has been developed by the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion's School of Jewish Nonprofit Management (formerly the HUC-JIR School of Jewish Communal Service) to combine the study of communication theory, processes and technologies with postgraduate education in Jewish nonprofit management and leadership. The goal of this program is for graduates to perform more effectively in the nonprofit sector, having received specific training in areas such as organizational communication, media impacts and policy.
Students of this program are admitted separately to each school. Students are required to complete 52 units of graduate course work at Hebrew Union College, which include the School of Jewish Nonprofit Management's thesis requirements. Four of the 52 required credits of graduate course work at Hebrew Union College are used to fulfill the School of Communication's cognate option.
In addition, students are required to take 24 units (six courses) at the School of Communication, including one required research methods course in the first semester; one required core conceptual foundation course in the second semester; one approved theory-practice integration course; and three courses from approved CMGT elective areas of focus.
Those interested in this program should contact the Office of Admissions, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, 3077 University Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90007-3796 for comprehensive information about the application process.
Students in the doctoral program learn theories that guide research into communication processes and effects and into institutions and technologies that lend pattern to communication. Applicants for the PhD are expected to acquire and demonstrate humanistic and behavioral knowledge of communication while acquiring skills requisite to scholarly research in the discipline.
Student progress is carefully monitored by the School of Communication faculty. Students are normally screened at the end of their first year of graduate study. At that time they must have completed no fewer than 16 and no more than 24 units, including COMM 525, COMM 526, COMM 550 and COMM 552. Students are evaluated on subject matter competence, teaching potential and their ability to conduct independent research. Upon successful passage of the screening procedure, the student has 30 days in which to form a qualifying exam committee.
The student is required to take a minimum of 76 units and write an approved dissertation.
In addition, students must take at least two courses in one other track outside their specialization (8 units total). Students also pursue an approved cognate elective program of study in which at least two courses (normally 8 units) are taken in a related field outside USC Annenberg School. Students entering the School of Communication with a master's degree may, with permission, apply part of their previous graduate course work to the cognate requirement. Students in the organizational communication track are required to take at least two methods classes in addition to the core courses, COMM 550 and COMM 552. If taken in a department or unit other than the School of Communication, these courses cannot also be counted toward the student's cognate requirement.
Doctoral students are expected to demonstrate methodological competence in an area of specialization prior to taking the qualifying examination. Such competence is usually demonstrated through course work (the successful completion, with grade B or better, of selected course work in addition to their content courses that is approved by the PhD qualifying exam committee taken in the school and/or related departments), and by completion of a preliminary research project. Under special circumstances, students with an exceptional prior background in research methods may demonstrate their competence by successfully passing a research tool examination designed and administered by the PhD qualifying exam committee.
This committee is composed of five USC faculty members, at least three of whom are from the School of Communication. Students are expected to work closely with the members of their qualifying exam committee, especially their committee chair, in selecting advanced course work and shaping areas of interest and research. In addition to helping the student plan a program, the committee administers the oral portion of the qualifying examination and approves the dissertation committee.
Qualifying examinations for the PhD usually are taken in the third year of study following completion of all required courses and a preliminary research paper. The examination includes both written and oral portions. The written portion is composed by committees of faculty in the relevant areas of study; the oral portion is administered by the student's qualifying exam committee. Students must pass both portions to be advanced to candidacy. Students must confer with their qualifying exam committee chair, not later than the second week of the semester during which the examinations are to be taken, regarding distribution of written examination hours among subject matter areas.
The dissertation is an original research project contributing to knowledge about human communication and should demonstrate a high level of competence in methodologies of scholarly inquiry.
Dissertations are defended in a formal meeting with the three-member dissertation committee. The school prefers that the defense oral be taken prior to final typing so that recommended changes can be made in the final manuscript.
Return to: USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
303
(213) 740-0900 (academic inquiries)
(213) 740-3914 (administrative)
(213) 821-0770 (admission inquiries)
FAX: (213) 740-8624
annenberg.usc.edu
Director: Willow Bay, MBA
Director, Operations and Finance: Debra Lawler, MA
Walter H. Annenberg Chair in Communication: Ernest J. Wilson III, PhD
University Professor and Annenberg Family Chair in Communication Leadership: Geoffrey Cowan, LLB
Jayne and Hans Hufschmid Chair in Strategic Public Relations and Business Communication: Robert Kozinets, PhD
Knight Chair in Media and Religion: Diane Winston, PhD
Provost Professor of Communication, Journalism and Cinematic Arts: Henry Jenkins, PhD
Professors: K.C. Cole, BA; Geoffrey Cowan, LLB*; Henry Jenkins, PhD; Judy Muller, BA; Tim Page, BA; Michael Parks, BA; Joe Saltzman, MS*; Philip Seib, JD; Roberto Suro, MS
Visiting Professor: Robert Kozinets, PhD
Associate Professors: William Celis, MS*, Jonathan Kotler, JD*; Joshua Kun, PhD (Communication); Larry Pryor, MS; Sandy Tolan, BFA; Jian Wang, PhD; Diane Winston, PhD
Assistant Professors: Mike Ananny, PhD (Communication); Daren C. Brabham, PhD; Kjerstin Thorson, PhD; Aimei Yang, PhD
Professors of Professional Practice: Willow Bay, MBA; Daniel Birman, MA; Laura Castañeda, EdD; Serena Cha, MS; Fred Cook, BA; Jennifer Floto, MA*; Vince Gonzales, MA; Gabriel Kahn, BA; Willa Seidenberg, BA; Erna Smith, BJ; Burghardt Tenderich, PhD
Associate Professors of Professional Practice: Amara Aguilar, MA; Sasha Anawalt, BA; Peggy Bustamante, MA; Rebecca Haggerty, MS; Robert Hernandez, BA; Matthew LeVeque, BA; Alan Mittelstaedt, BA; Stacy Scholder, BA
Senior Lecturers: Jeff Fellenzer, MA; Mary Murphy, BA; Richard Reeves, ME
Lecturers: Alan Abrahamson, JD; Dana Chinn, MBA; Myra Turner, BA
Emeritus Professors: Ed Cray, BA; Murray Fromson; Felix Gutierrez, PhD; Bryce Nelson, MPhil; Clancy Sigal, BA
Emeritus Professor of Professional Practice: Gerald Swerling, MS
Emeritus Associate Professor: William Robert Faith, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award.
The School of Journalism offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in Broadcast and Digital Journalism, Print and Digital Journalism and Public Relations. It also offers minors in News Media and Society and in Advertising. The school stresses a broad-based liberal arts education to enhance writing and reporting and encourages undergraduate students to pursue double majors or minors in disciplines outside the school.
At the graduate level, a Master of Science degree is offered in Journalism and Master of Arts degrees are offered in Specialized Journalism, Specialized Journalism (The Arts) and Strategic Public Relations. The MS in Journalism degree is designed for students who have some journalism experience. The program emphasizes multi-platform journalism, but also allows students to build on the specialty of their choice including long-form video, news video, audio, text or digital. The Specialized Journalism degree is designed for experienced professionals and recent journalism graduates interested in developing specialized reporting expertise. The Specialized Journalism (The Arts) degree is designed for experienced professional and art practitioners interested in arts and culture criticism and reporting. The Strategic Public Relations degree emphasizes the requisite skills of that discipline, with an emphasis on strategic problem solving, public relations theory and techniques, writing, research-based planning and analysis, case studies, and the application of the discipline to specific industry categories.
Students are required to practice journalism principles and improve their multimedia skills by writing and reporting for neontommy.com (Annenberg Digital News), atvn.org (Annenberg TV News), annenbergradio.org (Annenberg Radio News), intersectionssouthla.org (Intersections South LA) and impact.uscannenberg.org (Impact newsmagazine program). Journalism majors are also encouraged to write and report for the independent student newspaper, the Daily Trojan, at dailytrojan.com.
The school offers several international study programs to undergraduate and graduate students. The USC Annenberg Career Development Office has listings for paid and unpaid internships from around the country. Career advisers conduct mandatory advisement appointments for all sophomores and offer career workshops, guest speakers and mentoring opportunities. Students are advised to participate in at least two internships before graduation.
The School of Journalism offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in Print and Digital Journalism, Broadcast and Digital Journalism and Public Relations. The school also offers minors in Advertising and News Media and Society. Journalism students are encouraged to pursue double majors or minors in other areas of study. They must consult with an undergraduate journalism adviser at least once each semester to receive academic advisement covering major course selection and university degree requirements.
To meet accrediting guidelines, a minimum of 72 units must be completed outside the major area of journalism. A maximum of 16 units of course work taken prior to high school graduation and a combined 32 units of AP, IB and pre-high school graduation course work will count toward this requirement. Journalism and public relations majors can take up to a maximum of 48 journalism units; however, the major unit total (44 units) cannot be exceeded, unless the student has fulfilled the accreditation requirement.
A grade point average of at least C (2.0) on all baccalaureate units attempted at USC, as well as on the combined USC-transfer GPA, is required for undergraduate degrees. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all upper division courses applied toward the major is also required. Students must complete each journalism class with at least a grade of C- in order to count the course toward a major requirement. Journalism courses with a grade of D+ or below must be repeated; courses may only be retaken once.
Admission is competitive. Fall 2014 incoming freshmen had an average GPA of 3.94 with an SAT score of 2120-2250 (middle 50%). Transfer students had an average college GPA of 3.70. For admission information and deadlines, refer to the USC Admission Website. All transfer applicants must review the transfer admission application guidelines on the Annenberg Website; contact the Annenberg Admissions Office for more information. USC exclusively uses the Common Application for freshman and transfer admission. Applicants must submit the Common Application and the USC Supplement, both of which can be accessed at commonapp.org. In addition to the university writing samples, a 250-word statement of intent is required; instructions are included with the USC Supplement. Upon admission to the School of Journalism, students will lose transfer credits earned in journalism and public relations course work completed at another college or university.
Students currently enrolled at USC who wish to change their major to journalism must file a formal application with all supporting documents through the Annenberg Student Services Office. Students must have 16 units completed at USC with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in order to be eligible to apply to journalism major. The 3.0 GPA is a minimum standard and does not guarantee admission. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and a declared major in order to be eligible to apply to journalism minor.
The university's general education program provides coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing. For more information about USC's general education requirements, see the General Education Program.
The School of Journalism's core curriculum prepares students to write and report for print, broadcast and online media. Print and digital journalism, and broadcast and digital journalism students are required to complete both print and broadcast newswriting and print and broadcast reporting classes. Print and digital journalism majors must complete a newspaper editing and design class; broadcast and digital journalism majors must complete a broadcast production class. In addition to the online media elements integrated into the newswriting and reporting classes, print and digital journalism and broadcast and digital journalism majors must complete an introduction to online media course.
Journalism majors enrolled in JOUR 202 and public relations majors enrolled in JOUR 209 are required to complete the Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation (GSP) online tutorial before the end of the semester. This test must be taken and passed by the last day of class. Students who do not pass the test will be allowed to retake it once. Students who fail to complete the GSP tutorial within the allotted time frame will not be allowed to progress in the program and will be dismissed from the major.
Note: Students with disabilities may register with the Disability Services and Programs office (DSP) so the DSP staff can assess the nature of the students' disabilities and recommend the appropriate accommodations to be provided for each student.
The semester program offers students the opportunity to study at City University in London. Participants will be close observers of the British media and will have an opportunity for personal and direct comparison between the more structured and governmentally controlled media system of the United Kingdom and the laissez faire approach to media regulation in the United States. Students earn 8 USC journalism elective units and 8 social sciences units.
In the spring of their junior year, USC Annenberg public relations students can spend a spring semester at the University of Westminster in London, one of the leading British institutions for the academic and professional study of public relations and media, culture and society. Students will be integrated into the University of Westminster, and will take courses across the four Westminster campus locations around central London. Students will live in the central London district of Marylebone, and will be immersed into the public relations and media hub that is London.
Students earn a total of 16 units at Westminster; up to 8 USC upper division journalism elective units toward their public relations major and 8 general electives units.
The semester program offers students the opportunity to study at the Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand, a leading southern hemisphere school of journalism and media studies. Fully integrated into the university and its vibrant urban surroundings with strong connections to the nation's indigenous heritage, the program allows students to earn 8 units that fulfill journalism electives and 8 units of general electives.
Students participating in this three-week program will report extensively on the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, South Africa. The festival is the largest of its kind on the continent and attracts performers from all over the world. Students report for Cue Magazine, a publication managed and run by Rhodes University. Students will receive one unit of internship credit.
The International Communication Studies program (ICS) allows undergraduate students to study a range of approaches to public communication media across Europe.
Students divide the five-week course into stays in Los Angeles, London, Paris, Prague and Rome. In addition to regular class meetings, students discuss the interplay of current world issues and international media practices with communication practitioners from international news and public relations media, government institutions, private industry and global organizations.
Students enroll in JOUR 482 Comparative Media in Europe (4 units).
For further information, contact Annenberg International Programs at (213) 821-1276, email ascintl@usc.edu or visit annenberg.usc.edu/international.
Lambda Pi Eta is a national communication/journalism honor society that is open to declared communication, journalism and public relations majors who have completed (or are currently registered for) at least 60 units, at least 12 of which are in the major. To be eligible, students must have a USC GPA and a major GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Since its founding in 1971, the USC School of Journalism has maintained a commitment to the highest standards of ethical conduct and academic excellence. Any student found plagiarizing, fabricating, cheating on examinations, and/or purchasing papers or other assignments faces sanctions ranging from an "F" on the assignment to dismissal from the School of Journalism.
The School of Journalism offers one Master of Science degree program in Journalism, one certificate in Journalism and three Master of Arts degree programs in Specialized Journalism, Specialized Journalism (The Arts) and Strategic Public Relations.
Students enrolled in the MS in Journalism will learn how to write, report, produce, code, publish and promote (through social media) cross-platform stories in a converged news environment under intense deadline pressure. Students are also offered courses that provide a specialty in an area of interest which may prepare them for more specific careers in television news, radio news, long-form audio and video documentary production, online video and audio news production, and various forms of text reporting (including newspapers, magazines and online webtext). Classes are also offered that allow students to build on basic digital skills and embark on careers in data journalism, data visualization, app creation, online design and publishing, and coding.
The MA in Specialized Journalism is a program geared toward experienced journalists seeking subject-matter expertise and toward experienced professionals in other fields seeking journalism skills to advance their expertise. The program is also open to recent journalism school graduates with records of excellence and a demonstrated aptitude and commitment to developing an expertise in a specialized field of reporting.
The professionally oriented MA in Strategic Public Relations degree is designed to train both recent graduates interested in the PR/communication field and young professionals considering transitions into, or seeking to advance their careers, in that field, for management-level positions in all types of organizations. In their first year, all students take a core group of courses focusing on strategic problem-solving, research-based actionable insight, business acumen and skills, and in their second year they choose from a wide variety of highly specialized electives.
An applicant must have the equivalent of a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university for the MS or MA degree. This is not required for the graduate journalism certificate.
Minimum recommended criteria are a 3.0 GPA for undergraduate work and all graduate work, and valid Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test scores; the GMAT is not accepted in lieu of the GRE. International applicants are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and should receive a score of at least 114-115 on the Internet-based exam; or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). All completed applications are reviewed by the faculty admission committee even if the applicant's academic quality is below the minimum recommendations. Applicants are strongly encouraged to take the Graduate Record Examinations one month prior to the application deadline. GRE scores are valid for five years; TOEFL and IELTS are valid for two years.
In addition, applicants are judged on a statement of purpose, résumé, writing sample and three letters of recommendation submitted on their behalf. Professional journalism or internship experience is expected for the MS in Journalism and required for the nine-month degree program in Specialized Journalism. A professional work bibliography and samples must be uploaded to the online application. No professional public relations work experience is required for the MA in Strategic Public Relations.
Applicants must complete and submit the online USC Graduate Admission Application. Refer to the Annenberg graduate application guidelines on the Annenberg Website for details before initiating the application. In addition, international students must submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores for admission consideration and, after submitting the online graduate admission application, a Confidential Statement for Financing Studies at USC.
Applicants must upload the following supporting materials to the online USC Graduate Admission Application: statement of purpose, unofficial copy of all transcripts, writing sample and résumé. Letters of recommendation must be submitted online. Official GRE and TOEFL or IELTS scores must be reported electronically from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to USC (institution code 4852). Paper copies of score reports are not required or accepted in lieu of the official ETS report. Official transcripts must be mailed to USC Graduate Admission.
New students are admitted to the MS in Journalism, the MA in Specialized Journalism and the MA in Specialized Journalism (The Arts) for the summer session only. Refer to the graduate application guidelines on the Annenberg Website for application filing dates.
New students are admitted to the MA in Strategic Public Relations degree programs for the fall semester only. Refer to the Annenberg Website for application filing dates.
All course work applied toward a degree must be approved by the School of Journalism and the Graduate School.
Journalism master's degree students may spend eight weeks at internships in Cape Town, Hong Kong, London or Shanghai during the summer after their first year of graduate study at USC. Students apply to Annenberg International Programs in the fall semester of their first year. From mid-May to mid-July, they then enroll in JOUR 540 International Journalism Seminar I and JOUR 545 International Internships in the Media while working full-time at internships with prominent media organizations.
Strategic Public Relations master's degree students may spend eight weeks at internships in Cape Town, Hong Kong, London or Shanghai during the summer after their first year of graduate study at USC. Students apply in the fall semester of their first year. From mid-May to mid-July, they then enroll in JOUR 540 International Journalism Seminar I and JOUR 545 International Internships in the Media while working full-time at internships with prominent public relations organizations.
For further information, contact Annenberg International Programs at (213) 821-1276, email ascintl@usc.edu or visit annenberg.usc.edu/international.
Since its founding, the USC School of Journalism has maintained a commitment to the highest standards of ethical conduct and academic excellence. Any student found plagiarizing, fabricating, cheating on examinations and/or purchasing papers or other assignments faces sanctions ranging from an "F" on the assignment to dismissal from the School of Journalism.
The advertising minor is designed for students interested in building a career in, or developing a better understanding of, the field of advertising. It explores the key role played by advertising in today's global economy. At no time has advertising been more successful or more controversial than it is today, and this program will explore both the positives and the negatives. Emphasis is placed throughout the program on both the practical skills required to meet the demands of the marketplace and the theoretical underpinnings of those practices. Program content includes: the history of advertising; creation of written and visual advertising elements; the measurement, selection and analysis of media; the concept of "branding;" the role of advertising in creating and maintaining successful brands; the analysis of advertising campaign case studies; and the creation of integrated marketing communications campaigns.
The interdisciplinary minor in media economics and entrepreneurship is available to students in all schools and departments. It introduces students to the trends of the contemporary media and information industries and gives them an understanding of the role that entrepreneurship plays in the new economy. Students with professional media industry aspirations will learn basic economic literacy and discover the key factors that shape competition in information markets. Further, the minor fosters an entrepreneurial mindset in students and helps them to develop the entrepreneurial skills required to build successful careers and ventures in the media and information sector. For more details see the School of Communication.
News media and society is a journalism minor that explores the responsibilities, the influence, the ethics and the diversity of the news media. It explores the myths about news media in the United States and explains what the news media are, how they work, what they do wrong and what they do right, and why they are important to a society whose citizens depend on the free and unfettered flow of information. This minor will help all students in all majors to understand one of the most important and misunderstood forces in American society: the news media.
News media and society benefits every student at the university because it gives students a new appreciation and understanding of the news media that so much influence their lives on a daily basis.
This four-course minor enables students to learn about the nonprofit sector — its organizations, philanthropy and voluntary action. See complete description in the USC Price School of Public Policy section.
Studies toward the Master of Science in Journalism require 36 units of prescribed courses and approved electives in the student's field of study. No more than 12 units of 400-level course work may be applied toward the Master of Science in Journalism.
Students who earn a GPA of below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation and must improve according to established terms if they are to remain in the school. In the case of courses offered on Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) basis, faculty review of competence will be substituted for grades.
Students in the Master of Science in Journalism can complete the program in nine months by enrolling in the four-week summer immersion course and enrolling in 16 units in the fall and spring semesters. The School of Journalism will accept only 4 units of approved transferred graduate credit.
There is no foreign language or research tool requirement for the master's degree.
Journalism and strategic public relations graduate students are required to complete an online tutorial about Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation (GSP) and pass the GSP test before the end of the fall semester of their first year. Students who fail to complete the GSP tutorial and pass the test within the stated time frame will not be allowed to progress in the program and will be dismissed from the School of Journalism.
Note: Students with disabilities may register with the Disability Services and Programs office (DSP) so the DSP staff can assess the nature of the students' disabilities and recommend the appropriate accommodations to be provided for each student.
MS in Journalism students must enroll in JOUR 598 (2 units) in order to graduate.
Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Journalism are required to take 4 units in the summer and 16 units of required journalism courses in the spring and fall. These courses provide intensive preparation considered necessary for graduate studies in journalism at USC. In the 21st century, it is imperative that all journalists understand the basic techniques of writing, reporting and production for text, video, audio and digital media. Upon graduation, students will be routinely expected to function in all news media whether it be in traditional media such as television, radio, newspapers and magazines, or whether it be in new media such as electronic publications, Websites and new video and audio environments. The four required journalism courses in the summer and fall are:
JOUR 528 enables students in a four-week intensive course to learn the basics of newswriting, news judgment and technology skills for text, video-audio, and digital environments. Students also learn the fundamentals of journalism ethics, law and covering a diverse society.
JOUR 531 gives students a more in-depth experience in digital journalism by providing direct instruction about reporting and writing across multiple platforms and placing them in Annenberg's Converged Media Center to produce professional stories and packages under intense daily deadline pressure.
JOUR 599 Students enroll in the section titled Special Assignment Reporting, which allows students to work on one of six beats in the Media Center: Urban Affairs; Science and Technology; Business and Economics; Sports; Education; and Arts, Culture and Entertainment. Through this class, students will have time to work on more long-term and long-form reporting projects. Students must tell those stories in a variety of mediums (video, audio, webtext, digital elements). The main focus of this class is story and contact development, advanced reporting work, constant critique from instructors and rewriting of stories until they are ready to be published or aired.
JOUR 505 gives students an appreciation for and an understanding of the relationship between journalism's past and the present, linked by the evolution of journalism as a profession. A special emphasis will be placed on ethics and changing standards and practices in the digital age.
JOUR 560 gives students the opportunity to study the key legal issues facing journalists today. Students are expected to learn the basic workings of the legal system in the United States, the legal rules that apply to journalists in the United States, how to avoid being sued, and how to write clearly about legal issues.
The three required journalism courses in the spring are:
JOUR 547 teaches how the business model of news organizations has evolved over time and how it is being reinvented for the future. The course also explores different strategies for monetizing content.
JOUR 546 provides an overview of the basic quantitative analysis tools and techniques essential to give perspective to a story or to put it in context.
JOUR 598 guides students through the production of a multimedia journalism capstone project for a master's degree.
*Plus 14 approved elective units.
**Students should enroll in the section titled "Special Assignment
Reporting" of JOUR 599.
Students interested in specific journalistic platforms are encouraged to select an emphasis and complete the recommended courses for that emphasis:
The Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism is a program geared toward experienced journalists seeking subjectmatter expertise and toward experienced professionals in other fields seeking journalism skills to advance their expertise. The program is also open to recent School of Journalism graduates with records of excellence in their university classes and internships and a demonstrated aptitude and commitment to developing an expertise in a specialized field of reporting.
Students must begin the program in summer term, enrolling in a required 4-unit, intensive session course focused on journalism and society and on digital media. In addition to the formal classes, the course includes multimedia skills workshops. This gateway course provides the master's students with a working knowledge of the specialized journalism and the multimedia storytelling skills necessary for study in the program. It sets the stage for two semesters of access to courses as substantively broad as a major research university such as USC makes available and for advanced courses in the School of Journalism's graduate program.
In the fall semester, students will enroll in two courses in the School of Journalism, including a critical thinking course for journalists and a specialized reporting course. With the advice of their academic adviser and faculty mentors, students will select elective course work totaling 8 units appropriate to their fields of specialization. These courses will be drawn from regular graduate and 400-level courses taught across the university. Students also will begin research for their master's professional project. Thesis topics must be approved in advance by faculty. These projects will be extended works of journalism, such as a full-length magazine article, similar radio, television or multimedia treatments or the equivalent in their professional field.
In the spring semester, students will enroll in a journalism seminar focused on the reporting and analysis of decision-making and typically an approved elective in the Annenberg School. Students will also enroll in elective course work totaling 8 units, chosen again from offerings across the university and in consultation with their faculty mentors. Finally, students will complete their master's professional project.
The nine-and-a-half-month program has been designed for a fall and spring semester enrollment cycle; however, students may also elect to complete the program on a part-time basis, but must start with the intensive summer course.
Studies toward the Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism require 34 units of prescribed courses and approved electives. No more than 10 units of 400-level course work may be applied toward the Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism.
The Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism can be completed in a nine-month enrollment cycle that includes the four-week summer session, plus the fall and spring semesters. These programs may be attended on a part-time basis.
There is no foreign language or research tool requirement for the master's degree.
Journalism and strategic public relations graduate students are required to complete an online tutorial about Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation (GSP) and pass the GSP test before the end of the fall semester of their first year. Students who fail to complete the GSP tutorial and pass the test within the stated time frame will not be allowed to progress in the program and will be dismissed from the School of Journalism.
Note: Students with disabilities may register with the Disability Services and Programs office (DSP) so the DSP staff can assess the nature of the students' disabilities and recommend the appropriate accommodations to be provided for each student.
MA in Specialized Journalism students normally enroll in JOUR 594a (2 units), JOUR 594b (2 units) in their single year of study.
*One elective course must be taken from an Annenberg School program in COMM, CMGT, JOUR or PUBD.
The Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism (The Arts) is geared toward experienced arts journalists as well as recent graduates holding bachelor's degrees in journalism or one of the arts with records of excellence in their university classes and internships and a demonstrated aptitude and commitment to specializing in arts journalism. The program is also open to experienced artists and practitioners with a highly developed background in at least one art form who want to acquire journalism skills toward a future specializing in the coverage of arts and culture. Those with a focus on lifestyle, popular culture and many forms of criticism not strictly associated with the arts, such as food, will also be able to advance their subject expertise as journalists in this program.
Students will complete 16 units of specialized journalism course work, including a master's professional project and 18 units of approved elective course work from faculty-recommended lists, including one course from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Other electives must be in at least two arts schools with at least 8 units from one school. The arts schools are Architecture, Art and Design, Cinematic Arts, Dance, Dramatic Arts and Music.
Students must begin the program in summer term, enrolling in a required 4-unit intensive summer session course focused on journalism and society and digital media. In addition to the formal classes, the course includes discussions, workshops and field reporting. This gateway course provides master's students with a working knowledge of the specialized journalism background and the multimedia and digital storytelling skills necessary for study in the program. It sets the stage for two semesters of access to courses as substantively broad as a major research university such as USC makes available.
In the fall semester, students will enroll in an arts writing practicum and an arts reporting seminar. With the advice of their academic adviser and faculty mentors, students will select elective course work appropriate to their fields of specialization. These courses will be drawn from regular graduate and 400-level courses taught across the arts schools and within the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Students also will begin research for their master's professional project. These projects may be full-length magazine (print or broadcast) treatments of issues in their field or similar professional work.
In the spring semester, students will enroll in a journalism course focused on arts criticism and commentary. Students will enroll in elective course work, chosen again from offerings across the arts schools and from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism in consultation with the academic adviser and mentors. Finally, students will complete their master's professional project.
The nine-and-a-half-month program has been designed for a fall and spring semester enrollment cycle; however, students also may elect to complete the program on a part-time basis with the approval of the director of the School of Journalism, but must start with the intensive summer course.
Studies toward the Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism require 34 units of prescribed courses and approved electives. No more than 10 units of 400-level course work may be applied toward the Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism.
The Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism can be completed in a nine-month enrollment cycle that includes the four-week summer session, plus the fall and spring semesters. These programs may be attended on a part-time basis.
There is no foreign language or research tool requirement for the master's degree.
Journalism and strategic public relations graduate students are required to complete an online tutorial about Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation (GSP) and pass the GSP test before the end of the fall semester of their first year. Students who fail to complete the GSP tutorial and pass the test within the stated time frame will not be allowed to progress in the program and will be dismissed from the School of Journalism.
Note: Students with disabilities may register with the Disability Services and Programs office (DSP) so the DSP staff can assess the nature of the students' disabilities and recommend the appropriate accommodations to be provided for each student.
MA in Specialized Journalism students normally enroll in JOUR 594a (2 units), JOUR 594b (2 units) in their single year of study.
*The elective course work must be taken from faculty-recommended lists. One elective must be taken from within the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. The other electives must be in at least two arts schools, with at least 8 units from one school. The arts schools are Architecture, Art and Design, Cinematic Arts, Dance, Dramatic Arts and Music.
Studies toward the Master of Arts in Strategic Public Relations require 40 units of prescribed courses and approved electives in the student's field of study. Students may take, with prior approval, two of their electives outside the school. No more than 12 units of 400-level course work may be applied toward the Master of Arts in Strategic Public Relations.
Students who earn a GPA of below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation and must improve according to established terms if they are to remain in the school. In the case of courses offered on Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) basis, faculty review of competence will be substituted for grades.
Normally, full-time students in the Master of Arts in Strategic Public Relations can complete the program in four semesters.
There is no foreign language or research tool requirement for the master's degree.
Journalism and strategic public relations graduate students are required to complete an online tutorial about Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation (GSP) and pass the GSP test before the end of the fall semester of their first year. Students who fail to complete the GSP tutorial and pass the test within the stated time frame will not be allowed to progress in the program and will be dismissed from the School of Journalism.
Note: Students with disabilities may register with the Disability Services and Programs office (DSP) so the DSP staff can assess the nature of the students' disabilities and recommend the appropriate accommodations to be provided for each student.
MA in Strategic Public Relations students have the option of completing a master's thesis or taking a comprehensive exam. The thesis option takes two forms: (1) a professional project presenting the results of an extensive public relations project completed by the student; or (2) a research thesis presenting the results of primary research undertaken by the student. In either case, students must establish a guidance committee of three faculty members. The chair must be a full-time faculty member in the School of Journalism. The second member will usually be a full-time Journalism faculty member but may be a person connected with USC in other positions who has specific knowledge of the student's topic. In the latter case, the chair of the committee will submit for the director's approval a detailed presentation of the qualifications of the proposed committee member that justify his or her inclusion. In exceptional circumstances, this committee member may come from outside USC. A detailed presentation of qualifications will be required. The third committee member should be a full-time USC faculty member from outside the School of Journalism. The committee is ultimately subject to the approval of the school dean.
Students must secure approval of the professional project or thesis prior to enrollment in JOUR 594a. Students who elect the thesis option are required to enroll in JOUR 594a (2 units), JOUR 594b (2 units), normally during their second year of study. The 4 units will count toward the approved elective units.
The comprehensive examination option allows students to complete the degree by passing a comprehensive examination in their last semester of course work.
*Students electing the thesis option are required to enroll in JOUR 594a (2 units), JOUR 594b (2 units) and must complete 18 units of approved elective courses. Students electing the comprehensive examination option must complete 22 units of approved elective courses.
The certificate program requires students to complete a four-unit course in the summer and then complete 16 units during the fall semester, for a total of 20 units.
*Students should enroll in the section titled "Special Assignment Reporting" of JOUR 599.
**JOUR 560 and JOUR 560 may be substituted by international students for any advanced reporting or writing courses.
This graduate certificate is offered jointly by the Sol Price School of Public Policy and the Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism. The certificate provides students with knowledge of the increasingly important role played by information flows in politics and governance. Student will assess the structure of campaigns designed to influence public opinion, the messaging strategies utilized by political players and civic society organizations and new scholarship on the pathways of persuasion in the digital age. The certificate is especially appropriate to students who intend to pursue work with elected officials, think tanks, foundations, community-based organizations, consulting firms and corporate offices that aim to shape public policy through advocacy.
Any student currently enrolled in a graduate program at USC and is in good standing can apply for the certificate through the student services offices at the Price or the Annenberg School.
Earning the certificate will require a minimum of 14 units for students taking two 3-unit electives in the Strategic Public Relations Program. More typically students will earn 15 or 16 units by taking one or two 4-unit electives. All units earned in pursuit of the certificate can be applied towards the completion of degree requirements if they fall within existing criteria. However, courses taken in pursuit of the certificate will not substitute for degree requirements.
Choose two from the following:
Established in 2012, the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance offers students a rigorous curriculum within a conservatory style environment. Students have opportunities to study and collaborate with world-renowned artists. USC Kaufman welcomed its inaugural cohort of BFA candidates in the fall of 2015. Photo by Rosalie O'Connor.
The USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance is the newest school at the University of Southern California. Founded in 2012 by a transformational gift from visionary philanthropist Glorya Kaufman, whose commitment to dance and dance education is widely celebrated in both the United States and abroad, USC Kaufman offers a wide variety of classes in a range of dance styles, from ballet to hip-hop, contemporary dance and ballroom. Classes are available to all USC students.
USC Kaufman offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree to a select number of highly competitive undergraduate students. This four-year degree will be housed in the Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center, which is scheduled to open in Spring 2016. Applications to the BFA program are due December 1 of each year.
The BFA curriculum is designed to prepare students to be artists, innovators and entrepreneurs. The hallmark of USC Kaufman is the development of a new movement model for dance, where intersecting dance techniques create hybrid forms to be expressed in new media, scholarship, studio practice and choreography. USC Kaufman provides students with foundational insight into the creative process, nurtures personal intellectual and artistic development, offers a robust performance repertory and emphasizes the importance of conditioning for dancers and physical wellness. An unparalleled world-class faculty facilitates student interaction with renowned, practicing artists; engages students in interdisciplinary projects; and prepares students for successful futures by providing strategic career venture skills. With opportunities for interdisciplinary study interwoven into the curriculum, students are able to explore collaborations and innovations with established partners, including Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at the Music Center.
USC Kaufman offers two minors in dance, which serve as thought provoking supplements to major fields of study in other departments and schools. Students may minor in (1) Dance, or (2) Dance in Popular Culture: Hip-Hop, Urban and Social Dances. Information about how to apply for a dance minor is available at kaufman.usc.edu.
USC Kaufman School of Dance
837 Downey Way, STO 327
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0851
(213) 740-9327
Email: uscdance@usc.edu
Robert A. Cutietta, DEd, Dean
Jodie Gates, Vice Dean and Director
Professor: Jodie Gates
Professor, Artistic Adviser: William Forsythe
Associate Professor: Margo Apostolos, PhD
Assistant Professor of Practice: Patrick Corbin, MFA
Assistant Professor of Practice: E. Moncell Durden
Assistant Professor of Practice: d. Sabela Grimes
Assistant Professor of Practice: Jackie Kopcsak, MFA
Assistant Professor of Practice: Thomas McManus
Lecturers: Jesus Fuentes; Saleemah Knight; Angeliki Papadakis
Artists in Residence: Zippora Karz; Fiona Lummis; Victor Quijada; Desmond Richardson
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing. For more information about USC's general education requirements, see General Education.
Admission to a degree program is granted through USC's admission process, described in the Admission section of this catalogue. A supplementary application is also required for students seeking admission to the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, which is submitted online.
A performance audition is required of applicants to the BFA degree program in the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. Refer to individual curriculum listings for details.
USC Kaufman will enroll its first freshman class in fall 2015. The BFA is a four-year intensive program designed to prepare students for careers in dance, choreography for stage and cinematic arts, music and/or related fields of pursuit. A diverse array of electives emphasizing a variety of media, in combination with a rigorous established core curriculum, provides students in the BFA with ample opportunity to explore and develop strong personal visions of dance.
Introductory courses focus on technique, performance and composition, while also building a solid foundational knowledge of history and critical theory. Upperclassmen continue to work on technique and performance while also pursuing individual interests under the guidance of faculty mentors.
In the junior and senior years, USC Kaufman students explore one of three concentrations: Dance Performance, Choreography for Stage and Cinematic Arts, or Dance and Music. They are mentored by faculty and assisted by academic advisers in selecting electives that support their personal and professional goals.
Emphasis in the final year of study is placed on the development of a professional quality project in the areas of performance, choreography, music, media, scholarship or entrepreneurship.
The Dance Performance concentration is designed for students who are interested in careers as professional dancers or in other performance mediums. Emphasis is placed on providing students with the skills to succeed in a variety of entertainment positions. Students work with artists and scholars in the field, learning essential tools needed for a successful career in dance performance.
The Dance and Music concentration provides students with a unique perspective on dance by combining dance training with substantial study in music. Courses in songwriting and music history, as well as in instrumental and vocal training, equip students interested in choreography or dance performance with the knowledge to explore careers in the music and larger entertainment industries.
The Choreography for Stage and Cinematic Arts concentration is designed to guide students who are interested in the field of dance for the stage, motion pictures, television, digital media and animation. Students are mentored in experimental types of dance media, both as individual performers and in collaboration with other visual and performing artists.
Dance training in one or more dance styles at an intermediate or advanced level of technique. Dance styles recommended are ballet, classic modern, hip hop, classic jazz and contemporary. Proficiency in ballet and/or hip hop dance is recommended.
Applicants must submit the USC Kaufman Supplement, which includes a video recording and detailed dance resume. All final applicants complete a live audition and interview. Specific audition requirements, along with other entrance requirements, are reviewed on an annual basis and published in the Admission section online at kaufman.usc.edu. A more detailed video recording may be submitted in lieu of a live audition for international students.
The BFA requires a total of 132 units.
All BFA students are introduced to courses in dance performance, music and choreography for stage and cinematic arts as part of the core curriculum. In addition to required courses, BFA students are encouraged to explore an area of dance performance, choreography for stage and cinematic arts or dance and music in greater depth. Students should select electives based on their personal and professional goals and in consultation with faculty and academic advisers. Electives are typically clustered in a particular field, but may be spread across different areas.
Dance in Popular Culture delves into the historical, social and aesthetic issues of dance in the contemporary settings of entertainment, concert, vernacular and recreational forms. This minor is designed to explore the foundations and structures of hip-hop, urban and social dances and to introduce and orient non-major students to the language of dance in contemporary society. In the hip-hop culture dance has become a major avenue of expression, acceptance and power. This minor will address issues of art, race and politics within the parameters of dance as an art form, entertainment and personal expression.
This minor consists of one lower-division course, two upper-division courses and four units of elective courses. Students must be in good academic standing to be admitted. No previous dance experience is required.
*Students may only apply one technique course from this list toward the minor.
The minor in dance presents undergraduate students with a broad yet deep foundation in dance. The program offers a variety of courses in dance technique, history, culture, critical theory, choreography and performance.
The minor is open to all undergraduates. A minimum of 20 units are required to complete the program. Students applying to this minor must have a minimum GPA of 2.0.
*Up to 6 units of technique courses may be applied toward the minor.
Return to: USC Kaufman School of Dance
Established in 2012, the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance offers students a rigorous curriculum within a conservatory style environment. Students have opportunities to study and collaborate with world-renowned artists. USC Kaufman welcomed its inaugural cohort of BFA candidates in the fall of 2015. Photo by Rosalie O'Connor.
The USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance is the newest school at the University of Southern California. Founded in 2012 by a transformational gift from visionary philanthropist Glorya Kaufman, whose commitment to dance and dance education is widely celebrated in both the United States and abroad, USC Kaufman offers a wide variety of classes in a range of dance styles, from ballet to hip-hop, contemporary dance and ballroom. Classes are available to all USC students.
USC Kaufman offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree to a select number of highly competitive undergraduate students. This four-year degree will be housed in the Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center, which is scheduled to open in Spring 2016. Applications to the BFA program are due December 1 of each year.
The BFA curriculum is designed to prepare students to be artists, innovators and entrepreneurs. The hallmark of USC Kaufman is the development of a new movement model for dance, where intersecting dance techniques create hybrid forms to be expressed in new media, scholarship, studio practice and choreography. USC Kaufman provides students with foundational insight into the creative process, nurtures personal intellectual and artistic development, offers a robust performance repertory and emphasizes the importance of conditioning for dancers and physical wellness. An unparalleled world-class faculty facilitates student interaction with renowned, practicing artists; engages students in interdisciplinary projects; and prepares students for successful futures by providing strategic career venture skills. With opportunities for interdisciplinary study interwoven into the curriculum, students are able to explore collaborations and innovations with established partners, including Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at the Music Center.
USC Kaufman offers two minors in dance, which serve as thought provoking supplements to major fields of study in other departments and schools. Students may minor in (1) Dance, or (2) Dance in Popular Culture: Hip-Hop, Urban and Social Dances. Information about how to apply for a dance minor is available at kaufman.usc.edu.
USC Kaufman School of Dance
837 Downey Way, STO 327
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0851
(213) 740-9327
Email: uscdance@usc.edu
Robert A. Cutietta, DEd, Dean
Jodie Gates, Vice Dean and Director
Professor: Jodie Gates
Professor, Artistic Adviser: William Forsythe
Associate Professor: Margo Apostolos, PhD
Assistant Professor of Practice: Patrick Corbin, MFA
Assistant Professor of Practice: E. Moncell Durden
Assistant Professor of Practice: d. Sabela Grimes
Assistant Professor of Practice: Jackie Kopcsak, MFA
Assistant Professor of Practice: Thomas McManus
Lecturers: Jesus Fuentes; Saleemah Knight; Angeliki Papadakis
Artists in Residence: Zippora Karz; Fiona Lummis; Victor Quijada; Desmond Richardson
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing. For more information about USC's general education requirements, see General Education.
Admission to a degree program is granted through USC's admission process, described in the Admission section of this catalogue. A supplementary application is also required for students seeking admission to the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, which is submitted online.
A performance audition is required of applicants to the BFA degree program in the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. Refer to individual curriculum listings for details.
A Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry DDS student cares for a patient in the Norris Dental Science Center. Under the supervision of expert faculty, dental students and residents provide a wide range of oral health care services to patients, from routine checkups and cleanings to fitting braces and treating oral diseases.
Since 1897, the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC has provided students with unique, intensive clinical experiences using the most advanced techniques and technologies in the field. Graduates form a tightly knit community of proud alumni, provide top-notch patient care, conduct world-class research and lead the oral health field.
The school's strength is its educators. Their world-renowned expertise, combined with innovative curricula, gives students the strong clinical education they need to become great oral health professionals. The curricula include the Doctor of Dental Surgery program, the baccalaureate in dental hygiene program and postdoctoral advanced and specialty programs: endodontics, general practice residency, operative dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral medicine, orofacial pain, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontology and prosthodontics. Other programs include an advanced standing program for international dentists; a master of science degree in dental hygiene; online master of science degrees in geriatric dentistry, orofacial pain and oral medicine; an online graduate certificate program in geriatric dentistry, and master's and doctor of philosophy degrees in craniofacial biology.
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry's celebrated status as a well-funded dental and craniofacial research unit allows students to enrich their education through laboratory activities and bolster their clinical skills with strong scientific foundations.
Through community service, the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry provides valuable clinical experiences to the students while helping disadvantaged individuals improve their oral health. Serving the surrounding community helps students develop clinical competency and learn to treat all members of diverse communities with care and compassion.
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
dentistry.usc.edu
Avishai Sadan, DMD, MBA, Dean
Mahvash Navazesh, DMD, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Student Life
Douglas Solow, DDS, MBA, Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs
Roseann Mulligan, MS, DDS, Associate Dean of Community Health Programs and Hospital Affairs and Chair, Division of Dental Public Health and Pediatric Dentistry
Ilan Rotstein, DDS, Associate Dean of Continuing Education and Chair, Division of Endodontics, Orthodontics and General Practice Residency
Yang Chai, DDS, PhD, Associate Dean of Research
Malcolm Snead, DDS, PhD, Chair, Division of Biomedical Sciences
Mark Urata, MD, DDS, FACS, FAAP, Chair, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Casey Chen, DDS, PhD, Chair, Division of Periodontology, Diagnostic Sciences and Dental Hygiene
Sillas Duarte, Jr., DDS, PhD, Chair, Division of Restorative Sciences
James Gordon, EdD, PT, FAPTA, Associate Dean and Chair, Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy
Florence Clark, PhD, OTR/L, FAPTA, Associate Dean and Chair, Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
G. Donald and Marian James Montgomery Dean's Chair in Dentistry: Avishai Sadan, DMD, MBA
George and Mary Lou Boone Chair in Craniofacial Molecular Biology: Yang Chai, DDS, PhD
Don and Sybil Harrington Foundation Chair in Esthetic Dentistry: Pascal Magne, DMD, PhD
Sykes Family Chair in Pediatric Physical Therapy, Health and Development: Linda Fetters, PhD
Wayne G. and Margaret L. Bemis Endowed Professorship in Endodontics: Rafael Roges, DDS
Ralph W. and Jean L. Bleak Professor of Restorative Dentistry: Winston Wan-Li Chee, BDS
Mrs. T.H. Chan Professorship in Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy: Florence Clark, PhD
Charles M. Goldstein Professor of Community Dentistry: Roseann Mulligan, DDS, MS
Phillip Maurer Tennis Professorship in Clinical Dentistry: George C. Cho, DDS
Professors: Yang Chai, DDS, PhD; Chih-Kuang (Casey) Chen, DDS, PhD; Glenn Clark, MS, DDS; Tina F. Jaskoll, PhD; Michael Melnick, DDS, PhD; Cedric Minkin, PhD; Roseann Mulligan, MS, DDS; Mahvash Navazesh, DMD; Janet Moradian-Oldak, PhD; Michael Paine, BDS, PhD; Pragna Patel, PhD; Ilan Rotstein, DDS; Avishai Sadan, DMD, MBA; Michael L. Schneir, MS, PhD; Jorgen Slots, MBA, DDS, PhD, DMD; Malcolm L. Snead, DDS, PhD
Associate Professors: Winston Wan-Li Chee, BDS; George C. Cho, DDS; Sillas Duarte, Jr., DDS, PhD; Robert G. Keim, DDS, EdD; Ralph L. Leung, MS, DDS; Pascal Magne, DMD, PhD; Glenn Sameshima, DDS, PhD; Arnold Tiber, DDS, PhD; Homayoun H. Zadeh, DDS, PhD
Associate Professor (Librarianship): John P. Glueckert, MLIS
Assistant Professors of Dentistry: Ruchi Bajpai, PhD; Amy Merrill-Brugger, PhD; Ramiro Murata, DDS, PhD; Parish P. Sedghizadeh, DDS; Jian Xu, PhD; Jiang Zhong, PhD
Professors of Clinical Dentistry: Jane Forrest, RDH, EdD; Michael Jorgensen, DDS; Diane Melrose, BSDH, MA; Michael J. Mulvehill III, DDS, MBA; Douglas Solow, DDS, MBA
Associate Professor (Clinical Scholar): Stephen Yen, DMD, PhD
Associate Professors of Clinical Dentistry: Loris Abedi, DDS*; Gardner Beale, DDS; Linda Brookman, RDH, MSHS; Reyes Enciso, PhD; Richard Furuichi, DDS; Joyce Galligan, RN, DDS; Richard Green, MS Ed, DDS; Michelle Ikoma, DDS; Kian Kar, MS, DDS; Thomas Allen Levy, MS, DDS; Niel Nathason, MPH, MA; Saravanan Ram, DDS, MDS; Ramon Roges, DDS; Eddie Sheh, DDS; Donna Smith, RDH, MSEd; Piedad Suarez, DDS; Joyce Sumi, RDH, MS; Richard Udin, DDS; Mark Urata, DDS, MD
Assistant Professors of Clinical Dentistry: Tae Ahn, DDS; Lupe Arevalo, RDH; Kim Austin, DDS; Nissim Benbassat, DDS; Yaara Berdan, DDS; Jucheng Chen, DDS, PhD; Nam Cho, DDS, MD; Christine Edwards, PhD; Laura Elizondo, DDS; Sharon Faust, DDS; Alon Frydman, DDS; Dan Grauer, DDS, PhD; Ripsik Gukasyan, DDS; Phuu Han, DDS, PhD; Tran Han, DDS; Helia Hooshangi, DDS; Annie Huang, DMD; Julie Jenks, MS, MPH, DDS; Boris Keselbrener, DDS*; Tae Kim, DDS; Janet Lent, DDS; Richard S. Lin, DDS; Bethany Lowe, DDS; W. Michael Madden, DDS; Ali Ostadali Makhmalbaf, DDS; Chris Mayeda, DDS; Mehdi Mohammadi, MPH, DDS; John Morzov, DDS; Lisa Pedersen, MSW; Jose Polido, DDS; Elham Radan, DMD, MSc; Rafael Roges, DDS; Gelareh Ronaghi, DDS; Neimar Sartori, DDS, PdD; Santosh Sundaresan, DDS*; Marlene Talley, DDS; Thomas Tanbonliong, Jr., DDS; Antonia Teruel, DDS, PhD; Anita Tourah, DDS; Natalie Tung, DDS, MD; Tomoko Wada, DDS
Research Assistant Professors: Matthew K. Lee, MD; Alireza Moshaverinia, DDS, PhD; Yan Zhou, PhD
Clinical Professors: Ralph B. Allman, MS, DDS; David Good, DDS; John J. Lytle, DDS, MD; Gayle Macdonald, PhD; Dennis-Duke R. Yamashita, DDS; Margarita Zeichner-David, PhD
Clinical Associate Professors: Barbara D. Edwards, RDH; Mina Habibian, DMD, PhD; John Kishibay, DMD, PhD; Bach Le, DDS, MD; Michael Padilla, DDS; Anthony Park, DDS; Richard Phillips Jr., DDS*; M. Hazem Seirawan, DDS, MS, MPH; Hovhanness Shnorhokian, DMD, PhD; Ann Spolarich, PhD; James W. Tom, DDS, MS; Arman Torbati, DDS; Leon Unterman, DDS; Stefan Zweig, DDS
Clinical Assistant Professors: Mainul Ahsan, PhD; Alexander Alcaraz, DMD; Gabriela Anderson, DDS; Vartuhi Avanesian, DDS; Nasrin Bahari Chopiuk, PhD; Ting Cho, DDS; Simon Choyee, DDS; Chloe Cohen, DDS; Xiao Mei Cui, DDS; Sibel Dincer, DDS, MS; Irene Esteves, RDH; Andrea Gamble, DDS, MS; Ellen M. Grady, BA; Melina Gregorian, DDS; Stan Hanes, DDS; Lisa Hou, DDS; Steven Kallman, DDS; David Kang, DDS; Parabjeet Kaur, DDS; Alena Knezevic, DMD, PhD; Theresia Laksmana, DMD, MS; Jennifer I-Chen Lo, DDS; Stacy Love, DDS; Michael Mashni, DDS; Joel McPherson, DDS; (Mehdi) Mohammad Mohammadi, MPH, DDS; Brett Nagatani, DDS; Camille Nakamura, DDS; Naomi Nguyen, DDS, MS; Lisa Oshiro, RDH; Vanessa Pardi, DDS, PhD; Kristine Parungao, BSDH; Dieu Pham, DDS, MD; Vanthi Pham, DDS; Lisa Popkoff, DDS; Narendranath Ravindranath, PhD; Adrine Reganian, RDH, MS; Lucille Rotstein, BChD; Liane K. Sakai, DDS; Mary Satuito, DDS; Daniel Schechter, DDS; Daniela Schmid, DDS, PhD; Natalia Slusky, DDS; Jenny Son, MS, DDS; Flora Stay, DDS; Judith Tefft, PhD; Jeremy Teoh, MPH, DDS; Christopher Truhan, DDS; Fabiana Varjao, PhD; Lois Velasco, DDS; Xun Sean Xu, PhD, DDS; Kiyomi Yamazaki, DDS, PhD
Clinical Instructors: Amelia Andrade-Garcia, RDH; Joiakim Bakhoum, DDS; Joan Beleno, RDH; Katheryn Bowns, RDH; Linus Chong, DDS, MS; Patricia Denny, MA; Shahrokh Jedian, DDS; Gerald McClellan, DDS; Albert Mizrahi, DDS; Michaela Nguyen, RDH; Carlos Sanchez, RDH; Eugene Zakaryan, DDS
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry awards the following degrees: the Bachelor of Science, Dental Hygiene; the Master of Science, Dental Hygiene; the Master of Science, Geriatric Dentistry; the Master of Science, Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine; the Doctor of Dental Surgery; the Advanced Operative Dentistry Certificate/MS, Craniofacial Biology; the Advanced Orthodontics Certificate/MS, Craniofacial Biology; the Advanced Pediatric Dentistry Certificate/MS, Craniofacial Biology; the Advanced Pediatric Dentistry Certificate/PhD, Craniofacial Biology; the Advanced Periodontology Certificate/MS, Craniofacial Biology; Advanced Dental Education Certificate programs in Endodontics, Geriatric Dentistry, Operative Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orofacial Pain, Oral Medicine, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontology, and Prosthodontics; Master of Science in Craniofacial Biology; and the Doctor of Philosophy in Craniofacial Biology. The school also offers a minor in craniofacial and dental technology.
Grades are issued by members of the faculty to indicate to students their level of achievement and to provide information to committees given the responsibility of reviewing a student's total academic record and assigning honor or deficient status.
Newly admitted students to the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program, the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists and Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BS) students are bound by the university grading system (excluding plus/minus grades), which is detailed in the Academic Standards section of this catalogue.
Grades used by course directors of required advanced specialty classes are: "Cr" — credit, "CrH" — credit with honors and "NCr" — no credit. Other notations appearing on the transcript are: "IP" — indicates that the grade in a course is not issued until a subsequent trimester; "IN" — incomplete work; "ICW" — incomplete clinical work; "MG" — missing grade; "W" — withdraw. Students pursuing a Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy in Craniofacial Biology and students in dental hygiene, doctoral and international classes should refer to the Academic Standards section of this catalogue.
A student evaluation policy has been developed that outlines methods by which the faculty can recognize outstanding achievements by students and identify those who have difficulty meeting the school's academic standards.
In this policy, the procedures dealing with the assignment and consequences of academic status, including academic probation and disqualification, are outlined in detail. It is hoped that the development of specific guidelines will eliminate confusion and minimize the amount of time spent in determining the student's status, thus allowing faculty and students to concentrate on their primary responsibility — the training of dental health professionals. Copies of student professional performance evaluation committee guidelines are available online on the dental school Website intranet.
A student will be placed on academic warning if the GPA of a given Academic Time Unit (ATU) falls below a 2.0; if a failing course grade in a course of 1 unit or less is received; if a student does not successfully pass National Board Part I and National Board Part II or does not take the exams during the time-frame designated, and if in the judgment of the student professional performance evaluation committee, such a warning is warranted for other reasons, such as poor attendance or consistent tardiness.
A student will be placed on academic probation if a failing grade is received in 2 or more units completed in one ATU; if a second consecutive academic warning is warranted; if two conditions that justify academic warning are met in a single ATU or if a single condition is met twice in an ATU, or if a student receives an F in a module that results in an MG, or freshman students in trimesters I, II or III will be placed on academic probation if the quality of preclinical work is unsatisfactory as reflected by a failing (F) grade in the module or if the quality of preclinical work is poor enough to jeopardize student's timely transition to clinic with the rest of the class or if warranted by other factors related to the quality of preclinical/clinical work such as poor attendance, unprofessional behavior and/or poor performance in written examinations or, if in the judgment of the student professional performance evaluation committee, probation is warranted by other academic factors; or if recommended by the group practice director, due to quality and/or quantity of clinical work.
A student will be placed on clinical probation upon recommendation of the group practice director if a grade of "F" is received in any of the graded categories of group practice performance, or, in the judgment of the group practice director, probation is warranted by other factors related to the delivery of health care or clinical accomplishment.
A student will be considered for disqualification if (1) at the end of any trimester during the freshman year (trimesters I,II, III) a student's continued lack of preclinical accomplishment is significant enough to suggest a deterioration of preclinical skills; (2) a second academic probation is warranted; (3) a failing grade is not reconciled; (4) at the end of the academic year the grade point average for the preceding year is below 2.0; (5) academic probation is warranted while repeating a trimester on probation; (6) a deficiency in any area is determined by the Student Professional Performance Evaluation Committee to be insurmountable; (7) at the end of the second trimester of the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists (ASPID) the cumulative average is less than 2.0; (8) it is recommended by the group practice director, based on severe and irreconcilable deficiencies relating to the quality and/or quantity of patient treatment; and (9) if, at the end of any trimester following trimester VII, a student's ongoing lack of clinical accomplishment is significant enough to suggest a deterioration of skills and/or inadequate treatment of patients assigned to his/her care.
A student will be placed on academic warning if (1) the GPA for any given Academic Time Unit (ATU) is less than 2.0; (2) a failing grade is received in a 1-unit (or less) course; (3) a grade of "D" is received in a 3-, 4- or 5-unit course. A student will be placed on academic probation if 2 units or more of failure are recorded at the end of any trimester; if a second consecutive academic warning is warranted; or if, in the judgment of the Student Professional Performance Evaluation Committee, probation is warranted.
A student will be placed on clinical probation if a grade of "F" is received in any of the graded categories of group practice performance, or, in the judgment of the group practice director, probation is warranted by other factors related to the delivery of health care or clinical accomplishment.
A student will be considered for disqualification if (1) a third probation is warranted at the end of any trimester; (2) a failing grade is not reconciled; (3) at the end of the academic year the grade point average for the preceding year is below 2.0; (4) academic probation is warranted while repeating a trimester on probation; and (5) a deficiency in any area is determined by the Student Professional Performance Evaluation Committee to be insurmountable. In addition to the Dental School evaluation policy (which evaluates courses taken in the Dental School), students in the Dental Hygiene Program are also bound by the university's academic status requirements.
A student will be placed on academic probation if a failing grade is received in any course or if, in the judgment of the program director, a student's performance warrants such status due to academic or other factors. A student may be disqualified if the stipulations of a probationary period are not met by the required deadline, a failing grade is not reconciled in the period specified by the course director, or if a deficiency in any area is acquired which is determined by the program director to be insurmountable. A student who is placed on academic probation a second time can continue in the program only with the approval of the program director and the Advanced Student Professional Performance Evaluation Subcommittee.
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry recognizes excellence in achievement by assigning special honor status during the course of study and by presentation of awards upon graduation.
Students who complete all course work by a prescribed deadline and earn a grade point average of 3.5 or above for a trimester are placed on the Dean's List. Students shall not be placed on the Dean's list if they are on deficient academic status during that trimester (i.e., academic warning, academic probation and continued academic probation).
The local chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU), a national dental honor fraternity recognizes the top 10 percent of each doctoral dental class at the end of each academic year (August) by including these students on the OKU Honor List. The determination of the top 10 percent is based on a yearly GPA. It should be noted that placement on the OKU Honor List has no relationship to membership in OKU, which is based on overall academic achievement and professional development.
There are numerous awards made each year at graduation to recognize excellence in members of the graduating doctoral, dental hygiene and ASPID classes. A complete listing is available at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry.
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry recognizes that in some special instances it may be necessary or beneficial for a student to interrupt or discontinue dental education. A student wishing to withdraw from school or request a leave of absence must contact the Office of Academic Affairs for procedures to be followed. An approved leave of absence will not be granted for more than one year.
Students at the School of Dentistry who have not been formally dropped by the school, are considered enrolled each term unless they have submitted a letter of intent to withdraw. A student's verbal indication that he or she intends to withdraw or failure to settle a fee bill are not sufficient to eliminate the student from class rosters. Final course grades will be collected for students who do not have a letter of intent to withdraw on file with the Office of Academic Affairs.
A student who withdraws at any time during the first three weeks of a trimester will receive no grades for enrolled courses. A student who withdraws after three full weeks of an Academic Time Unit (ATU) will receive a mark of "W" for all enrolled courses not completed. Withdrawal is not permitted after the 12th week of a trimester.
The University of Southern California recognizes and acts in full compliance with regulations set in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (The Buckley Amendment). A student may have access to all records about him or her maintained by the university except those considered confidential under the act. Students of the School of Dentistry wishing to review records or to appeal for a change in those records should contact the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC Registrar. A small charge may be made to cover the time and costs of duplication of the record.
Tuition at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry is charged on a flat fee basis for enrollment in the regular degree and advanced certificate programs of the school. Exceptions do not apply to students who have courses waived based on their prior education. In such cases, students are charged the standard flat fee for the program in which they are enrolled.
Auditors pay the regular tuition rate. Auditors are not required to participate in class exercises (discussions and examinations); they receive no grades or credit.
The information outlined here is for Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry fees and tuition deposits only. For information about Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry tuition and university fees, refer to the Tuition and Fees (Estimated), Fall 2015 section of this catalogue. The university reserves the right to assess new fees or charges as it may determine.
| Processing Fee (not refundable): | ||
| Domestic applicants | $85.00 | |
| Graduates of foreign dental schools or students requiring a student visa | 145.00 | |
| Commitment Deposit (not refundable) | ||
| Dentistry | 1,500.00 | |
| Dental Hygiene | 500.00 | |
| International Dental and Advanced | 1,500.00 | |
| Pre-Tuition Payment (refundable in accordance with the refund policy) | 1,500.00 | |
| Mandatory Fees (School of Dentistry fees only; for other fees, refer to the Tuition and Fees (Estimated), Fall 2015 section of this catalogue.) | ||
| CDA Dues | 10.00 | |
| Doctoral dental and Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists students only; spring only. | ||
| ASDA Dues | 70.00 | |
| Doctoral dental program and Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists students only; fall only. | ||
| Special Fees | ||
| Transcript Fee | 10.00 | |
| Gown Usage Fee | 165.00 | |
| Disability Insurance (Doctoral, Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists and Advanced Certificate) | 108.00 | |
| Scrubs (first year only) | 210.00 | |
Figures shown below are approximate. The School of Dentistry reserves the right to change fees at any time.
| 1st Year | Instruments and supplies | $10,430.00 |
| IMS Fee | 4,224.00 | |
| Textbooks | 4,636.00 | |
| 2nd Year | Instruments and supplies | 2,919.00 |
| IMS Fee | 4,224.00 | |
| Textbooks | 2,438.00 | |
| 3rd Year | Instruments and supplies | 292.00 |
| IMS Fee | 4,224.00 | |
| Textbooks | 259.00 | |
| 4th Year | Instruments and supplies | 29.00 |
| IMS Fee | 2,816.00 | |
| Textbooks | 505.00 |
Incoming
| (Su 2014) | Instruments and supplies | $10,657.00 |
| IMS Fee | 1,408.00 | |
| Textbooks | 0.00 | |
| 1st Year | Instruments and supplies | 87.00 |
| IMS Fee | 4,224.00 | |
| Textbooks | 259.00 | |
| 2nd Year | Instruments and supplies | 393.00 |
| IMS Fee | 2,816.00 | |
| Textbooks | 505.00 |
| IMS Fee | Endodontics, 1st Year | $2,567.00 |
| Endodontics, 2nd Year | 2,065.00 | |
| Orthodontics, 1st Year | 1,070.00 | |
| Orthodontics, 2nd Year | 915.00 | |
| Orthodontics, 3rd Year | 610.00 | |
| Pediatric Dentistry, 1st Year | 2,220.00 | |
| Pediatric Dentistry, 2nd Year | 0.00 | |
| Periodontology, 1st Year | 2,370.00 | |
| Periodontology, 2nd Year | 2,215.00 | |
| Periodontology, 3rd Year | 765.00 | |
| Prosthodontics, 1st Year | 2,567.00 | |
| Prosthodontics, 2nd Year | 2,018.00 | |
| Prosthodontics, 3rd Year | 610.00 | |
| Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine, 1st Year | 2,173.00 | |
| Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine, 2nd Year | 610.00 | |
| Operative Dentistry, 1st Year | $2,412.00 | |
| Operative Dentistry, 2nd Year | $2,065.00 | |
| Operative Dentistry, 3rd Year | $2,065.00 |
| 1st Year | Instruments and supplies | $3,695.00 |
| IMS Fee | 1,506.00 | |
| Textbooks | 2,308.00 | |
| 2nd Year | Instruments and supplies | 224.00 |
| IMS Fee | 1,004.00 | |
| Textbooks | 911.00 |
Detailed information concerning financial aid programs available to dental students can be obtained by contacting the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC Office of Financial Aid at (213) 740-2841, uscsdfa@usc.edu or visit dentistry.usc.edu/admission.
The following progressive degrees are available for students enrolled in the Dental Hygiene program: MPH at the Keck School of Medicine, MA in Gerontology from the Davis School of Gerontology, and a MSDH from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. Applicants to the program must have completed 64 units of course work and must submit their applications prior to completion of 96 units of course work. Applicants do not have to submit GRE scores, but are expected to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 at the time of application. The application for admission to a progressive degree program must be accompanied by an approved course plan proposal and letters of recommendation from two USC faculty members. The requirements for both the bachelor's degree and the progressive degrees must be satisfied. For further details on progressive degree programs, see the Requirements for Graduation page.
The Office of Continuing Education provides education courses, participation programs and national and international symposia in many areas of the dental profession. These educational activities are designed to offer updated and innovative concepts to dentists, dental hygienists, dental technicians and auxiliary personnel, and to provide the dental community with the opportunity for lifelong learning from outstanding scholars. In addition, the courses fulfill continuing education requirements of the California Board of Dental Examiners for relicensure of dentists and auxiliaries. The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC is a recognized American Dental Association (ADA) and a Continuing Education Recognition Program (CERP) provider.
Courses are given at regular intervals in the various subjects of dentistry: oral health, dental esthetics, oral medicine, physical diagnosis, dental materials, dental laboratory techniques, dental management, endodontics, periodontics, implants, oral surgery, restorative dentistry, fixed and removable prosthodontics, instrumentation, occlusion, oral pathology, dental hygiene, dental auxiliary education, patient education, pharmacology, principles of dental practice, radiology, sedation and emergencies.
Information on schedules of classes may be obtained by writing to: Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, Office of Continuing Education, Room 201J, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0641, (213) 821-2127, FAX: (213) 740-3973, email: cedental@usc.edu or refer to the school's Website at uscdentalce.org.
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, the Viterbi School of Engineering Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences Department of Biological Sciences jointly offer the minor in craniofacial and dental technology. This minor is designed to prepare engineering, pre-dental, pre-medical and biological sciences undergraduates to enter the dental biotechnology industry as well as to introduce them to recent innovations in craniofacial sciences and therapeutics. The course work introduces students to concepts in craniofacial histology and embryology, head-and-neck anatomy, genetics, biochemistry and biotechnology as well as applications to dental diagnostics, imaging and dental therapies (dental implants, restorative dentistry, craniofacial genetics).
This minor requires 16 core units and a minimum of 4 units of electives. Students who have not fulfilled prerequisite requirements for core or elective courses will have to take additional units, depending on their major. In addition, students must take at least 16 units not used for their major or offered by their major department.
Please see a biomedical engineering, biological sciences or Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry adviser for specific program requirements.
*Prerequisite required
The Master of Science in Dental Hygiene is designed as a 16-month full-time program, but can be taken as a part-time program. The program is designed to train graduate dental hygiene students to become leaders in the field who will help to advance the art and science of the discipline of dental hygiene. Students will learn how to integrate research findings into the dental hygiene process of care to form strategies to decrease oral disease risks and promote oral health among individuals, families and communities. The first three trimesters are devoted to course work that progressively leads to the formation and acceptance of a project plan for implementation in the field in the final trimester. All students will complete 26 units of required core course work, plus four additional units of elective studies in an area of emphasis, which support their interests and future career plans. Emphasis areas include education, geriatric dentistry and pediatric dentistry. Courses in education will be offered through the Department of Dental Hygiene, while electives in geriatric dentistry and pediatric dentistry will be offered through existing graduate programs at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. Students will learn program planning, advanced research methodology and statistical data management, and apply these skills into the design and implementation of their project as the basis for their scholarly capstone project. Students will demonstrate active learning through interactive classes, peer teaching, and the design and use of educational technology. Courses include traditional lecture, case studies, and student written and oral presentations.
All applicants to the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program must satisfy the following general criteria:
Applicants who meet these requirements will be invited to interview for the program. The interview may take place in person, by telephone, or through a live, interactive electronic communication.
In order to be reviewed, the application and required application materials must be received by the division's admissions committee prior to February 15 for a fall semester start. Submit the application well in advance of the deadline and note that transcripts and other application materials may take three weeks or more to be processed by the Office of Admissions and then made available to the office. Applications received after February 15 are also welcome and will be processed on a space available basis.
The ADEA Dental Hygiene Centralized Application Service (DHCAS) is the centralized application service for applicants to dental hygiene programs. Please review the instructions for the application at adeadhcas.org. Applicants for the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene must select "Graduate" as the designation.
In order to begin the ADEA DHCAS application, every applicant will need an email address and a DentPin. The DentPin is a personal identification number used in place of the social security number. To receive a DentPin, visit the American Dental Association Website at ada.org/dentpin.
At the same time, applicants must apply and gain admission to the University of Southern California, which is granted in all cases by the USC Office of Admission. Applicants must apply online at usc.edu/admission/graduate/apply at least three weeks before the departmental application deadline to allow adequate time for processing.
Be sure to complete the supplemental portion that relates to dental hygiene. Arrange to have transcripts and test scores sent to USC in time to meet this deadline.
Only a letter from the university Office of Admission grants official university admission.
Send official transcripts from all colleges attended and GRE test scores via USC's ETS code (school code is 4852) to:
University of Southern California USC Office of Graduate Admission 3601 South Flower Street Room 112 Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC Office of Admissions Room 201 925 W. 34th Street Los Angeles, CA 90089-0641
Completion of the degree requires satisfactory completion of a minimum of 30 credits of course work at the 500 level or above including a capstone project, which consists of a comprehensive written scholarly report suitable for publication and a defended oral presentation.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 on all graduate work is required.
The Master of Science in Geriatric Dentistry online program consists of a 36.5-month program leading to a master's degree in geriatric dentistry. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to work in the area of geriatric dentistry. The program consists of a series of didactic courses where the students will gain in-depth knowledge about older adults from a variety of perspectives that will include learning about the aging process and how it affects and is affected by social, behavioral and health factors commonly seen with aging. The program will focus on the most common medical and oral health conditions seen in older adults and their treatments, as well as cognitive changes, mental disorders, and social factors that will impact and thus require adjustments to oral health care delivery.
The graduate certificate in geriatric dentistry program is designed to prepare practicing dentists and dental hygienists who have already completed their professional trainings in general or advanced dentistry or dental hygiene to acquire a greater understanding of gerontology and geriatrics. A dental hygienist must have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in order to apply for the program. The program consists of 12 units of courses delivered online and in person in which students will gain knowledge about older adults from a variety of perspectives, focusing on those topics that will have a direct impact on professional practice.
Clinical privilege status is not required for any of the course work. Students admitted to the non-degree certificate program are expected to enroll each semester until the program is completed.
There are seven required courses (6 online and one residential) and no electives. As part of the required curriculum, all students will attend USC for a two-week period during the summer trimester following completion of the didactic courses for a knowledge assessment course (GDEN 716). This course will consist of reviews, practical demonstrations and assessment activities.
The Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program covers 11 consecutive 14-week trimesters. The course of study maximizes the interrelationship of all basic sciences and clinical detail sciences required by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
USC's reputation for excellent preparation of its graduates for private practice has been enhanced by curriculum changes that permit students to begin clinical experience in their first year. At the same time, opportunity and encouragement are given to those who might elect to pursue careers in teaching and research.
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC admits 144 students each year for the curriculum leading to the Doctor of Dental Surgery. Admission to the school is granted through the Office of Admission and Student Affairs which receives and processes all applications, evaluates credentials and notifies applicants who qualify for entrance by forwarding letters of acceptance. Students are selected by the Admissions Committee, which bases its decision on consideration of an applicant's personal qualities, aptitude and superior scholarship necessary for the successful study and practice of dentistry. Candidates who have received or will receive a baccalaureate or higher degree will be considered more favorably than applicants who have fulfilled only minimum requirements. As a precondition of enrollment, accepted students must undergo a background screening and provide evidence of sound health and meet the school's health requirements.
Admission information may be obtained by mail, online or in person. Address inquiries to: Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, Office of Admission and Student Affairs, 925 W. 34th Street, Room 201, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0641, (213) 740-2841, email: uscsdadm@usc.edu or access the school's Website at dentistry.usc.edu.
Minimum entrance requirements include: (1) graduation from an accredited secondary school, with credit for at least 12 academic units, including three in English, three in one laboratory science course, two in one foreign language and two in college preparatory mathematics; (2) a minimum of 60 semester units, or the equivalent completed or in progress, at the time of application, in an accredited college or university in the United States or Canada. A baccalaureate or higher degree is preferred. No more than 60 semester hours earned at a community college will be accepted and preference is given to candidates who complete the science prerequisites at a four year institution; (3) required courses, semester hours with laboratory required: 8 units each — one year's completed course — of general biology (zoology), inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physics; other courses: English composition (8 units or one year), philosophy, history or fine arts (8 units or one year). All prerequisite course work must be completed with a grade of "C" or better; (4) it is strongly suggested that students take additional upper division courses. Biochemistry, human or comparative anatomy, embryology, histology, genetics, physiology, psychology, sociology and economics are examples of recommended courses; (5) all students who apply for admission to the School of Dentistry are required to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT), given under the auspices of the Council on Dental Education of the American Dental Association. The Dental Admission Test must be taken no later than February 1 of the year for which formal application is made.
To expedite the admissions process, it is recommended that the DAT be taken during a testing period before filing formal application through the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). Test scores more than two years old will not be accepted. Applicants should check with the Dental Admissions Office. Full information about the test is sent to all applicants upon request, or can be obtained from the Division of Educational Measurements, Council on Dental Education, American Dental Association, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. No action can be taken on the application until DAT scores have been received.
(6) An interview at the School of Dentistry may be required of all applicants who appear qualified for consideration as determined by the Office of Admission and Student Affairs, although this interview may be waived for exceptionally qualified candidates as determined by the Dental Admissions Committee; a manual dexterity test may be required as part of an interview process; (7) complete transcripts of undergraduate and graduate work, including degree notations, must be on file in the Office of Admission and Student Affairs by July 15 prior to enrolling; (8) residency requirements: as a private institution, USC seeks a culturally and geographically diverse population. Therefore, out-of-state applicants are evaluated and selected based on the same criteria as California residents.
No applicant will be denied admission on the basis of race, religion, creed or disability. All admitted students must provide evidence that functional health is sufficient to meet professional demands, both in the student role and as an entry-level practitioner.
(1) An application form should be obtained from the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) online at adea.org. (2) The AADSAS application form must be completed and returned to AADSAS. USC requires that the application be received by AADSAS no later than February 1 of the year in which enrollment is anticipated. Early application and file completion is recommended. Do not send the application form to USC directly. In addition to submitting the ADEA AADSAS application, applicants must submit DAT scores and one official transcript from every college/university attended directly to AADSAS. Application evaluation cannot begin until these items are received by ADEA AADSAS. (3) Applicants are required to pay a nonrefundable $85 processing fee, which should be forwarded directly to the Ostrow Office of Admissions (international students requiring a student visa must submit a $145 processing fee). (4) Notification from the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs will be sent, indicating that the application has been received from AADSAS. (5) Candidates who are being seriously considered for acceptance will be sent an invitation for an interview and will be required to submit additional information. No interview can be granted unless the file is complete, including DAT scores. The interview may be waived for exceptional candidates as determined by the admissions committee. (6) Notification of acceptance will be sent by the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs sometime after December 1. (7) A non-refundable commitment fee of $1,500 is required from admitted students by the deadline indicated in the acceptance letter to hold a place in the entering class. A second commitment fee of $1,500 is required by May 1. Applicants accepted after May 15 are required to pay a flat fee of $3,000 within 15 days from the date of their acceptance letter to hold a place in the entering class; applicants accepted after July 1 are required to pay a $3,000 commitment fee within two days. These non-refundable fees will be applied toward tuition upon enrollment. (8) Preregistration for the first year dental class is held before orientation. (9) All entering students are required to prepay $3,000 toward the initial tuition by July 1. (10) As a precondition of enrollment, accepted students undergo a background screening conducted by Certiphi Screening, Inc. to help ensure patient safety and compliance with state laws and regulations and provide evidence of sound health and meet the school's health requirements.
Students who have been accepted into the predoctoral dental program and who have reserved their place in the class will receive information on orientation during the first two weeks in July.
Orientation takes place prior to the first week of classes. The purpose of the orientation program is to acquaint incoming students with the school, its policies, programs, faculty and facilities. Incoming students receive financial counseling and receive their initial equipment issue during this orientation period.
A student is eligible for the Doctor of Dental Surgery after successfully attaining the qualitative and quantitative level expected in the doctoral curriculum, specifically: has met the 2.0 GPA requirement for graduation; has no conditions existing at the termination of the final academic time unit that would qualify him or her for academic probation, clinical probation or academic disqualification; has no marks of "F," "IN" or "MG"; has passed Part I and Part II of the National Dental Board Examinations; has demonstrated the personal characteristics expected of a professional; has fulfilled his or her financial obligations as well as all other obligations and requirements for graduation.
In addition to meeting the academic requirements indicated above, students must have a completed administrative clearance form on file in the Office of Academic Affairs before a degree can be conferred. This administrative clearance indicates that the student has met other obligations to the university and to the student's patients.
The curriculum leading to the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree undergoes constant change to meet the challenges of modern dental practice.
For those individuals who are not familiar with the problem-based pedagogy which is an integrated curriculum, the content of the curriculum listed above is based on what was traditionally housed in the following courses.
Five units of selective courses are required in addition to the above.
Return to: Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
A Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry DDS student cares for a patient in the Norris Dental Science Center. Under the supervision of expert faculty, dental students and residents provide a wide range of oral health care services to patients, from routine checkups and cleanings to fitting braces and treating oral diseases.
Since 1897, the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC has provided students with unique, intensive clinical experiences using the most advanced techniques and technologies in the field. Graduates form a tightly knit community of proud alumni, provide top-notch patient care, conduct world-class research and lead the oral health field.
The school's strength is its educators. Their world-renowned expertise, combined with innovative curricula, gives students the strong clinical education they need to become great oral health professionals. The curricula include the Doctor of Dental Surgery program, the baccalaureate in dental hygiene program and postdoctoral advanced and specialty programs: endodontics, general practice residency, operative dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral medicine, orofacial pain, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontology and prosthodontics. Other programs include an advanced standing program for international dentists; a master of science degree in dental hygiene; online master of science degrees in geriatric dentistry, orofacial pain and oral medicine; an online graduate certificate program in geriatric dentistry, and master's and doctor of philosophy degrees in craniofacial biology.
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry's celebrated status as a well-funded dental and craniofacial research unit allows students to enrich their education through laboratory activities and bolster their clinical skills with strong scientific foundations.
Through community service, the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry provides valuable clinical experiences to the students while helping disadvantaged individuals improve their oral health. Serving the surrounding community helps students develop clinical competency and learn to treat all members of diverse communities with care and compassion.
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
dentistry.usc.edu
Avishai Sadan, DMD, MBA, Dean
Mahvash Navazesh, DMD, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Student Life
Douglas Solow, DDS, MBA, Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs
Roseann Mulligan, MS, DDS, Associate Dean of Community Health Programs and Hospital Affairs and Chair, Division of Dental Public Health and Pediatric Dentistry
Ilan Rotstein, DDS, Associate Dean of Continuing Education and Chair, Division of Endodontics, Orthodontics and General Practice Residency
Yang Chai, DDS, PhD, Associate Dean of Research
Malcolm Snead, DDS, PhD, Chair, Division of Biomedical Sciences
Mark Urata, MD, DDS, FACS, FAAP, Chair, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Casey Chen, DDS, PhD, Chair, Division of Periodontology, Diagnostic Sciences and Dental Hygiene
Sillas Duarte, Jr., DDS, PhD, Chair, Division of Restorative Sciences
James Gordon, EdD, PT, FAPTA, Associate Dean and Chair, Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy
Florence Clark, PhD, OTR/L, FAPTA, Associate Dean and Chair, Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
G. Donald and Marian James Montgomery Dean's Chair in Dentistry: Avishai Sadan, DMD, MBA
George and Mary Lou Boone Chair in Craniofacial Molecular Biology: Yang Chai, DDS, PhD
Don and Sybil Harrington Foundation Chair in Esthetic Dentistry: Pascal Magne, DMD, PhD
Sykes Family Chair in Pediatric Physical Therapy, Health and Development: Linda Fetters, PhD
Wayne G. and Margaret L. Bemis Endowed Professorship in Endodontics: Rafael Roges, DDS
Ralph W. and Jean L. Bleak Professor of Restorative Dentistry: Winston Wan-Li Chee, BDS
Mrs. T.H. Chan Professorship in Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy: Florence Clark, PhD
Charles M. Goldstein Professor of Community Dentistry: Roseann Mulligan, DDS, MS
Phillip Maurer Tennis Professorship in Clinical Dentistry: George C. Cho, DDS
Professors: Yang Chai, DDS, PhD; Chih-Kuang (Casey) Chen, DDS, PhD; Glenn Clark, MS, DDS; Tina F. Jaskoll, PhD; Michael Melnick, DDS, PhD; Cedric Minkin, PhD; Roseann Mulligan, MS, DDS; Mahvash Navazesh, DMD; Janet Moradian-Oldak, PhD; Michael Paine, BDS, PhD; Pragna Patel, PhD; Ilan Rotstein, DDS; Avishai Sadan, DMD, MBA; Michael L. Schneir, MS, PhD; Jorgen Slots, MBA, DDS, PhD, DMD; Malcolm L. Snead, DDS, PhD
Associate Professors: Winston Wan-Li Chee, BDS; George C. Cho, DDS; Sillas Duarte, Jr., DDS, PhD; Robert G. Keim, DDS, EdD; Ralph L. Leung, MS, DDS; Pascal Magne, DMD, PhD; Glenn Sameshima, DDS, PhD; Arnold Tiber, DDS, PhD; Homayoun H. Zadeh, DDS, PhD
Associate Professor (Librarianship): John P. Glueckert, MLIS
Assistant Professors of Dentistry: Ruchi Bajpai, PhD; Amy Merrill-Brugger, PhD; Ramiro Murata, DDS, PhD; Parish P. Sedghizadeh, DDS; Jian Xu, PhD; Jiang Zhong, PhD
Professors of Clinical Dentistry: Jane Forrest, RDH, EdD; Michael Jorgensen, DDS; Diane Melrose, BSDH, MA; Michael J. Mulvehill III, DDS, MBA; Douglas Solow, DDS, MBA
Associate Professor (Clinical Scholar): Stephen Yen, DMD, PhD
Associate Professors of Clinical Dentistry: Loris Abedi, DDS*; Gardner Beale, DDS; Linda Brookman, RDH, MSHS; Reyes Enciso, PhD; Richard Furuichi, DDS; Joyce Galligan, RN, DDS; Richard Green, MS Ed, DDS; Michelle Ikoma, DDS; Kian Kar, MS, DDS; Thomas Allen Levy, MS, DDS; Niel Nathason, MPH, MA; Saravanan Ram, DDS, MDS; Ramon Roges, DDS; Eddie Sheh, DDS; Donna Smith, RDH, MSEd; Piedad Suarez, DDS; Joyce Sumi, RDH, MS; Richard Udin, DDS; Mark Urata, DDS, MD
Assistant Professors of Clinical Dentistry: Tae Ahn, DDS; Lupe Arevalo, RDH; Kim Austin, DDS; Nissim Benbassat, DDS; Yaara Berdan, DDS; Jucheng Chen, DDS, PhD; Nam Cho, DDS, MD; Christine Edwards, PhD; Laura Elizondo, DDS; Sharon Faust, DDS; Alon Frydman, DDS; Dan Grauer, DDS, PhD; Ripsik Gukasyan, DDS; Phuu Han, DDS, PhD; Tran Han, DDS; Helia Hooshangi, DDS; Annie Huang, DMD; Julie Jenks, MS, MPH, DDS; Boris Keselbrener, DDS*; Tae Kim, DDS; Janet Lent, DDS; Richard S. Lin, DDS; Bethany Lowe, DDS; W. Michael Madden, DDS; Ali Ostadali Makhmalbaf, DDS; Chris Mayeda, DDS; Mehdi Mohammadi, MPH, DDS; John Morzov, DDS; Lisa Pedersen, MSW; Jose Polido, DDS; Elham Radan, DMD, MSc; Rafael Roges, DDS; Gelareh Ronaghi, DDS; Neimar Sartori, DDS, PdD; Santosh Sundaresan, DDS*; Marlene Talley, DDS; Thomas Tanbonliong, Jr., DDS; Antonia Teruel, DDS, PhD; Anita Tourah, DDS; Natalie Tung, DDS, MD; Tomoko Wada, DDS
Research Assistant Professors: Matthew K. Lee, MD; Alireza Moshaverinia, DDS, PhD; Yan Zhou, PhD
Clinical Professors: Ralph B. Allman, MS, DDS; David Good, DDS; John J. Lytle, DDS, MD; Gayle Macdonald, PhD; Dennis-Duke R. Yamashita, DDS; Margarita Zeichner-David, PhD
Clinical Associate Professors: Barbara D. Edwards, RDH; Mina Habibian, DMD, PhD; John Kishibay, DMD, PhD; Bach Le, DDS, MD; Michael Padilla, DDS; Anthony Park, DDS; Richard Phillips Jr., DDS*; M. Hazem Seirawan, DDS, MS, MPH; Hovhanness Shnorhokian, DMD, PhD; Ann Spolarich, PhD; James W. Tom, DDS, MS; Arman Torbati, DDS; Leon Unterman, DDS; Stefan Zweig, DDS
Clinical Assistant Professors: Mainul Ahsan, PhD; Alexander Alcaraz, DMD; Gabriela Anderson, DDS; Vartuhi Avanesian, DDS; Nasrin Bahari Chopiuk, PhD; Ting Cho, DDS; Simon Choyee, DDS; Chloe Cohen, DDS; Xiao Mei Cui, DDS; Sibel Dincer, DDS, MS; Irene Esteves, RDH; Andrea Gamble, DDS, MS; Ellen M. Grady, BA; Melina Gregorian, DDS; Stan Hanes, DDS; Lisa Hou, DDS; Steven Kallman, DDS; David Kang, DDS; Parabjeet Kaur, DDS; Alena Knezevic, DMD, PhD; Theresia Laksmana, DMD, MS; Jennifer I-Chen Lo, DDS; Stacy Love, DDS; Michael Mashni, DDS; Joel McPherson, DDS; (Mehdi) Mohammad Mohammadi, MPH, DDS; Brett Nagatani, DDS; Camille Nakamura, DDS; Naomi Nguyen, DDS, MS; Lisa Oshiro, RDH; Vanessa Pardi, DDS, PhD; Kristine Parungao, BSDH; Dieu Pham, DDS, MD; Vanthi Pham, DDS; Lisa Popkoff, DDS; Narendranath Ravindranath, PhD; Adrine Reganian, RDH, MS; Lucille Rotstein, BChD; Liane K. Sakai, DDS; Mary Satuito, DDS; Daniel Schechter, DDS; Daniela Schmid, DDS, PhD; Natalia Slusky, DDS; Jenny Son, MS, DDS; Flora Stay, DDS; Judith Tefft, PhD; Jeremy Teoh, MPH, DDS; Christopher Truhan, DDS; Fabiana Varjao, PhD; Lois Velasco, DDS; Xun Sean Xu, PhD, DDS; Kiyomi Yamazaki, DDS, PhD
Clinical Instructors: Amelia Andrade-Garcia, RDH; Joiakim Bakhoum, DDS; Joan Beleno, RDH; Katheryn Bowns, RDH; Linus Chong, DDS, MS; Patricia Denny, MA; Shahrokh Jedian, DDS; Gerald McClellan, DDS; Albert Mizrahi, DDS; Michaela Nguyen, RDH; Carlos Sanchez, RDH; Eugene Zakaryan, DDS
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry awards the following degrees: the Bachelor of Science, Dental Hygiene; the Master of Science, Dental Hygiene; the Master of Science, Geriatric Dentistry; the Master of Science, Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine; the Doctor of Dental Surgery; the Advanced Operative Dentistry Certificate/MS, Craniofacial Biology; the Advanced Orthodontics Certificate/MS, Craniofacial Biology; the Advanced Pediatric Dentistry Certificate/MS, Craniofacial Biology; the Advanced Pediatric Dentistry Certificate/PhD, Craniofacial Biology; the Advanced Periodontology Certificate/MS, Craniofacial Biology; Advanced Dental Education Certificate programs in Endodontics, Geriatric Dentistry, Operative Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orofacial Pain, Oral Medicine, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontology, and Prosthodontics; Master of Science in Craniofacial Biology; and the Doctor of Philosophy in Craniofacial Biology. The school also offers a minor in craniofacial and dental technology.
Grades are issued by members of the faculty to indicate to students their level of achievement and to provide information to committees given the responsibility of reviewing a student's total academic record and assigning honor or deficient status.
Newly admitted students to the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program, the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists and Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BS) students are bound by the university grading system (excluding plus/minus grades), which is detailed in the Academic Standards section of this catalogue.
Grades used by course directors of required advanced specialty classes are: "Cr" — credit, "CrH" — credit with honors and "NCr" — no credit. Other notations appearing on the transcript are: "IP" — indicates that the grade in a course is not issued until a subsequent trimester; "IN" — incomplete work; "ICW" — incomplete clinical work; "MG" — missing grade; "W" — withdraw. Students pursuing a Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy in Craniofacial Biology and students in dental hygiene, doctoral and international classes should refer to the Academic Standards section of this catalogue.
A student evaluation policy has been developed that outlines methods by which the faculty can recognize outstanding achievements by students and identify those who have difficulty meeting the school's academic standards.
In this policy, the procedures dealing with the assignment and consequences of academic status, including academic probation and disqualification, are outlined in detail. It is hoped that the development of specific guidelines will eliminate confusion and minimize the amount of time spent in determining the student's status, thus allowing faculty and students to concentrate on their primary responsibility — the training of dental health professionals. Copies of student professional performance evaluation committee guidelines are available online on the dental school Website intranet.
A student will be placed on academic warning if the GPA of a given Academic Time Unit (ATU) falls below a 2.0; if a failing course grade in a course of 1 unit or less is received; if a student does not successfully pass National Board Part I and National Board Part II or does not take the exams during the time-frame designated, and if in the judgment of the student professional performance evaluation committee, such a warning is warranted for other reasons, such as poor attendance or consistent tardiness.
A student will be placed on academic probation if a failing grade is received in 2 or more units completed in one ATU; if a second consecutive academic warning is warranted; if two conditions that justify academic warning are met in a single ATU or if a single condition is met twice in an ATU, or if a student receives an F in a module that results in an MG, or freshman students in trimesters I, II or III will be placed on academic probation if the quality of preclinical work is unsatisfactory as reflected by a failing (F) grade in the module or if the quality of preclinical work is poor enough to jeopardize student's timely transition to clinic with the rest of the class or if warranted by other factors related to the quality of preclinical/clinical work such as poor attendance, unprofessional behavior and/or poor performance in written examinations or, if in the judgment of the student professional performance evaluation committee, probation is warranted by other academic factors; or if recommended by the group practice director, due to quality and/or quantity of clinical work.
A student will be placed on clinical probation upon recommendation of the group practice director if a grade of "F" is received in any of the graded categories of group practice performance, or, in the judgment of the group practice director, probation is warranted by other factors related to the delivery of health care or clinical accomplishment.
A student will be considered for disqualification if (1) at the end of any trimester during the freshman year (trimesters I,II, III) a student's continued lack of preclinical accomplishment is significant enough to suggest a deterioration of preclinical skills; (2) a second academic probation is warranted; (3) a failing grade is not reconciled; (4) at the end of the academic year the grade point average for the preceding year is below 2.0; (5) academic probation is warranted while repeating a trimester on probation; (6) a deficiency in any area is determined by the Student Professional Performance Evaluation Committee to be insurmountable; (7) at the end of the second trimester of the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists (ASPID) the cumulative average is less than 2.0; (8) it is recommended by the group practice director, based on severe and irreconcilable deficiencies relating to the quality and/or quantity of patient treatment; and (9) if, at the end of any trimester following trimester VII, a student's ongoing lack of clinical accomplishment is significant enough to suggest a deterioration of skills and/or inadequate treatment of patients assigned to his/her care.
A student will be placed on academic warning if (1) the GPA for any given Academic Time Unit (ATU) is less than 2.0; (2) a failing grade is received in a 1-unit (or less) course; (3) a grade of "D" is received in a 3-, 4- or 5-unit course. A student will be placed on academic probation if 2 units or more of failure are recorded at the end of any trimester; if a second consecutive academic warning is warranted; or if, in the judgment of the Student Professional Performance Evaluation Committee, probation is warranted.
A student will be placed on clinical probation if a grade of "F" is received in any of the graded categories of group practice performance, or, in the judgment of the group practice director, probation is warranted by other factors related to the delivery of health care or clinical accomplishment.
A student will be considered for disqualification if (1) a third probation is warranted at the end of any trimester; (2) a failing grade is not reconciled; (3) at the end of the academic year the grade point average for the preceding year is below 2.0; (4) academic probation is warranted while repeating a trimester on probation; and (5) a deficiency in any area is determined by the Student Professional Performance Evaluation Committee to be insurmountable. In addition to the Dental School evaluation policy (which evaluates courses taken in the Dental School), students in the Dental Hygiene Program are also bound by the university's academic status requirements.
A student will be placed on academic probation if a failing grade is received in any course or if, in the judgment of the program director, a student's performance warrants such status due to academic or other factors. A student may be disqualified if the stipulations of a probationary period are not met by the required deadline, a failing grade is not reconciled in the period specified by the course director, or if a deficiency in any area is acquired which is determined by the program director to be insurmountable. A student who is placed on academic probation a second time can continue in the program only with the approval of the program director and the Advanced Student Professional Performance Evaluation Subcommittee.
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry recognizes excellence in achievement by assigning special honor status during the course of study and by presentation of awards upon graduation.
Students who complete all course work by a prescribed deadline and earn a grade point average of 3.5 or above for a trimester are placed on the Dean's List. Students shall not be placed on the Dean's list if they are on deficient academic status during that trimester (i.e., academic warning, academic probation and continued academic probation).
The local chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU), a national dental honor fraternity recognizes the top 10 percent of each doctoral dental class at the end of each academic year (August) by including these students on the OKU Honor List. The determination of the top 10 percent is based on a yearly GPA. It should be noted that placement on the OKU Honor List has no relationship to membership in OKU, which is based on overall academic achievement and professional development.
There are numerous awards made each year at graduation to recognize excellence in members of the graduating doctoral, dental hygiene and ASPID classes. A complete listing is available at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry.
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry recognizes that in some special instances it may be necessary or beneficial for a student to interrupt or discontinue dental education. A student wishing to withdraw from school or request a leave of absence must contact the Office of Academic Affairs for procedures to be followed. An approved leave of absence will not be granted for more than one year.
Students at the School of Dentistry who have not been formally dropped by the school, are considered enrolled each term unless they have submitted a letter of intent to withdraw. A student's verbal indication that he or she intends to withdraw or failure to settle a fee bill are not sufficient to eliminate the student from class rosters. Final course grades will be collected for students who do not have a letter of intent to withdraw on file with the Office of Academic Affairs.
A student who withdraws at any time during the first three weeks of a trimester will receive no grades for enrolled courses. A student who withdraws after three full weeks of an Academic Time Unit (ATU) will receive a mark of "W" for all enrolled courses not completed. Withdrawal is not permitted after the 12th week of a trimester.
The University of Southern California recognizes and acts in full compliance with regulations set in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (The Buckley Amendment). A student may have access to all records about him or her maintained by the university except those considered confidential under the act. Students of the School of Dentistry wishing to review records or to appeal for a change in those records should contact the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC Registrar. A small charge may be made to cover the time and costs of duplication of the record.
Tuition at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry is charged on a flat fee basis for enrollment in the regular degree and advanced certificate programs of the school. Exceptions do not apply to students who have courses waived based on their prior education. In such cases, students are charged the standard flat fee for the program in which they are enrolled.
Auditors pay the regular tuition rate. Auditors are not required to participate in class exercises (discussions and examinations); they receive no grades or credit.
The information outlined here is for Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry fees and tuition deposits only. For information about Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry tuition and university fees, refer to the Tuition and Fees (Estimated), Fall 2015 section of this catalogue. The university reserves the right to assess new fees or charges as it may determine.
| Processing Fee (not refundable): | ||
| Domestic applicants | $85.00 | |
| Graduates of foreign dental schools or students requiring a student visa | 145.00 | |
| Commitment Deposit (not refundable) | ||
| Dentistry | 1,500.00 | |
| Dental Hygiene | 500.00 | |
| International Dental and Advanced | 1,500.00 | |
| Pre-Tuition Payment (refundable in accordance with the refund policy) | 1,500.00 | |
| Mandatory Fees (School of Dentistry fees only; for other fees, refer to the Tuition and Fees (Estimated), Fall 2015 section of this catalogue.) | ||
| CDA Dues | 10.00 | |
| Doctoral dental and Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists students only; spring only. | ||
| ASDA Dues | 70.00 | |
| Doctoral dental program and Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists students only; fall only. | ||
| Special Fees | ||
| Transcript Fee | 10.00 | |
| Gown Usage Fee | 165.00 | |
| Disability Insurance (Doctoral, Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists and Advanced Certificate) | 108.00 | |
| Scrubs (first year only) | 210.00 | |
Figures shown below are approximate. The School of Dentistry reserves the right to change fees at any time.
| 1st Year | Instruments and supplies | $10,430.00 |
| IMS Fee | 4,224.00 | |
| Textbooks | 4,636.00 | |
| 2nd Year | Instruments and supplies | 2,919.00 |
| IMS Fee | 4,224.00 | |
| Textbooks | 2,438.00 | |
| 3rd Year | Instruments and supplies | 292.00 |
| IMS Fee | 4,224.00 | |
| Textbooks | 259.00 | |
| 4th Year | Instruments and supplies | 29.00 |
| IMS Fee | 2,816.00 | |
| Textbooks | 505.00 |
Incoming
| (Su 2014) | Instruments and supplies | $10,657.00 |
| IMS Fee | 1,408.00 | |
| Textbooks | 0.00 | |
| 1st Year | Instruments and supplies | 87.00 |
| IMS Fee | 4,224.00 | |
| Textbooks | 259.00 | |
| 2nd Year | Instruments and supplies | 393.00 |
| IMS Fee | 2,816.00 | |
| Textbooks | 505.00 |
| IMS Fee | Endodontics, 1st Year | $2,567.00 |
| Endodontics, 2nd Year | 2,065.00 | |
| Orthodontics, 1st Year | 1,070.00 | |
| Orthodontics, 2nd Year | 915.00 | |
| Orthodontics, 3rd Year | 610.00 | |
| Pediatric Dentistry, 1st Year | 2,220.00 | |
| Pediatric Dentistry, 2nd Year | 0.00 | |
| Periodontology, 1st Year | 2,370.00 | |
| Periodontology, 2nd Year | 2,215.00 | |
| Periodontology, 3rd Year | 765.00 | |
| Prosthodontics, 1st Year | 2,567.00 | |
| Prosthodontics, 2nd Year | 2,018.00 | |
| Prosthodontics, 3rd Year | 610.00 | |
| Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine, 1st Year | 2,173.00 | |
| Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine, 2nd Year | 610.00 | |
| Operative Dentistry, 1st Year | $2,412.00 | |
| Operative Dentistry, 2nd Year | $2,065.00 | |
| Operative Dentistry, 3rd Year | $2,065.00 |
| 1st Year | Instruments and supplies | $3,695.00 |
| IMS Fee | 1,506.00 | |
| Textbooks | 2,308.00 | |
| 2nd Year | Instruments and supplies | 224.00 |
| IMS Fee | 1,004.00 | |
| Textbooks | 911.00 |
Detailed information concerning financial aid programs available to dental students can be obtained by contacting the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC Office of Financial Aid at (213) 740-2841, uscsdfa@usc.edu or visit dentistry.usc.edu/admission.
The following progressive degrees are available for students enrolled in the Dental Hygiene program: MPH at the Keck School of Medicine, MA in Gerontology from the Davis School of Gerontology, and a MSDH from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. Applicants to the program must have completed 64 units of course work and must submit their applications prior to completion of 96 units of course work. Applicants do not have to submit GRE scores, but are expected to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 at the time of application. The application for admission to a progressive degree program must be accompanied by an approved course plan proposal and letters of recommendation from two USC faculty members. The requirements for both the bachelor's degree and the progressive degrees must be satisfied. For further details on progressive degree programs, see the Requirements for Graduation page.
The Office of Continuing Education provides education courses, participation programs and national and international symposia in many areas of the dental profession. These educational activities are designed to offer updated and innovative concepts to dentists, dental hygienists, dental technicians and auxiliary personnel, and to provide the dental community with the opportunity for lifelong learning from outstanding scholars. In addition, the courses fulfill continuing education requirements of the California Board of Dental Examiners for relicensure of dentists and auxiliaries. The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC is a recognized American Dental Association (ADA) and a Continuing Education Recognition Program (CERP) provider.
Courses are given at regular intervals in the various subjects of dentistry: oral health, dental esthetics, oral medicine, physical diagnosis, dental materials, dental laboratory techniques, dental management, endodontics, periodontics, implants, oral surgery, restorative dentistry, fixed and removable prosthodontics, instrumentation, occlusion, oral pathology, dental hygiene, dental auxiliary education, patient education, pharmacology, principles of dental practice, radiology, sedation and emergencies.
Information on schedules of classes may be obtained by writing to: Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, Office of Continuing Education, Room 201J, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0641, (213) 821-2127, FAX: (213) 740-3973, email: cedental@usc.edu or refer to the school's Website at uscdentalce.org.
Return to: Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
The mission of the USC Department of Dental Hygiene is to educate and prepare dental hygiene leaders for careers in a diverse and changing health care environment. Implicit in this is a desire to provide a liberal education as well as outstanding clinical experiences. The baccalaureate dental hygiene program is a combination of dental and dental hygiene sciences, supporting sciences and general education.
The curriculum reflects the core values of the profession in private and public health settings. The program is committed to creating a humanistic, educational environment that will facilitate the development of responsible, ethical, oral health professionals who are sensitive to the patient needs and competent in the dental hygiene process of care.
Educational and clinical services provided by dental hygiene students include dental health education, patient assessment, disease prevention and non-surgical periodontal therapy for a diverse population of patients. The program strives to produce graduates who will advance the profession of dental hygiene and improve dental health care through evidence-based research and scholarly activities. Finally, graduates are competent in self-assessment and scientific methodology in preparation for lifelong learning.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene requires two academic years of pre-dental hygiene courses followed by two additional years of enrollment in the dental hygiene program.
Two applications are required, one for the USC Undergraduate Admission Office and one for the School of Dentistry. See the Undergraduate Education Admission section of this catalogue.
Admission to the dental hygiene program of the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC is granted through the Office of Dental Admissions and Student Affairs that receives and processes all applications, evaluates credentials and mails letters of acceptance to applicants who qualify for entrance. Because of the university's selective admissions policy and limited enrollment, only those applicants are accepted who present evidence of intellectual promise and strong personal qualifications, including good moral character and sound health. Prior to enrollment, accepted students must provide evidence of sound health and meet the school's health requirements. (Before registration, the Student Health Service form, signed by the applicant's attending physician, must be filed with the Engemann Student Health Center.)
The ADEA Dental Hygiene Centralized Application Service (DHCAS) is the centralized application service for applicants to dental hygiene programs. Please review the instructions for the application at adeadhcas.org. All applicants must select the "Entry Level Bachelor's" as a designation.
In order to begin the ADEA DHCAS application, every applicants will need an email address and a DentPin. The DentPin is a personal identification number used in place of the social security number. To receive a DentPin visit the American Dental Association website at ada.org/dentpin.
At the same time, applicants must apply and gain admission to the University of Southern California, which is granted in all cases by the USC Office of Admission. Applicants must submit a USC Transfer Application online through the Common Application at commonapp.org. Only a letter from the university Office of Admission grants official university admission.
Applications for the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene should be filed well in advance of February 1 of the year in which the student wishes to be admitted. The program begins in the fall.
Although students may transfer to USC at any time and begin prerequisite course work, the dental hygiene curriculum begins in the junior year. Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the dental hygiene program.
Between 30 and 40 students are admitted each year for the curriculum that leads to the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene.
The Committee on Admissions examines credentials and bases its decision on the objective evaluation of these factors: preprofessional training, evidence of scholarship and personal evaluation of the student.
Minimum entrance requirements include: graduation from an accredited secondary school and completion of the following courses which may be transferred in from another college or university or taken at USC prior to bring admitted to the dental hygiene program.
One semester with lab is required.
One semester with lab is required.
One year is required.
One year is required. Must include course work equivalent to WRIT 150 and one semester of any transferable English course.
One semester is required.
One semester is required.
One semester is required.
One semester is required.
One semester is required.
One semester is required.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing. For more information about USC's general education requirements, see General Education.
All dental hygiene students must follow the university's general education requirements.
There is no minimum number of transfer units you must complete before applying to admissions. No foreign course work will be accepted. Dental hygiene prerequisites must be completed prior to the beginning of classes in the dental hygiene program and lower-division general education categories must be completed by the time of graduation. All prerequisite course work including required general education course work must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.
The following courses are not transferable: dental assisting, dental technology, secretarial science (typing, shorthand, etc.), or other technically or vocationally related courses.
All entrance requirements must be completed by June 15 preceding the September of admission, and complete final credentials must be on file in the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC and the USC Office of Admission by July 15 preceding enrollment. Notification of conditional acceptance will be sent by the Ostrow Office of Admission and Student Affairs after May 1.
Students who have been accepted into the program and who have reserved their place in the class by paying the appropriate tuition deposit will be forwarded orientation materials by July 15.
Orientation is traditionally scheduled during the week before the first week of classes. The purpose of the program is to acquaint incoming students with the School of Dentistry, its policies, programs, faculty and facilities. Incoming students receive financial counseling and purchase their initial equipment issue as part of orientation activities.
A student is eligible for the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene after attaining the qualitative and quantitative level expected in the dental hygiene curriculum. This specifically includes: no marks of "F," "IN," "IP" or "MG"; no conditions existing at the termination of the final trimester that would result in academic probation, clinical probation or academic disqualification. In addition, each student must have demonstrated the characteristics expected of a health professional and have fulfilled the financial and other obligations required for graduation.
In addition to meeting the academic requirements indicated above, students must have a completed administrative clearance form on file in the Office of Academic Affairs before a degree can be conferred. This administrative clearance indicates that the student has met other obligations to the university and to the student's patients.
The following progressive degrees are available for students enrolled in the Dental Hygiene program: MPH at the Keck School of Medicine, MA in Gerontology from the Davis School of Gerontology, and a MSDH from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. Applicants to the program must have completed 64 units of course work and must submit their applications prior to completion of 96 units of course work. Applicants do not have to submit GRE scores, but are expected to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 at the time of application. The application for admission to a progressive degree program must be accompanied by an approved course plan proposal and letters of recommendation from two USC faculty members. The requirements for both the bachelor's degree and the progressive degrees must be satisfied. For further details on progressive degree programs, see the Requirements for Graduation page.
Courses listed are required for completion of the degree.
Return to: Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
DEN 218
(213) 740-1001 (323) 442-1728
FAX: (213) 740-2376
Email: paine@usc.edu
Director: Michael L. Paine, BDS, PhD
Professors: Yang Chai, DDS, PhD; Casey Chen, DDS, PhD; Cheng-Ming Chuong, MD, PhD (Medicine); Glenn Clark, DDS, PhD; Tina Jaskoll, PhD; Michael Melnick, DDS, PhD; Cedric Minkin, PhD; Mahvash Navazesh, DMD; Janet Moradian-Oldak, PhD; Michael Paine, BDS, PhD; Pragna Patel, PhD; Michael Schneir, PhD; Jorgen Slots, DDS, PhD; Malcolm Snead, DDS, PhD; David Warburton, MD (Medicine)
Associate Professors: Winston Chee, DDS; George Cho, DDS; Roger De Filippo, MD (Medicine); Sillas Duarte, DDS, PhD; Kian Kar, DDS, MS; Robert Keim, DDS, PhD; Saravanan Ram, DDS; Glenn Sameshima, DDS, PhD; Wei Shi, MD, PhD (Medicine); Arnold Tiber, DDS, PhD; Stephen Yen, DMD, PhD; Homayoun Zadeh, DDS, PhD
Assistant Professors: Ruchi Bajpai, MS, PhD; Ahmed El-Hashash, PhD; Denise Al-Alma, PhD; Reyes Enciso, PhD; Mark Frey, PhD (Medicine); Dan Grauer, DDS, PhD; Ching-Ling Lien, PhD, (Medicine); Amy Merrill-Brugger, PhD; Ramiro Murata, DDS, PhD; Laura Perin, PhD, (Medicine); Parish P. Sedghizadeh, MS, DDS; Mark Urata, MD, DDS; Jian Xu, PhD; Yan Zhou, PhD
Craniofacial biology is concerned with the evolution, growth, structure and function of oral tissues and the oral region; and with the etiology and pathogenesis of numerous diseases and malformations. These involve studies at various levels of biological organization, from the molecular and subcellular to the organismic. Craniofacial biology comprises a large, rapidly increasing body of knowledge that has both clinical and academic importance. The objective of the program is primarily, but not exclusively, to prepare health science graduates for entry into careers in academic environments as clinical scholars or as members of multidisciplinary teams of health professionals in academic centers of clinical and basic health science research.
The graduate program in craniofacial biology offers academic graduate training to individuals with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Medical Doctor (MD) or equivalent degree. Applicants with Bachelor of Science degrees in areas such as biology and chemistry are also encouraged to apply.
All applications are evaluated individually in search of the most promising students in terms of intellectual distinction and professional merit in the sciences and/or dentistry. Beyond this, the committee looks for academic trends, documented potential and evidence of good character. Priority consideration for admission is given to applications that are complete by December 1.
Formal application to the USC Office of Graduate Admission and the graduate program in craniofacial biology is required for Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) objectives. The Craniofacial Biology graduate programs are administered by the USC Graduate School whose catalogue provides additional information about specific application requirements and courses that must be completed in order to graduate.
Requirements for MS and PhD applications include:
The Master of Science requires a minimum GRE verbal score of 40 percent rank and quantitative score of 50 percent rank. For non-native English speakers, a minimum combined TOEFL score of 90 is required with no less than 20 on each section (reading, listening, speaking and writing). Most accepted students score higher than the minimum requirement.
The Doctor of Philosophy requires a minimum GRE verbal score of 60 percent rank and quantitative score of 60 percent rank. For non-native English speakers, a minimum combined TOEFL score of 100 is required with no less than 20 on each section (reading, listening, speaking and writing). Many accepted students score higher than the minimum requirement.
Applicants for a progressive degree program must have completed 64 units of course work applicable to their undergraduate degree since graduating from high school. (AP units, IB units and course work taken prior to high school graduation are excluded.) Applicants must submit their application before completing 96 units of course work. Normally, the application is submitted in the fall semester of the third year of enrollment at USC. Applicants do not have to submit GRE scores but are expected to have at least a 3.0 GPA at the time of application. The application for admission to a progressive master's program must be approved by the deans of the bachelor's and the master's degree-granting schools at USC and submitted to the Degree Progress Department. An approved course plan proposal and letters of recommendation from two USC faculty members must be submitted with the application, with at least one of the recommendations coming from a faculty member in the student's bachelor's degree major department.
This degree is under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Students should also refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and the Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degree must be courses accepted by the Graduate School. The Master of Science degree in craniofacial biology offers the clinician (DDS, MD or equivalent) the opportunity to obtain clinical research knowledge and skills in the area of craniofacial biology. Such training will include research into the causes of craniofacial diseases and anomalies, as well as normal development and function. The course of study is particularly directed toward those clinicians committed to pursuing a career in research and teaching.
A total of 32 units is required that includes eight courses in craniofacial biology, four units of 594ab Thesis and necessary units of 590 Thesis Research. All students must achieve a 3.0 grade point average in the craniofacial biology courses. Four core courses in craniofacial biology are required for all students: CBY 574, CBY 579L, CBY 585 and CBY 671. The four remaining courses required may be selected from any offered by the craniofacial biology program or other graduate programs and selected by the students and their mentors to best support their research interests. All students are required to complete a thesis based on the student's research following a thesis protocol approved by a committee of craniofacial biology faculty. An advisory committee, comprising the research adviser and two additional faculty members, will establish thesis requirements to be completed by the student.
The Certificate in Craniofacial Biology is intended to provide dentists in post-graduate dental education with experience in graduate education and insight into the requirements to complete a graduate degree. This will provide the students with additional information relative to selecting academic careers. All certificate students must have a dental degree and have been admitted to a post-graduate dental education program sponsored by the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC.
A total of six CBY courses and 18 units of course work is required for the certificate. The six courses may be selected from the following list: CBY 573, CBY 574, CBY 575, CBY 576, CBY 579L, CBY 583, CBY 585, CBY 587, CBY 672, CBY 673, CBY 674. The credit received for these classes may be applied toward either the MS or PhD in Craniofacial Biology should the student decide later to pursue an advanced degree.
Only residents enrolled in the following advanced dental education and specialty programs are eligible for the Certificate in Craniofacial Biology: General Practice Residency, Endodontics, Orofacial Pain/Oral Medicine, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontology, Prosthodontics. Residents must complete all admission requirements for dental advanced education programs and have been accepted to these programs in accordance with criteria established by the advanced dental education program faculty.
The Doctor of Philosophy degree in craniofacial biology is awarded under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Students should also refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and the Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degree must be courses accepted by the Graduate School. This program is designed to provide health science-oriented training for the professional with interests in academic, as well as clinical, aspects of craniofacial biology. Appointment to the PhD program are designated each year for all semester admission.
All new students seeking Master of Science and/or Doctor of Philosophy degree objectives will be assigned to an orientation committee. This committee will function to advise and guide new students through their first semester. Thereafter, each student will identify a mentor and assemble a qualifying exam committee.
During the second semester of study each graduate student should select a qualifying exam committee. The qualifying exam committee must include five faculty members who will be of assistance in the student's education. The student's mentor will serve as chair of the qualifying exam committee. One committee member must be a USC faculty member from outside the program. The graduate program director will be an ex officio member of all qualifying exam committees. The qualifying exam committee will monitor the student's progress, recommend readings or additional training, and determine when the student is ready for the qualifying examination. It is the student's responsibility to meet with the qualifying exam committee at least once during every semester of each academic year. The results of these formal meetings should be summarized by the student in a written statement and submitted to the program director each semester.
As soon as the student has satisfactorily completed the core courses and selected the committee, a screening meeting with the qualifying exam committee should be called. The screening procedure may consist of an oral examination; the student will outline his research progress and be examined on academic development. The committee may recommend that the student take specific additional course work and that readings in certain areas be initiated to remedy deficiencies. A brief report will be given to the student and included in his or her file. The student will meet with the committee each semester; they shall agree when the student is prepared to take the qualifying examination in the next semester or if the student should resign or be dropped from the program.
A total of 60 units are required for the PhD Eight didactic courses at the graduate level are required. The core required CBY courses are CBY 574 or PM 510L, CBY 579L, CBY 585 and INTD 571. The remaining graduate-level courses may be selected from courses offered by any department, following consultation with the graduate mentor and graduate program director. It is highly recommended that PhD students take the PIBBS core curriculum on the Health Sciences Campus. Students must achieve a 3.0 GPA or better in their course work. Students with a Doctor of Dental Surgery or other professional degree may be granted waivers for having completed equivalent course work. It is the student's responsibility to obtain from the Graduate School the Request for Permission to Take the PhD Qualifying Examination form which must be signed by all committee members. This form must be completed 60 days before the qualifying examination.
The PhD qualifying examination is offered during the fall or spring semesters. A written examination will cover specific subject areas of the core curriculum, as well as topics selected by the qualifying exam committee. After successfully completing all parts of the written examination, the student will prepare and submit an original research proposal to the qualifying exam committee which presents, in National Institutes of Health (NIH) format, the student's proposed dissertation research. If the submitted proposal is acceptable, an oral examination will be conducted. This examination will include a defense of the proposal and could also include material from the written examination and related topics. A student failing any part of the examination may be allowed one additional opportunity to pass that portion, at the discretion of the qualifying exam committee, within the regulations of the Graduate School governing the repetition of qualifying examinations.
The doctoral dissertation is to focus upon an original research problem which reflects the creative scholarly abilities of the candidate and contributes to the general advancement of biological understanding, as well as to an understanding of the theoretical basis of disease and its treatment.
An oral examination on a rough or final copy of the dissertation is conducted within one month following submission of the manuscript to the committee.
Return to: Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry offers advanced dental education programs in dental hygiene, general dentistry, endodontics, general practice residency, operative dentistry, orofacial pain, oral medicine, oral and maxillofacial surgery, pediatric dentistry, periodontology and prosthodontics, all leading to a certificate. The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry in conjunction with the Graduate School also offers combined programs in operative dentistry and craniofacial biology, in orthodontics and craniofacial biology, in pediatric dentistry and craniofacial biology, and in periodontology and craniofacial biology leading to a Master of Science degree and a certificate. In conjunction with the Keck School of Medicine, the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry offers a combined program leading to an MD degree and certificates in oral and maxillofacial surgery, orofacial pain, and oral medicine. The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry also offers an online master's degree in orofacial pain and oral medicine and geriatric dentistry. In addition to clinical seminars and clinical experience, students take basic science courses with advanced students from other departments.
The certificate curriculum consists of a core of basic science subjects plus clinical seminars and clinical experience. Elective subjects may also be selected by the student with the approval of the program director.
The estimated lengths of programs are as follows:
All programs will begin in June (date to be determined).
Applicants must hold the Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Medical Dentistry degree (or equivalent degree if educated oversees) and must present the appropriate degrees, approved transcripts and affidavits as prescribed by the Office of Dental Admissions and Student Affairs.
Prospective students must apply through the Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS) at adea.org/dental_education_pathways/pass/Applicants/Pages/default.aspx. The ADEA PASS application requires the submission of an essay, one or more Professional Evaluations, one Personal Potential Index (PPI) evaluation, an Institution Evaluation from the dental school dean, and official dental school transcripts. The application cannot be processed until all required documents are submitted.
Applicants for the integrated MD degree/oral and maxillofacial surgery certificate program must apply through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) at amcas.com.
For selection and admission to the operative/CBY, periodontics/CBY, orthodontics/CBY, and pediatrics/CBY dentistry programs, applicants are required to take the Aptitude Section of the Graduate Record Examinations; and submit competitive scores on both the quantitative and verbal sections of the examination. Likewise, all applicants for the pediatric dentistry program must take and submit competitive GRE scores. Information about this examination can be found at ets.org/gre. The last acceptable test date is in September of the year preceding desired admission.
The following material is also required to complete the application: (1) payment of an $85 processing fee (graduates of foreign dental schools or students requiring a visa must submit a $145 processing fee) directly to the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry Office of Admissions and Student Affairs; (2) applicants for General Dentistry, General Practice Residency, Orthodontic, Pediatric Dentistry and Oral Surgery programs must submit applicant agreement forms to the Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program. Information and forms can be obtained online at natmatch.com/dentres; (3) board scores Part I and Part II for all programs with the exception of the operative dentistry certificate and operative dentistry/CBY programs; MCATs are required for the Integrated MD degree/oral maxillofacial surgery certificate. GRE scores are required for operative dentistry/CBY, orthodontics, periodontics/CBY and pediatric/CBY programs. International students are required to take GREs for the two-year certificate program. These requirements may be waived at the discretion of the program director; (4) a biographical statement; (5) applicants may be asked to be available for an interview. If one is necessary, applicants will be contacted by the director of the individual advanced program; (6) applicants will be required to pay a non-refundable $1,500 tuition deposit upon notification of acceptance. (7) As a precondition to enrollment, accepted students must undergo a background screening conducted by Certiphi Screening, Inc. to help ensure patient safety and compliance with state laws and regulations and all students must provide evidence of sound health and meet the school's health requirements.
Applications for admission to advanced programs must be received as follows:
Completed applications and related information are reviewed first by the faculty of the department of interest. In selecting applicants for admission the faculty considers academic records and personal qualifications. Final approval for admission rests with the advanced education coordinating committee. Responsibility for advising the student after admission rests with the department chair.
A departmental orientation session is usually held the first week of classes, beginning in late June. Incoming students are acquainted with the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, its policies, procedures, faculty and facilities.
Dental units in the school's clinics are equipped with Midwest Company type tubing and couplers for low and high speed air hand pieces. Advanced students must provide their own adapters to fit the school's couplers unless the students' present hand pieces are already so modified. The Dental Bookstore will assist in such conversions, if necessary. The bookstore has some low speed air hand pieces available for purchase.
Students accepted into an advanced program should consult their program directors about needed equipment.
The Master of Science degree in orofacial pain and oral medicine program consists of a 36-month hybrid program (online and face-to-face) leading to a master's degree in orofacial pain and oral medicine (OFPOM). The curriculum is designed to provide practicing dentists with advanced knowledge and training in the areas of orofacial pain and oral medicine including sleep medicine.
The program consists of a series of 14 online didactic courses where the students will gain knowledge about the underlying science as well as the diagnosis, pathobiology and treatment of different oral and maxillofacial diseases and disorders. In addition to these courses, the student will attend USC for two weeks each summer during the three-year period for an additional three face-to-face assessment courses where they will be tested for knowledge acquisition using a set of objective standardized clinical examinations, oral interviews and written examinations. They will also be required to prepare a final portfolio of cases and conduct and present a research project report. During their visits to USC, the residents will gain experience diagnosing and treating patients in the USC OFOPM center.
During the year, the residents will attend weekly video conferences where online students are required to analyze, diagnose and prepare treatment plan cases that are posted for analysis. These cases will cover the following diseases: temporomandibular disorders; infectious, dysplastic, neoplastic proliferative, erosive and ulcerative oral and pharyngeal mucosal diseases. Students will also learn about and work with patients who have various salivary, neurogenic, osseous, and odontogenic infections, tumors and diseases including oral neuropathic pain, oral spasticity, migraine, tension type and chronic daily headache and sleep apnea disorders.
The advanced endodontics certificate program is a 24-month course of study. The program provides advanced students with the academic background information and clinical experience necessary for the specialty practice of endodontics. The program also requires activities in research and teaching to expose the advanced students interested to these areas of endodontics.
Advanced students are encouraged to pursue Board Certification by the American Board of Endodontics and are prepared for the certification examinations.
Emphasis is also placed on the interaction of endodontics with other specialties and general dentistry.
The program in endodontics is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), which serves as the only nationally recognized accrediting body for dentistry and the related dental field. The Commission receives its accreditation authority from the acceptance of all stakeholders within the dentistry community and recognition by the United States Department of Education. Since its inception in 1937, the Commission and its predecessors have operated within the parameters of the ADA Bylaws. The Commission serves the profession and the public by establishing and applying high-quality standards for the accreditation of educational programs in dentistry, postgraduate general and specialty dentistry, and the allied dental professions.
The Ostrow School of Dentistry offers two programs in operative and adhesive dentistry: (1) a 26-month program leading to a Certificate in Advanced Operative and Adhesive Dentistry, and (2) a 26-month combined program leading to a Certificate in Advanced Operative and Adhesive Dentistry and Master of Science in Craniofacial Biology.
The programs provide students with in-depth scientific knowledge and clinical experience in operative and adhesive dentistry, including cutting-edge technologies in biomaterials, digital (CAD/CAM), and esthetic rehabilitation. In addition, the programs offer students teaching experience through assisting the learning activities of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.
Biomaterials research is an integral part of the curriculum for both programs. Students of the combined program of Certificate in Operative and Adhesive Dentistry/Master of Science in Craniofacial Biology must complete an original research project to fulfill a thesis requirement.
The combined program in Advanced Operative and Adhesive Dentistry Certificate / Master of Science in CBY requires grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher, a minimum GRE verbal score of 40 percent rank and quantitative score of 50 percent rank. For non-native English speakers, a minimum combined TOEFL score of 90 is required with no less than 20 on each section (reading, listening, speaking and writing). Most accepted students score higher than the minimum requirement. More information on the MS in CBY can be obtained at http://catalogue.usc.edu/schools/dentistry/graduate/
The clinical, research, and teaching experiences will prepare graduates for future academic careers in dental research and education, as well as career options in dental related public organizations and private corporations.
The advanced education program in oral and maxillofacial surgery is a continuous 48-month course of study that prepares the graduate for the practice of oral and maxillofacial surgery. The program in oral surgery is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and the United States Department of Education. The program also meets the requirements of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
The program is conducted at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry and at the LAC+USC Medical Center. The course provides graduates with the necessary background for certification by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Certificates are awarded upon successful completion of the 48-month course.
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry's 24-month, certificate residency program in advanced oral medicine trains one to two residents per year to be expert clinicians in oral medicine with an emphasis on orofacial pain. The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association (ADA). The certificate curriculum is designed with a series of didactic courses where students will gain knowledge about the diagnosis, pathobiology and treatment of different oral diseases in the field of oral medicine. The field of oral medicine is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of oral mucosal diseases and infections, burning mouth, immunopathologic diseases, neoplastic diseases, osseous diseases including bisphosphonate osteonecrosis, salivary gland disorders and dysfunction, pharmacologic-related and systemic disorders that cause oral disease. The courses and clinical experiences covered in the intensive two-year program are listed below.
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry's 24-month, certificate residency program in advanced orofacial pain trains one to two residents per year to be expert clinicians in orofacial pain with an emphasis on oral medicine.
The program has received initial accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association (ADA). The certificate curriculum is designed with a series of didactic courses where students will gain knowledge about the diagnosis, pathobiology and treatment of different oral diseases in the field of orofacial pain. The field of orofacial pain encompasses masticatory musculoskeletal pain, neurogenic orofacial pain, sleep disorders related to orofacial pain, temporomandibular disorders, headaches, orofacial motor disorders including orofacial dystonias and bruxism, intraoral, intracranial, extracranial and systemic disorders that cause orofacial pain. The courses and clinical experiences covered in the intensive two-year program are listed below.
The advanced orthodontics certificate program is a 34-month course of study leading to a certificate in orthodontics and a Master of Science degree in craniofacial biology. The program in orthodontics is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and the United States Department of Education. Upon completion of all requirements, the graduate is eligible for examination and certification by the American Board of Orthodontics.
The program has as its primary mission the preparation and training of residents for clinical practice in the specialty of orthodontics. This is achieved through a broad, in-depth curriculum designed to develop proficiency in clinical orthodontics with a solid foundation in fundamental and advanced biological and mechanical principles. Graduate-level courses in the basic sciences are the core didactic component of the program. Research is also an integral part of the program, and each resident must complete an original research project to fulfill a thesis requirement.
*Students will be re-enrolled in CBY 594z until
completion of the thesis. Tuition will be charged in each trimester
of enrollment beyond Summer Session II.
**Elective course
The advanced pediatric dentistry certificate program is a 24-month course of study designed to provide students with the background information and clinical experience necessary for the practice of pediatric dentistry. The program in pediatric dentistry is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and the United States Department of Education. The program also meets the educational requirements of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
First-year studies emphasize advanced pediatric dentistry theory and clinical treatment of the "healthy" child. Students develop a sound basis in genetics, growth and development, nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic behavior guidance, physical evaluation, research methodology, statistics, interceptive orthodontics, prevention and a review of the pediatric dental literature. Second year studies concentrate on dental care of children with physical, medical, intellectual and emotional disabilities. The second year student serves as a hospital-based resident at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center or Children's Hospital of Orange County. Residents also rotate to Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center. Students gain experience in performing operating room procedures, oral conscious sedation, participating on interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary teams, providing emergency treatment and treating children with medical disabilities and pathologies in the hospital environment.
In addition to the two-year program, opportunities are available to combine the basic certificate program with a master's or doctoral degree in Craniofacial Biology (CBY).
The purpose of the combined pediatric dentistry/craniofacial biology program is to prepare highly qualified specialists in pediatric dentistry who can assume leadership positions in dental education, service to the community, dental research and oral health care of children with developmental disabilities and medically compromising conditions. The structured curriculum of this three-year program offers a strong didactic component in basic biological science and in clinical sciences as well as intensive clinical pediatric dentistry training.
An individual who elects to apply to the combined program in craniofacial biology and advanced pediatric dentistry would submit a simultaneous application to the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry and the Graduate School. See the Craniofacial Biology section of this catalogue for further information. The first year of the program would be spent in craniofacial biology and the second and third years spent in the pediatric dentistry program. After successful completion of the craniofacial biology program the student would be reviewed by the Pediatric Dentistry Admissions Committee and admitted into the certificate program. The student must satisfactorily complete the Master of Science program to be eligible for the Pediatric Dentistry Certificate.
*In addition to the required courses, a combined minimum of 36 units of PEDO 761 and PEDO 771 must be satisfactorily completed, as directed by the program director.
The advanced periodontology program offers two options: (1) a 36-month, 183-unit course of study leading to a certificate of clinical training in periodontology, or (2) a dual 36-month, 183-unit program leading to both a certificate of clinical training in periodontology and a Master of Science in Craniofacial Biology. The program in periodontology is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation, and the United States Department of Education. The program also meets the educational requirements of the American Board of Periodontology. Preparation for the certification process is an integral part of the curriculum, and all graduates are expected to achieve diplomate status of the American Board of Periodontology.
The curriculum provides a sound foundation in those basic sciences and medical sciences with direct application to clinical periodontology and implantology. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based clinical practice in order to select appropriate therapies rooted in scientific evidence in order to achieve predictable outcomes.
The USC Advanced Periodontology Program has a strong clinical component. Residents will acquire expertise in diagnosis and treatment of patients with periodontal diseases by controlling inflammation, regeneration of the periodontium where appropriate or replacement of hopeless teeth with dental implants. Residents receive extensive training in reconstruction of alveolar bone and soft tissues using advanced methods necessary for esthetic and functional periodontal and implant reconstruction. During the course of the study, periodontology residents work very closely with other disciplines in delivering complex interdisciplinary patient care. Clinical experience in pharmacosedation will also be provided.
The program in advanced prosthodontics is a 36-month course of study designed to teach didactic and clinical skills leading to competency in the specialized practice of prosthodontics. The program provides a basic science foundation, incorporating studies in physical diagnosis, anatomy, oral pathology, pharmacology and oral biology. Proficiency in fixed, removable and implant prosthodontics will be developed during the course of study from a practical and didactic aspect. There is a strong emphasis on applying principles of esthetics toward oral reconstructions and implant prosthodontics. Periodontally compromised patients are frequently encountered, so the program is closely allied with the advanced program in periodontology. Treatment planning and integrated care with allied specialties is a strength of the program.
In addition to developing clinical skills, the program requires a research methodology course and a research project.
Clinical experience in implant placement and didactic study in maxillofacial prosthetics are offered: students who want more experience in clinical care may devote more time to treating these patients. The program in advanced prosthodontics is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a special accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and the United States Department of Education. The program also meets the requirements of the American Board of Prosthodontics. A certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the program.
The General Practice Residency program consists of a 12-month first-year, full-time residency program, which is designed in conformance with the guidelines of the Council on Dental Education and the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. The program is structured to increase diagnostic acumen, general knowledge and clinical ability in dentistry.
The program is conducted primarily at the Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center, one of the nation's largest teaching hospitals, and at the Veterans Administration Los Angeles Ambulatory Care facility in downtown Los Angeles. Some of the training is also conducted at Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center, West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Hospital, the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC and other community facilities.
The program emphasizes the treatment of a wide range of oral health disorders, medical considerations related to dental care, the ability to treat medically compromised and disabled patients and teaches how to provide dental care in a hospital environment interacting with health care providers of various disciplines. Inherent in the year of training, a philosophy of practice addresses the medical psychosocial and oral health care needs of the patient.
The program in general practice is accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and the United States Department of Education.
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC and the Keck School of Medicine of USC offer a continuous 72-month integrated course of study leading to a medical degree in addition to a certificate in oral and maxillofacial surgery that prepares the graduate for the practice of oral and maxillofacial surgery. The program is fully integrated and will include advanced placement into the established medical school curriculum.
During the first three years, the student will function in the capacity of a medical student as well as a resident in the oral and maxillofacial surgery program. After the completion of the medical school curriculum, the MD degree will be awarded. This is required before the student can continue in the general surgery internship portion of the program. At the completion of the surgical internship, the student is qualified for medical licensure. During the fourth through sixth year, all required rotations and surgical training will be completed to fulfill the educational requirements of the Commission of Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
The program is conducted at the Schools of Dentistry and Medicine and at the LAC+USC Medical Center. The course of study provides the graduates with the necessary background for certification by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. The oral and maxillofacial surgery certificates are awarded upon successful completion of the entire 72-month course.
The USC School of Dramatic Arts produced more than 20 shows in 2014-2015, including classics like Chekhov's "The Seagull" and modern tales like Sara Kane's "4.48 Psychosis." Here Kimberli Flores (MFA) and Alejandro Buceta Parrón (MFA) portray a pair of doomed lovers in "Blood Match." Photo by Craig Schwartz.
One of the premier dramatic arts schools in the United States, the USC School of Dramatic Arts provides the necessary education and training for graduates to excel in the professional arts. The school promotes and supports innovative and flexible ways to achieve students' educational and professional goals.
The dramatic arts are both a collaborative endeavor and a universal means of communication. The school educates students in the history of theatre, while preparing them to add to that history, to use their talents, skill and imagination to explore the limitless possibilities the dramatic arts offer.
The USC School of Dramatic Arts is significantly enhanced by its location in Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world. Visiting guest artists frequently teach seminars, mentor students and participate in School of Dramatic Arts productions.
Graduates of the school work professionally in all aspects of the entertainment industry. The school's faculty are dynamic teachers who are also artists working at the highest level of their profession.
The breadth of learning opportunities offered at the school prepares students for the spectrum of careers in the dramatic arts, including performance, production, design, sound design, management and teaching. The School of Dramatic Arts also strives to instill confidence, integrity, excellence and artistic sensitivity into each of its students — traits that are essential to success in any field.
Drama Center 104
(213) 740-1286
FAX: (213) 740-8888
Email: info@sda.usc.edu
dramaticarts.usc.edu
David Bridel, Interim Dean
Sharon M. Carnicke, PhD, Associate Dean
Velina Hasu Houston, PhD, Associate Dean
Professors: Sharon M. Carnicke, PhD; Velina Hasu Houston, PhD
Associate Professors: Meiling Cheng, DFA; Oliver Mayer, MFA
Assistant Professors: Luis Alfaro; Takeshi Kata, MFA; Tom Ontiveros, MFA; Sibyl Wickersheimer, MFA
Professors of Theatre Practice: Andrei Belgrader, MFA; Natsuko Ohama; Andrew J. Robinson
Associate Professors of Theatre Practice: Philip G. Allen; Paul Backer, PhD; Brent Blair, PhD; David Bridel; Elsbeth M. Collins; Anita Dashiell-Sparks, MFA; Christina Haatainen-Jones; Joseph Hacker, MFA; Duncan Mahoney; Mary-Joan Negro; Jack R. Rowe; Stephanie Shroyer, MFA; Eric Trules
Assistant Professors of Theatre Practice: Paula Cizmar; Carla Della Gatta, PhD; John De Mita, MFA; Kathleen S. Dunn-Muzingo, MFA; Melinda C. Finberg, PhD; Laura Flanagan, MFA; Randy Mell; David Warshofsky, MFA
Adjunct/Part-Time Faculty of Theatre Practice: Tony Abatemarco; Rob Adler; Robert Bailey; Joe Bays, MFA; Andrew Borba, MFA; Jason Robert Brown; Tom Buderwitz; Anne Burk, MFA; Frank Catalano, MPW; Anastasia Coon, MFA; Debra DeLiso, MFA; Frank Dwyer, MA; Kirstin Eggers; Dan Fishbach; Jeff Flowers, MFA; Parmer Fuller, PhD; Terry Gordon, MFA; Michael Keenan; Mary K Klinger; Edgar Landa; Vicki Lewis; Heather Lyle, MM; Babette Markus; Kevin McCorkle; Laural Meade, MFA; Lauren Murphy, MFA; Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, MFA; Patrick Pankhurst; Leah Piehl, MFA; John Rubinstein; Julie Welch
Courtesy Joint Appointments: Thomas G. Cummings, PhD; Larry E. Greiner, PhD; Bruce Smith, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Don Llewellyn Jr., MFA; Eve Roberts, MFA; Robert R. Scales, PhD; James Wilson, MFA
The School of Dramatic Arts offers professional and academic degrees at the Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts levels as well as a Master of Arts in Applied Theatre Arts. USC offers two degree programs to undergraduate students interested in the study of theatre arts. The professional degree programs, the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Acting, Design/Technical Direction, Sound Design, and Stage Management, offer a conservatory approach to training for students committed to pursuing careers in the professional theatre, film and television industries. The Bachelor of Arts degree program (BA) incorporates a broad, general education in addition to a thorough study of drama. The Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Performing Arts Studies provides students with a broad understanding of the various disciplines. The School of Dramatic Arts also offers minor programs in applied theatre arts, theatre, musical theatre, performing arts studies and playwriting.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is ideal for students who want a broad education in addition to production and performance experience. The degree is offered in cooperation with the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
Acting: The BFA acting degree is a four-year professional training program with opportunities for performances beginning with the sophomore year. The program comprises an integrated sequence of training in acting, voice and body movement, based on the belief that an actor's emotional and imaginative abilities cannot be released without control over vocal and physical resources. This training is combined with course work in critical and historical studies, stagecraft, technical theatre, scenic design, costume and lighting. An audition is required for admission. The BFA acting program is highly competitive.
Design/Technical Direction: The BFA program in design/technical production offers two areas of study: design — incorporating study in scenic, lighting and costume design; and technical production — incorporating the study of theatrical design with training in the professional skills needed to execute stage designs. An interview is required for admission.
Sound Design: The BFA program in sound design offers the student a combination of technical, management and design training in sound design. The student is also introduced to sound recording and mixing through a series of courses offered by the USC Thornton School of Music. Students begin using this training as early as the second semester of the second year of enrollment. The skills acquired in the classroom are further explored through sound design assignments on School of Dramatic Arts public productions in each subsequent semester of the student's program. Students in the sound design program build and design the sound component for the majority of the School of Dramatic Arts' productions under the supervision of a professional staff of designers and theatre technicians. An interview is required for admission.
Stage Management: The BFA program in stage management offers the student a combination of technical, management and design training. Students begin using this training as early as the first year of enrollment. The skills acquired in the classroom are further explored through stage management assignments in each year of the student's program. An interview is required for admission.
Students in the design/technical production and stage management programs design, build and stage manage the majority of the School of Dramatic Arts' productions under the supervision of a professional staff of designers and theatre technicians.
The Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Performing Arts Studies is an interdisciplinary degree offered jointly by the School of Dramatic Arts, the School of Architecture, the School of Cinematic Arts, the Roski School of Art and Design, the Thornton School of Music, and the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
Theatre This general minor in theatre invites students to explore the many facets of this exciting field. Students have the opportunity to take a variety of classes in acting, applied theatre arts, applied theatre arts/education, playwriting, literature, stage management, directing, costume design and production. The curriculum is very flexible and encourages students to develop a primary interest for upper-division course work. All minor students are eligible to participate in performance and production projects.
Applied Theatre Arts The minor in applied theatre arts addresses the theory and practice of applying theatre arts in non-traditional settings with emphases that include education, therapy and social change.
Comedy The minor in comedy (performance) is a 20-unit minor that focuses on the theory and practice of comedy-making from the performer's perspective. Beginning with a foundation in the history of comic performance, and supplemented by courses in the fundamentals of acting and performance, the progression of the minor offers students a comprehensive theoretical and experiential education in the many differing disciplines of comedy.
Musical Theatre The minor in musical theatre, interdisciplinary in nature, is a 27-unit program incorporating the study of acting, dance or movement, vocal arts and related musical subjects presented in association with the Thornton School of Music.
Performing Arts Studies The minor in performing arts provides an interdisciplinary inquiry into the nature and aesthetics of the performing arts. It combines the disciplines of cinematic arts, dance, music and theatre. The minor is a unique course of study that looks at how the performing arts contribute to a culturally literate society.
Playwriting The minor in playwriting presents undergraduate students who are not theatre majors with a concentration in the discipline of playwriting as a means for broadening and deepening expression using the literary and performing arts. This minor offers a foundation for extended expression in dramatic writing and creative writing genres in general.
The Master of Fine Arts with a major in theatre requires 48–64 units of course work at the 400 or 500 level. The areas of emphasis include acting, theatrical design, dramatic writing and directing. These programs provide a high level of practical experience. To ensure this, the number of students accepted in each area of emphasis is strictly limited. An interview is required for admission.
The Master of Arts in Applied Theatre Arts explores the intersection of theatre arts and cultural fieldwork, encompassing the fields of theatre and therapy, theatre in education and theatre for social change/community-based theatre. Practitioners of applied theatre arts supplement their work as classroom teachers, therapists, social workers, case managers, community organizers and social activists.
Admission to the various degree programs is granted through the university's regular admission procedures in conjunction with the School of Dramatic Arts supplementary application procedure. See the Admission section of this catalogue, Undergraduate and Graduate.
Admission to the BA program is determined by academic record, experience in theatre, and information required on the USC application for admission and the School of Dramatic Arts supplementary application. Students applying for the BA program must contact the School of Dramatic Arts directly to obtain the supplementary application.
In addition to submitting a USC application for admission, a dramatic arts supplementary application and an inperson audition are required for the BFA and MFA programs. Auditions are held during January and February. Applicants should contact the School of Dramatic Arts directly to obtain supplementary application materials and to arrange for their audition.
The acting audition requires two monologues: one contemporary and one classical (preferably verse).
Auditions and interviews for all programs are held in major cities around the country including Los Angeles, Chicago and New York.
Students wishing to transfer from a community college or another four-year college or university into the Bachelor of Fine Arts curriculum must present training equivalent to their level of transfer or be prepared to take remedial work in acting, voice, movement, dramatic literature and stagecraft.
Admission to the BFA and MFA Design/Technical Direction, Stage Management and Sound Design programs is based on a personal interview and/or review of a portfolio. In addition, the student must submit a USC application for admission and a dramatic arts supplementary application.
Applicants for the design programs must present a portfolio of their work at the time of their interview with the design faculty.
Interviews are held beginning in January for the following fall semester.
Admission to full graduate standing will be granted after the satisfactory completion of one semester. A satisfactory test score on the Graduate Record Examinations and a satisfactory grade point average are also required.
Application materials and details about audition dates and locations may be obtained from the Office of Admissions and Recruitment, School of Dramatic Arts, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0791, (213) 740-1286.
In conjunction with Sarah Lawrence College and the British American Drama Academy, USC students have the opportunity to study theatre in London. For additional information, see International Study Options.
The minor in musical theatre, interdisciplinary in nature, is a 27-unit program incorporating the study of acting, dance or movement, vocal arts and related musical subjects. Admission to the minor requires an audition for music but not for theatre. See the USC Thornton School of Music for requirements.
The Bachelor of Arts with a major or minor in theatre is a comprehensive theatre degree offered in cooperation with the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Candidates for the degree must complete the university general education requirements in addition to the courses in the major prescribed by the School of Dramatic Arts. A total of 128 units is required for completion of the degree.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program requires six courses in different categories, plus writing, foreign language and diversity requirements, which together comprise the USC Core. See The USC Core and the General Education Program for more information.
Students who choose the school major are required to complete a minimum of 52 units in theatre as specified:
The Bachelor of Fine Arts provides four years of intensive training at the undergraduate level in performance studies including acting, design, sound design, stage management and technical direction. A total of 128 units of course work is required for this degree, including a minimum range of 75–84 theatre units depending on the requirements of each program.
All BFA Theatre majors are required to earn a grade point average of 2.75 (A = 4.0) in their theatre courses each semester. BFA students who fail to earn a GPA of 2.75 in their theatre courses will be placed on probation the following semester. Students who remain on probation for a consecutive second semester will be disqualified from the BFA program.
A student disqualified from continued study in the BFA program for failing to meet the GPA standards outlined above will be given the option of transferring into the BA program.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program requires six courses in different categories, plus writing and diversity requirements, which together comprise the USC Core. See The USC Core and the General Education Program for more information.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts provides four years of intensive training at the undergraduate level in performance studies including acting, design, sound design, stage management and technical direction. A total of 128 units of course work is required for this degree, including a minimum range of 75–84 theatre units depending on the requirements of each program.
All BFA Theatre majors are required to earn a grade point average of 2.75 (A = 4.0) in their theatre courses each semester. BFA students who fail to earn a GPA of 2.75 in their theatre courses will be placed on probation the following semester. Students who remain on probation for a consecutive second semester will be disqualified from the BFA program.
A student disqualified from continued study in the BFA program for failing to meet the GPA standards outlined above will be given the option of transferring into the BA program.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program requires six courses in different categories, plus writing and diversity requirements, which together comprise the USC Core. See The USC Core and the General Education Program for more information.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts provides four years of intensive training at the undergraduate level in performance studies including acting, design, sound design, stage management and technical direction. A total of 128 units of course work is required for this degree, including a minimum range of 75–84 theatre units depending on the requirements of each program.
All BFA Theatre majors are required to earn a grade point average of 2.75 (A = 4.0) in their theatre courses each semester. BFA students who fail to earn a GPA of 2.75 in their theatre courses will be placed on probation the following semester. Students who remain on probation for a consecutive second semester will be disqualified from the BFA program.
A student disqualified from continued study in the BFA program for failing to meet the GPA standards outlined above will be given the option of transferring into the BA program.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program requires six courses in different categories, plus writing and diversity requirements, which together comprise the USC Core. See The USC Core and the General Education Program for more information.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts provides four years of intensive training at the undergraduate level in performance studies including acting, design, sound design, stage management and technical direction. A total of 128 units of course work is required for this degree, including a minimum range of 75–84 theatre units depending on the requirements of each program.
All BFA Theatre majors are required to earn a grade point average of 2.75 (A = 4.0) in their theatre courses each semester. BFA students who fail to earn a GPA of 2.75 in their theatre courses will be placed on probation the following semester. Students who remain on probation for a consecutive second semester will be disqualified from the BFA program.
A student disqualified from continued study in the BFA program for failing to meet the GPA standards outlined above will be given the option of transferring into the BA program.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program requires six courses in different categories, plus writing and diversity requirements, which together comprise the USC Core. See The USC Core and the General Education Program for more information.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts provides four years of intensive training at the undergraduate level in performance studies including acting, design, sound design, stage management and technical direction. A total of 128 units of course work is required for this degree, including a minimum range of 75–84 theatre units depending on the requirements of each program.
All BFA Theatre majors are required to earn a grade point average of 2.75 (A = 4.0) in their theatre courses each semester. BFA students who fail to earn a GPA of 2.75 in their theatre courses will be placed on probation the following semester. Students who remain on probation for a consecutive second semester will be disqualified from the BFA program.
A student disqualified from continued study in the BFA program for failing to meet the GPA standards outlined above will be given the option of transferring into the BA program.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program requires six courses in different categories, plus writing and diversity requirements, which together comprise the USC Core. See The USC Core and the General Education Program for more information.
The Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Performing Arts Studies is an interdisciplinary degree offered jointly by the Kaufman School of Dance, the School of Dramatic Arts, the School of Architecture, the School of Cinematic Arts, the Roski School of Art and Design, the Thornton School of Music, and the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Candidates for the degree must complete the university general education requirements in addition to the courses in the major. Students in this major complete a core of required courses that provides them with a broad understanding of the various disciplines. The work in the major is completed by choosing courses from a wide array of course offerings from all the participating schools. A total of 128 units is required for completion of the degree.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program requires six courses in different categories, plus writing, foreign language and diversity requirements, which together comprise the USC Core. See The USC Core and the General Education Program for more information.
12 units of upper division course work from the following:
Applied theatre arts is a field of study addressing the theory and practice of applying theatre arts in nontraditional settings with emphases that include education, therapy and social change. The minor in applied theatre arts (ATA) addresses the theory and practice of applying theatre skills in these environments to promote engaged and enlivened interactive critical thinking and community development from a performative perspective. ATA minors learn how to turn passive spectators into more active participants through the process of theatre.
Courses taken for this minor may not duplicate requirements for a student's major or other minor program requirements:
It is recommended these be taken first:
It is recommended these be taken after foundation skills courses:
The minor in comedy (performance) is a 20-unit minor that focuses on the theory and practice of comedymaking from the performer's perspective. Beginning with a foundation in the history of comic performance, and supplemented by courses in the fundamentals of acting and performance, the progression of the minor offers students a comprehensive theoretical and experiential education in the many differing disciplines of comedy.
The minor in performing arts provides an interdisciplinary inquiry into the nature and aesthetics of the performing arts. It combines the disciplines of cinematic arts, dance, music and theatre. The minor is a unique course of study that looks at how the performing arts contribute to a culturally literate society. The minor in performing arts studies is a 20-unit program.
Required capstone course:
Three courses (12 units) must be upper division. One course (4 units) must be selected from each school.
Note for cinematic arts, music and theatre majors: cinema majors take 8 units of music and 8 units of theatre; music majors take 8 units of cinema and 8 units of theatre; theatre majors take 8 units of cinema and 8 units of music.
The minor in playwriting presents undergraduate students who are not theatre majors with a concentration in the discipline of playwriting as a means for broadening and deepening expression using the literary and performing arts. This minor offers a foundation for extended expression in dramatic writing and creative writing genres in general; fostering skills in research, development, communication, collaboration and craftsmanship in the process of preparing a play for its realization on stage. The minor in playwriting is a 20-unit program.
This general minor in theatre invites students to explore the many facets of this exciting field. Students have the opportunity to take a variety of classes in acting, playwriting, literature, stage management, directing, costume design and production. The curriculum is very flexible and encourages students to develop a primary interest for upper-division course work. All minor students are eligible to participate in performance and production projects.
The Master of Arts in Applied Theatre Arts explores the intersection of theatre and cultural fieldwork, encompassing the fields of theatre and therapy, theatre in education and theatre for social change/communitybased theatre. This combined area of study weaves all three disciplines together under the aegis of training practitioners in the art of popular theatre with primarily marginalized communities. Practitioners of applied theatre arts supplement their work as classroom teachers, therapists, social workers, case managers, community organizers and social activists to engage public groups to obtain their goals and desires by using the tools of theatre to expedite dialogue and foster an atmosphere of greater critical consciousness and increased agency. A written and oral examination is required upon completion of course work.
All students will participate in an international externship during the summer following their academic year. This externship takes place in an approved overseas site where the practice of applied theatre arts is well established, with whom the university has a contractual agreement for supervised observation. This externship intends to provide a supervisory, logistical and theoretical container for students to explore cultural fieldwork in the international arena.
The Master of Fine Arts in theatre allows the choice of an area of emphasis in theatre performance studies including acting, directing, dramatic writing or theatrical design.
Seventy-two units of study at the 400- or 500-level are required for the acting emphasis, 72 units for the dramatic writing emphasis and 48 units for the directing and theatrical design emphases. Regardless of the emphasis, at least two-thirds of the units must be at the 500 level or higher. In design, instead of a conventional thesis, the MFA student completes a final project in the area of design and defends it orally before the design faculty. A grade point average of 3.0 must be achieved in all graduate work taken in the School of Dramatic Arts. Graduate candidates whose undergraduate degrees are in disciplines other than theatre may be required to satisfy undergraduate prerequisites in theatre as determined by School of Dramatic Arts faculty.
Electives Units: 10
A minimum of 72 units of graduate course work must be completed prior to the degree being granted. Thesis Requirement: The student is required to complete a thesis portfolio consisting of four theatre projects: (1) a fulllength original play, (2) a full-length original play or an adaptation, (3) a full-length screenplay, (4) a project that is either a play of any length, or a short subject or feature length script, a set of television speculative scripts (either in three half-hour short form of drama from the same TV program or a set of characters; or one-hour long form) or an interdisciplinary/multimedia project (approved in advance by the dramatic writing faculty.) An oral defense and review by program faculty and the developing portfolio is required when the student has completed two-thirds of the program, generally in the fall term of the student's third year.
Return to: USC School of Dramatic Arts
The USC School of Dramatic Arts produced more than 20 shows in 2014-2015, including classics like Chekhov's "The Seagull" and modern tales like Sara Kane's "4.48 Psychosis." Here Kimberli Flores (MFA) and Alejandro Buceta Parrón (MFA) portray a pair of doomed lovers in "Blood Match." Photo by Craig Schwartz.
One of the premier dramatic arts schools in the United States, the USC School of Dramatic Arts provides the necessary education and training for graduates to excel in the professional arts. The school promotes and supports innovative and flexible ways to achieve students' educational and professional goals.
The dramatic arts are both a collaborative endeavor and a universal means of communication. The school educates students in the history of theatre, while preparing them to add to that history, to use their talents, skill and imagination to explore the limitless possibilities the dramatic arts offer.
The USC School of Dramatic Arts is significantly enhanced by its location in Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world. Visiting guest artists frequently teach seminars, mentor students and participate in School of Dramatic Arts productions.
Graduates of the school work professionally in all aspects of the entertainment industry. The school's faculty are dynamic teachers who are also artists working at the highest level of their profession.
The breadth of learning opportunities offered at the school prepares students for the spectrum of careers in the dramatic arts, including performance, production, design, sound design, management and teaching. The School of Dramatic Arts also strives to instill confidence, integrity, excellence and artistic sensitivity into each of its students — traits that are essential to success in any field.
Drama Center 104
(213) 740-1286
FAX: (213) 740-8888
Email: info@sda.usc.edu
dramaticarts.usc.edu
David Bridel, Interim Dean
Sharon M. Carnicke, PhD, Associate Dean
Velina Hasu Houston, PhD, Associate Dean
Professors: Sharon M. Carnicke, PhD; Velina Hasu Houston, PhD
Associate Professors: Meiling Cheng, DFA; Oliver Mayer, MFA
Assistant Professors: Luis Alfaro; Takeshi Kata, MFA; Tom Ontiveros, MFA; Sibyl Wickersheimer, MFA
Professors of Theatre Practice: Andrei Belgrader, MFA; Natsuko Ohama; Andrew J. Robinson
Associate Professors of Theatre Practice: Philip G. Allen; Paul Backer, PhD; Brent Blair, PhD; David Bridel; Elsbeth M. Collins; Anita Dashiell-Sparks, MFA; Christina Haatainen-Jones; Joseph Hacker, MFA; Duncan Mahoney; Mary-Joan Negro; Jack R. Rowe; Stephanie Shroyer, MFA; Eric Trules
Assistant Professors of Theatre Practice: Paula Cizmar; Carla Della Gatta, PhD; John De Mita, MFA; Kathleen S. Dunn-Muzingo, MFA; Melinda C. Finberg, PhD; Laura Flanagan, MFA; Randy Mell; David Warshofsky, MFA
Adjunct/Part-Time Faculty of Theatre Practice: Tony Abatemarco; Rob Adler; Robert Bailey; Joe Bays, MFA; Andrew Borba, MFA; Jason Robert Brown; Tom Buderwitz; Anne Burk, MFA; Frank Catalano, MPW; Anastasia Coon, MFA; Debra DeLiso, MFA; Frank Dwyer, MA; Kirstin Eggers; Dan Fishbach; Jeff Flowers, MFA; Parmer Fuller, PhD; Terry Gordon, MFA; Michael Keenan; Mary K Klinger; Edgar Landa; Vicki Lewis; Heather Lyle, MM; Babette Markus; Kevin McCorkle; Laural Meade, MFA; Lauren Murphy, MFA; Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, MFA; Patrick Pankhurst; Leah Piehl, MFA; John Rubinstein; Julie Welch
Courtesy Joint Appointments: Thomas G. Cummings, PhD; Larry E. Greiner, PhD; Bruce Smith, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Don Llewellyn Jr., MFA; Eve Roberts, MFA; Robert R. Scales, PhD; James Wilson, MFA
The School of Dramatic Arts offers professional and academic degrees at the Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts levels as well as a Master of Arts in Applied Theatre Arts. USC offers two degree programs to undergraduate students interested in the study of theatre arts. The professional degree programs, the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Acting, Design/Technical Direction, Sound Design, and Stage Management, offer a conservatory approach to training for students committed to pursuing careers in the professional theatre, film and television industries. The Bachelor of Arts degree program (BA) incorporates a broad, general education in addition to a thorough study of drama. The Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Performing Arts Studies provides students with a broad understanding of the various disciplines. The School of Dramatic Arts also offers minor programs in applied theatre arts, theatre, musical theatre, performing arts studies and playwriting.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is ideal for students who want a broad education in addition to production and performance experience. The degree is offered in cooperation with the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
Acting: The BFA acting degree is a four-year professional training program with opportunities for performances beginning with the sophomore year. The program comprises an integrated sequence of training in acting, voice and body movement, based on the belief that an actor's emotional and imaginative abilities cannot be released without control over vocal and physical resources. This training is combined with course work in critical and historical studies, stagecraft, technical theatre, scenic design, costume and lighting. An audition is required for admission. The BFA acting program is highly competitive.
Design/Technical Direction: The BFA program in design/technical production offers two areas of study: design — incorporating study in scenic, lighting and costume design; and technical production — incorporating the study of theatrical design with training in the professional skills needed to execute stage designs. An interview is required for admission.
Sound Design: The BFA program in sound design offers the student a combination of technical, management and design training in sound design. The student is also introduced to sound recording and mixing through a series of courses offered by the USC Thornton School of Music. Students begin using this training as early as the second semester of the second year of enrollment. The skills acquired in the classroom are further explored through sound design assignments on School of Dramatic Arts public productions in each subsequent semester of the student's program. Students in the sound design program build and design the sound component for the majority of the School of Dramatic Arts' productions under the supervision of a professional staff of designers and theatre technicians. An interview is required for admission.
Stage Management: The BFA program in stage management offers the student a combination of technical, management and design training. Students begin using this training as early as the first year of enrollment. The skills acquired in the classroom are further explored through stage management assignments in each year of the student's program. An interview is required for admission.
Students in the design/technical production and stage management programs design, build and stage manage the majority of the School of Dramatic Arts' productions under the supervision of a professional staff of designers and theatre technicians.
The Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Performing Arts Studies is an interdisciplinary degree offered jointly by the School of Dramatic Arts, the School of Architecture, the School of Cinematic Arts, the Roski School of Art and Design, the Thornton School of Music, and the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
Theatre This general minor in theatre invites students to explore the many facets of this exciting field. Students have the opportunity to take a variety of classes in acting, applied theatre arts, applied theatre arts/education, playwriting, literature, stage management, directing, costume design and production. The curriculum is very flexible and encourages students to develop a primary interest for upper-division course work. All minor students are eligible to participate in performance and production projects.
Applied Theatre Arts The minor in applied theatre arts addresses the theory and practice of applying theatre arts in non-traditional settings with emphases that include education, therapy and social change.
Comedy The minor in comedy (performance) is a 20-unit minor that focuses on the theory and practice of comedy-making from the performer's perspective. Beginning with a foundation in the history of comic performance, and supplemented by courses in the fundamentals of acting and performance, the progression of the minor offers students a comprehensive theoretical and experiential education in the many differing disciplines of comedy.
Musical Theatre The minor in musical theatre, interdisciplinary in nature, is a 27-unit program incorporating the study of acting, dance or movement, vocal arts and related musical subjects presented in association with the Thornton School of Music.
Performing Arts Studies The minor in performing arts provides an interdisciplinary inquiry into the nature and aesthetics of the performing arts. It combines the disciplines of cinematic arts, dance, music and theatre. The minor is a unique course of study that looks at how the performing arts contribute to a culturally literate society.
Playwriting The minor in playwriting presents undergraduate students who are not theatre majors with a concentration in the discipline of playwriting as a means for broadening and deepening expression using the literary and performing arts. This minor offers a foundation for extended expression in dramatic writing and creative writing genres in general.
The Master of Fine Arts with a major in theatre requires 48–64 units of course work at the 400 or 500 level. The areas of emphasis include acting, theatrical design, dramatic writing and directing. These programs provide a high level of practical experience. To ensure this, the number of students accepted in each area of emphasis is strictly limited. An interview is required for admission.
The Master of Arts in Applied Theatre Arts explores the intersection of theatre arts and cultural fieldwork, encompassing the fields of theatre and therapy, theatre in education and theatre for social change/community-based theatre. Practitioners of applied theatre arts supplement their work as classroom teachers, therapists, social workers, case managers, community organizers and social activists.
Admission to the various degree programs is granted through the university's regular admission procedures in conjunction with the School of Dramatic Arts supplementary application procedure. See the Admission section of this catalogue, Undergraduate and Graduate.
Admission to the BA program is determined by academic record, experience in theatre, and information required on the USC application for admission and the School of Dramatic Arts supplementary application. Students applying for the BA program must contact the School of Dramatic Arts directly to obtain the supplementary application.
In addition to submitting a USC application for admission, a dramatic arts supplementary application and an inperson audition are required for the BFA and MFA programs. Auditions are held during January and February. Applicants should contact the School of Dramatic Arts directly to obtain supplementary application materials and to arrange for their audition.
The acting audition requires two monologues: one contemporary and one classical (preferably verse).
Auditions and interviews for all programs are held in major cities around the country including Los Angeles, Chicago and New York.
Students wishing to transfer from a community college or another four-year college or university into the Bachelor of Fine Arts curriculum must present training equivalent to their level of transfer or be prepared to take remedial work in acting, voice, movement, dramatic literature and stagecraft.
Admission to the BFA and MFA Design/Technical Direction, Stage Management and Sound Design programs is based on a personal interview and/or review of a portfolio. In addition, the student must submit a USC application for admission and a dramatic arts supplementary application.
Applicants for the design programs must present a portfolio of their work at the time of their interview with the design faculty.
Interviews are held beginning in January for the following fall semester.
Admission to full graduate standing will be granted after the satisfactory completion of one semester. A satisfactory test score on the Graduate Record Examinations and a satisfactory grade point average are also required.
Application materials and details about audition dates and locations may be obtained from the Office of Admissions and Recruitment, School of Dramatic Arts, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0791, (213) 740-1286.
In conjunction with Sarah Lawrence College and the British American Drama Academy, USC students have the opportunity to study theatre in London. For additional information, see International Study Options.
The minor in musical theatre, interdisciplinary in nature, is a 27-unit program incorporating the study of acting, dance or movement, vocal arts and related musical subjects. Admission to the minor requires an audition for music but not for theatre. See the USC Thornton School of Music for requirements.
USC Rossier School of Education graduates Grant Burlew '10 and
Tensie Taylor '14 both received degrees in Postsecondary
Administration and Student Affairs (PASA). The ME PASA program
prepares students for professional roles in higher education
administration and student affairs. Graduates work in various
sectors of postsecondary education, including academic advising,
athletic administration, student recruitment and residential life.
Photo by Meiko Takechi Arquillos.
The USC Rossier School of Education is one of the world's premier centers for the study of urban education. The school is committed to preparing teachers, researchers, counselors, administrators and curricular specialists for leadership positions. The mission of the USC Rossier School of Education is to improve learning in urban education locally, nationally and globally. Urban areas often face challenges associated with equity and access, poverty, density, mobility and immigration, environmental degradation and strained social conditions around housing, health care and crime. Urban education takes place in many contexts including pre-kindergarten through high school, human services, higher education and workplace settings.
We seek to transform urban education by:
Our vision is a world where every student, regardless of personal circumstance, is able to learn and succeed. We believe that USC Rossier, as a top-tier research institution, has the responsibility and the ability to train the education leaders and to develop the innovative practices inclusive of equity and access that will help realize this vision.
The Rossier School of Education is committed to our four academic themes of leadership, diversity, learning and accountability that guide all academic, research and service efforts within our school.
USC Rossier School of Education
Waite Phillips Hall 1100
(213) 740-8313
rossier.usc.edu
Karen Symms Gallagher, PhD, Dean
William G. Tierney, PhD, Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs
Kathy Stowe, Ed., Associate Dean for Academic Programs
Kenneth Yates, EdD, Associate Dean for Program and Professional Improvement
Jerome Lucido, PhD, Associate Dean for Strategic Enrollment Services
Blair Sillers, Chief of Staff
Emery Stoops and Joyce King-Stoops Dean's Chair in Education: Karen Symms Gallagher, PhD
Stephen Crocker Professor of Education: Robert Rueda, PhD
Leslie Wilbur and Norma Lash Wilbur-Evelyn Keiffer Professor of Higher Education: William G. Tierney, PhD
Katzman/Ernst Chair in Educational Entrepreneurship, Technology and Innovation: Alan Arkatov
University Professor: William G. Tierney, PhD
Professors: Ron Avi Astor, PhD (Social Work); Estela Mara Bensimon, EdD; Henry Jenkins, PhD (Annenberg); Adrianna Kezar, PhD; Franklin Manis, PhD (Dornsife); Harold F. O'Neil Jr., PhD; Daphna Oyserman, PhD (Dornsife); Gary Painter, PhD (Price); Lawrence O. Picus, PhD; Robert Rueda, PhD; Gale Sinatra, PhD; John B. Slaughter, PhD (Engineering)
Associate Professors: Patricia Burch, PhD; Darnell Cole, PhD; Alicia Dowd, PhD; Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, PhD; Robert G. Keim, EdD (Dentistry); Julie Ann Marsh, PhD; Tatiana Melguizo, PhD; David Schwartz, PhD (Dornsife); Katharine O. Strunk, PhD; Brendesha Tynes, PhD
Assistant Professors: Morgan Polikoff, PhD; Jamy Stillman, PhD
Professors of Clinical Education: Reynaldo R. Baca, PhD; Rudy Castruita, EdD; Ginger Clark, PhD; Michael Escalante, EdD; Raymond John Gallagher, PhD; Pedro Garcia, EdD; Dennis Hocevar, PhD; Sandra N. Kaplan, EdD; Anthony B. Maddox, PhD; Azad Madni, PhD (Viterbi); Susan Metros, MFA (Technology Enhanced Learning); Eugenia Mora-Flores, EdD; Maria Ott, EdD; Margo Pensavalle, EdD; Mark Power Robison, PhD; Darlene Robles, PhD; Sylvia Rousseau, EdD; Julietta Shakhbagova, PhD; Julie Slayton, JD, PhD; Kathy Stowe, EdD; Melora Sundt, PhD; Kristan Venegas, PhD; Adlai Wertman, MBA (Marshall); Kenneth Yates, EdD
Associate Professors of Clinical Education: Shafiqa Ahmadi, JD; Mary Andres, PsyD; Ruth Gim Chung, PhD; Jenifer Crawford, PhD; Robert Filback, PhD; Frederick W. Freking, PhD; Alan G. Green, PhD; Angela Hasan, PhD; Kimberly Hirabayashi, PhD; Helena Seli, PhD; John Pascarella, PhD; Tracy Poon Tambascia, EdD; Patricia Tobey, PhD (Student Affairs)
Assistant Professors of Clinical Education: Uju Anya, PhD; Paula Carbone, PhD; Lynne Goldfarb, PhD; Briana Hinga, PhD; Jaimie Hoffman, EdD; Lynnette Merriman, EdD (Student Affairs); Emmy Min, PhD; Artineh Samkian, EdD
Associate (Teaching) Professors of Clinical Education: Michael Genzuk, PhD; Kimberly Ferrario, PhD; Corinne Hyde, EdD
Assistant (Teaching) Professor of Clinical Education: Monique Datta, EdD
Associate Research Professor: Zoe Corwin, PhD
Senior Lecturer: Kate O'Connor
Senior Fellow: Douglas Lynch, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Earl Carnes, PhD; Richard Clark, EdD; Myron H. Dembo, PhD; Mike Diamond, PhD (Marshall); Robert Ferris, EdD; Mabel E. Hayes, PhD; Edward J. Kazlauskas, PhD; Frederick Knirk, EdD; Steven Krashen, PhD; Johanna K. Lemlech, EdD; James Magary, PhD; Merle Marks, EdD; William G. Millington, EdD; William F. O'Neill, PhD; Donald E. Polkinghorne, PhD; William M. Rideout, Jr., PhD; Audrey J. Schwartz, EdD; Robert A. Smith, PhD; Eddie Williams, EdD; Kathleen Wulf, PhD
Emeritus Professor of Clinical Education: Stuart E. Gothold, EdD
Emeritus Professor of Clinical Psychology: Rodney K. Goodyear, PhD
Stoops Dean and Cooper Chair Emeritus: Guilbert C. Hentschke, PhD
Emeritus Associate Professor of Clinical Education: William Maxwell, PhD
Research Professor Emeritus of Education: Allen Munro, PhD
The Rossier School of Education offers the following degree programs: Master of Arts, Teaching; Master of Arts, Teaching: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages; Master of Education, Teacher Leadership; Master of Education, Educational Counseling; Master of Education, Learning Design and Technology; Master of Education, Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs; Master of Education, School Counseling; Master of Education, School Leadership; Master of Marriage and Family Therapy; Doctor of Education/Master of Business Administration (EdD/MBA); Doctor of Education (EdD); Organizational Change and Leadership (EdD); Global Executive (EdD); and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Urban Education Policy.
The Rossier School of Education also offers minors in Education and Society and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
Applicants for admission to graduate degree programs must have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. Admission to graduate programs in the Rossier School of Education is highly selective and competitive. A grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) is usually expected as well as satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test and three letters of recommendation. Specific testing and recommendation requirements vary by program. For specific information on admission and application procedures, contact the Office of Admission and Recruitment, (213) 740-0224.
Students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) or better to stay in good academic standing. Consistent with USC's overall policies for graduate students, factors other than satisfactory grades may also be taken into consideration in decisions regarding a student's continuation in a graduate degree program. These factors include satisfactory performance in fieldwork or credentialing requirements, or meeting program-defined professional standards, which are communicated to students at the beginning of the program.
Students who do not earn or maintain a 3.0 (A = 4.0) grade point average in an academic term will be given an academic warning in the following term. Students may also be given an academic warning if they are have not fulfilled non-GPA related requirements, as defined by their degree program. The academic warning provides notification that the student is subject to dismissal. A student who is not in good academic standing is subject to dismissal, and may be dismissed from a program whenever, in the judgment of the associate dean for academic programs and the program director of the program in question, it is unlikely that the student will successfully complete his or her program.
The time limit for completing a master's degree is five years. The time limit for completing a doctoral degree is eight years. For students who earned an applicable master's degree within five years prior to admission to the doctorate, the time limit for completion is six years.
The time limit begins with the first course at USC applied toward a specified degree and ends the semester during which all requirements are met.
A primary consideration of the setting of time limits is the currency of the course work and research with respect to the date the degree is to be conferred. Equally important is the concern that the faculty members serving as advisers or committee members be available to the student for the duration of graduate studies at USC.
Occasionally a student finds it impossible to comply with prescribed time limits for completion of a degree. If a significant delay is likely to occur, the student must make arrangements in advance by petitioning for an extension of time. Such petitions will be considered when there is clear justification based on sound academic or critical personal reasons. An academic department may grant an extension of up to one year at a time for a maximum of two years.
The Rossier School of Education offers the Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education Policy (PhD) and the Doctor of Education (EdD). Both doctoral programs place strong emphasis on the acquisition of inquiry skills and on the collaborative and interdisciplinary study of issues mutually engaging to both students and the Rossier School of Education faculty members. Both degrees emphasize the acquisition of appropriate research and inquiry skills, but the application of these skills is expected to differ. The EdD student is trained to use educational inquiry skills to solve contemporary educational problems, while the PhD student is trained to contribute to the general and theoretical knowledge about educational issues. The EdD is administered by the Rossier School of Education; the PhD is administered by the Graduate School.
PhD students must also consult The Graduate School section of this catalogue for regulations and requirements pertaining to the degree.
A credential is a license issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) to persons wishing to legally teach or perform certain other professional services in California's public schools. USC is one of several institutions authorized to recommend qualified persons to the CCTC for receipt of credentials.
There are two categories of credentials offered in the Rossier School: teaching and service. Requirements for these credentials may be obtained by calling the appropriate phone number listed below. Credential requirements may change due to state law. Students are advised to consult periodically with the Rossier School of Education for current credential requirements.
California has a two-tier credential structure. A five-year preliminary credential is the first credential issued after an individual meets basic credential requirements. A clear credential is issued when all credential requirements have been completed.
Multiple Subject Teaching (MST) authorizes the holder to teach in a self-contained classroom such as the classrooms in most elementary schools. A teacher authorized for multiple subject instruction may be assigned to teach in any self-contained classroom (preschool, grades K–12 or many subjects within a self-contained classroom). This classroom situation is generally found in preschool and elementary grades or in classes organized primarily for adults. In addition, the holder of a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential may serve in a core or team teaching setting.
Single Subject Teaching (SST) authorizes the holder to teach a specific subject(s) named on the credential in departmentalized classes such as those in most middle schools academic area. This classroom situation is generally found in middle and senior high schools. A teacher authorized for single subject instruction may be assigned to teach any subject on his or her authorized fields at any grade level: preschool, grades K–12 or in classes organized primarily for adults.
All teacher candidates must meet the following requirements in order to be recommended/endorsed for a teaching credential: successful evidence of completion and passing of the TPA (Teaching Performance Assessment) and verification of training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that covers infant, child and adult CPR skills.
Teacher certification rules and requirements vary greatly by state. Completion of a CCTC-approved program does not guarantee certification or licensure in another state. Prospective teacher candidates are strongly advised to learn about their state's requirements and to review the following accreditation statements:
Accredited in Indiana by the Indiana Commission on Proprietary Education (CPE).
The University of Southern California is registered as a private institution with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to sections 136A.61 to 136A.71. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Registration does not mean that credits earned at the institution can be transferred to all other institutions.
University of Southern California is authorized by the Washington Student Achievement Council and meets the requirements and minimum educational standards established for degree-granting institutions under the Degree-Granting Institutions Act. This authorization is subject to periodic review and authorizes University of Southern California to offer specific degree programs. The Council may be contacted for a list of currently authorized programs. Authorization by the Council does not carry with it an endorsement by the Council of institution or its programs. Any person desiring information about the requirements of the act or the applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the Council at P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430.
Prospective Washington state students are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at (360) 725-6320 or profed@k12.wa.us to determine whether this education program is approved for teacher certification or endorsements in Washington state. In addition, teachers are advised to contact their individual school district as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.
USC is approved by the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education to deliver its online program to residents.
USC is authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. This authorization must be renewed each year and is based on an evaluation by minimum standards concerning quality of education, ethical business practices, health and safety, and fiscal responsibility.
If a complaint is not settled at the institutional level, the student may contact the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, Nashville, TN 37243-0830, (615) 741-5293. If the institution uses a mediation clause in its enrollment agreement, the catalogue must describe the steps required of the student and/or the institution to initiate the mediation process.
For inquiries, contact the MAT@USC office at (213) 743-2127.
The Administrative Services Credential authorizes the holder to provide a variety of services in grades 12 and below, including preschool, and in classes organized primarily for adults. USC recommends candidates for the Clear Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. A prerequisite for admission to this program is admission to the EdD program.
For inquiries, contact the EdD Program Office, (213) 740-9323.
The Pupil Personnel Services: School Counseling Credential allows the holder to provide the following services:
USC recommends candidates for the School Counseling Credential that also authorizes the holder to perform the following duties:
For inquiries, contact the Master's Program Office, (213) 740-3255.
The Office of Professional Development offers a variety of non-degree and certificate programs for the professional educator.
Certificate programs are offered in blended formats and include: Professional Preparation for Reading, Differentiated Curriculum for Gifted and High-Ability Learners, Differentiating the Common Core State Standards, School Business Management, Induction for New Teachers, Preliminary Administrative Credential and an Equity Educators Certificate.
Professional Development also offers the in-person, two-day Summer Gifted Institute and Teacher Demonstration School intended for teachers, administrators and academic coaches of gifted and high-ability learners.
New areas to be introduced will include Early Childhood, Individualized Learning Experiences for Educators and Side-by-Side, a course for children and their families.
The Office for Professional Development provides fully custom programs as well as customized versions of its open enrollment programs. Some key areas of expertise include adult learning; teaching and learning with technology; differentiated curriculum; school district leadership development; and data-driven decision-making. The office also offers programs for international student teachers, faculty and administrators, K-12 classroom teachers, and teacher educator scholars seeking immersion in an American education environment.
For further information, contact the Office of Professional Development at (213) 740-8536.
The education and society minor seeks to examine education and its role in society. The minor is intended to help students develop broad perspectives on the purposes and forms of education and schooling, including the purpose and history of schooling; the provision of equitable opportunities for all; the factors impacting teaching, learning and achievement; and the development of engaged citizenship for more just societies through education. Students enrolled in this minor will gain multiple perspectives on education locally, nationally and internationally, including technology's role in educational outcomes. The minor provides resources for students who may want to pursue careers in education after graduation — teaching, educational advocacy through nonprofits or non-governmental organizations, university research, policymaking or educational entrepreneurship.
The Rossier School of Education offers an interdisciplinary minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). This minor is targeted to those undergraduates who wish to gain expertise in the field of English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching. The minor in TESOL also prepares students for short- and long-term careers in ESL and EFL teaching in both U.S. and international contexts.
While students can combine the TESOL courses with any major, the curriculum will particularly benefit students in linguistics, English, foreign languages, communication, international studies and other related fields. However, with its emphasis on language and culture, as well as its focus on effective teaching and inquiry, the minor in TESOL will complement almost any field of study.
Units required to complete minor: 16
At least one of the following upper-division courses needs to be completed:
*LING 210 is a prerequisite for LING 375 and LING 410 .
Please contact the program office with any questions at nelsonmm@rossier.usc.edu
The Dynamics of Early Childhood minor is intended to facilitate students' understanding of the historical implications that guide what we know and how we use the information we know related to the development of young children. The noted ideologies of theorists such as Dewey, Froebel, Pestalozzi and others will be examined from the perspectives of professions such as journalist, cinematographer, sociologist and psychologist. The effects of sources of entertainment such as children's books, films and television programs as well as consumer products such as toys will be studied in order to determine the "power" and effects they have on our developmental understandings and designs of educational needs for young children. Students will be encouraged to pursue a self-selected investigation of early childhood in order to be able to contribute as a professional, a family member, and an educator to address the roles and importance of young children in our society.
The Alternative Certification Master of Arts in Teaching is designed for individuals who wish to complete requirements for a California preliminary teaching credential while teaching full-time in an approved K-12 school district. Two programs are available: Multiple Subject and Single Subject. The Multiple Subject and Single Subject emphases are available online.
The Alternative Certification MAT Multiple Subject is designed for current full-time teachers interested in teaching at the elementary level. A minimum of 30 units is required.
The Alternative Certification MAT Single Subject is designed for current full-time teachers who are interested in teaching at the secondary level. The emphasis offers specializations in English, science (biological sciences, chemistry, geoscience or physics), mathematics and social science. A minimum of 30 units is required.
The Master of Education degree in Educational Counseling is designed for individuals seeking a career or advancement opportunities in postsecondary education as an academic or outreach counselor. The degree includes a theoretical and practical background in student affairs and counseling.
The program meets current requirements for postsecondary counseling positions in the California state system, particularly for those who wish to work in the public community college system. A minimum of 48 units is required.
or
The Master's in Learning Design and Technology program is designed for people who want to significantly improve learning and performance outcomes within their organization. Graduates will be prepared to design, implement, and evaluate learning environments and outcomes for various formal (e.g., K-12 and higher education), non-formal (e.g., corporate, military and government organizations) and informal settings (e.g., museums, science centers and public spaces). The program draws from learning and motivation research, as well as knowledge of how to leverage technology, to design face-to-face, technology-enabled, and blended learning experiences. Through the project-based capstone, students will gain practical experience by designing a learning experience or evaluating an existing learning design. The program consists of 30 units and is delivered online only.
The program for the Master of Marriage and Family Therapy is offered for those students seeking to prepare for the practice of marriage and family therapy. Students who complete this specialized professional degree program and who fulfill the additional state-mandated requirements are eligible for the State of California's Marriage and Family Therapy license. A minimum of 60 units is required.
The Master of Arts in Teaching is designed for individuals who wish to complete requirements for a California preliminary teaching credential or to strengthen their ability to facilitate learning for all students in a K–12 environment (non-credential). Three programs are available: Multiple Subject, Single Subject and Single Subject (Music Education).
The MAT Multiple Subject is designed for those interested in teaching at the elementary level. The non-credential option requires a minimum of 30 units; the credential option requires a minimum of 32 units.
The MAT Single Subject is designed for those interested in teaching at the secondary level. The emphasis offers specializations in English, science (biological sciences, chemistry, geoscience or physics), mathematics and social science. The non-credential option requires a minimum of 30 units; the credential option requires a minimum of 32 units.
The MAT Single Subject (Music Education) offers two tracks: choral/general and instrumental. A minimum of 35 units is required.
The Multiple Subject and Single Subject emphases are available online.
The Master of Education, Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs provides current and prospective professionals working in various capacities within two-year, four-year and professional postsecondary institutions with the theoretical foundation and practical applications to excel in a variety of higher education administrative and students services positions (academic advising and support services). Students will have an opportunity to develop an area of proficiency such as student affairs, athletic administration or academic advising. A minimum of 41 units of graduate-level course work is required.
or
The Master of Education, School Counseling is geared toward socially responsible individuals who are aware that many of the issues pupils confront have societal origins. Designed to prepare educators interested in becoming school counselors in grades pre-K through grade 12, successful candidates will obtain the Master of Education, School Counseling degree along with USC recommendation for the Pupil Personnel Services School Counseling Credential. Forty-nine units of course work, 100 clock hours in a practicum experience and 600 clock hours of supervised field experience are required.
School leadership matters. The Master of Education in School Leadership will prepare educational leaders with the knowledge and skills to lead effectively in urban school settings and to accelerate student achievement. Graduates will demonstrate that they can create a high achievement school culture and solve complex performance problems in K–12 schools by being able to advocate for a shared community-driven vision; create a high performance school culture and educational goals; collect data to diagnose causes of achievement gaps; plan appropriate research-based solutions; gather and manage resources; effectively communicate the plan to school administration, faculty, staff and community; and provide support for implementing, monitoring and evaluating progress toward achieving school improvement. All courses are taught through field-based experiences where problems are solved in real work settings, applying research to practice. Students who graduate from the program will be ready to work within the constantly evolving educational landscape of California and other states. A national trip is integrated into the program's curriculum.
The program is open to teachers, counselors, psychologists and other school-based personnel who have worked for a minimum of two years in such positions. Two letters of recommendation are required.
The program is only available online.
The Master of Education in Teacher Leadership provides current teachers with an in-depth exposure to pedagogy and teacher leadership development. The curriculum is designed to challenge experienced teachers to utilize technology in student-centered ways to improve learning outcomes, provide access to advanced interdisciplinary pedagogical practice, develop their capacity to initiate leadership with peers around improving instruction, and increase their understanding of successful instruction for learners with diverse needs.
Applicants to the program should have significant teaching experience. Public school teachers must hold a current teaching credential; private school teachers without a credential must be able to demonstrate at least three years of full-time teaching experience. Two letters of recommendation are required.
There are four areas of concentration in the Teacher Leadership program: (1) Differing Abilities, which focuses on understanding the range of learner needs in today's classroom; (2) Education Specialist Credential, for graduates of the Rossier MAT program seeking to add a Mild/Moderate Disabilities authorization; (3) Secondary Curriculum concentration provides Social Studies and English teachers with methods for integrating the arts, literacy and civics; and (4) Teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) provides an opportunity for teachers to foster and engage in an advanced, interdisciplinary study of instruction in STEM.
The Teacher Leadership program requires a minimum of 32 units including required core courses and completion of a concentration area.
Students select a concentration area from one of the following:
The MAT, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages is designed to prepare aspiring English language teachers, domestic and international, to successfully provide instruction for children, youth or adults in the United States or abroad. This is a non-credential option. A minimum of 30 units is required. The program may be completed on campus or online.
Aligned with USC Rossier's mission to serve high-need students in urban centers, the Certificate in Gifted Education provides graduates of the Master of Arts in Teaching program with the competencies to respond to the needs, interests and abilities of gifted students in either heterogeneous regular classrooms or specific magnet school classrooms defined for gifted and high-ability students.
The Certificate in Gifted Education enables graduates to recognize the manifestations of giftedness among cultural, linguistic and economically diverse students in urban schools, to facilitate the identification of underrepresented students as gifted and to provide differentially appropriate curriculum for them.
*Internal Applicants are students enrolled in the MAT Program
**External Applicants are students not admitted to USC or enrolled in the MAT Program who wish to complete the certificate.
The School Counseling Certificate program is designed for students enrolled in the Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT) program who wish to complete additional requirements to earn USC recommendation for a Pupil Personnel Services: School Counseling Credential. Application information is available in the Master's Program Office.
The Certificate in Special Education provides graduates of the Rossier School of Education with the competencies to respond to the needs, interests and abilities of special needs students in either regular classrooms or specific school classrooms defined for students with documented learning differences. It widens the range of the graduates' knowledge about teaching and learning allowing them to compete in the contemporary professional marketplace. A certificate in special education is mandatory in some states, and in other states, it is a criterion for consideration to teach special needs students in any type of learning environment. The certificate may be completed concurrently with requirements for the MAT or the ME in Teacher Leadership. It is also available online.
Aligned with the Rossier School of Education mission to serve the changing landscape of high needs and urban school districts, two STEM certificate programs are available to strengthen the instructional skills of novice and current teachers at the elementary or secondary level, so that they can have a positive impact on student learning in mathematics and the sciences. Both certificates widen graduates' knowledge about teaching and learning in order to compete in the contemporary professional marketplace.
Applicants must be currently enrolled in the MAT, M.E. in Teacher Leadership or capstone option of the MAT, or have a prior Master of Teaching degree and demonstrate three years of teaching experience.
*Internal Applicants are students enrolled in the MAT Program
**External Applicants are students not admitted to USC or enrolled in the MAT Program who wish to complete the certificate.
The Rossier School of Education and the USC Marshall School of Business jointly offer a dual degree program that emphasizes educational leadership and management competencies across the wide variety of educationrelated organizations in the public, non-profit and for-profit sectors and is designed to prepare students to assume executive leadership positions in these organizations, including schools, universities, educating businesses, regional, state and federal education agencies, education research institutions, and private foundations with education missions. Graduates of the EdD in Educational Leadership/MBA program will be prepared to significantly improve the scope and quality of educational services to targeted populations through the application of management skills to the field of education and of education principles to business enterprises.
A total of 90 units is required for the dual degree: 48 units in the Marshall School of Business and 42 units in the Rossier School of Education.
Students must apply to both the Marshall School of Business and the Rossier School of Education.
The Doctor of Education (EdD) is a three-year degree program that equips practitioner-scholars with the skills needed to lead high-performing organizations, connect research with practice and help all students to learn. The program is geared toward working professionals who aspire to be leaders in urban education. Admission requires a master's degree and a minimum of three years of work experience in a related field.
The EdD preliminary review must be passed before the student has completed more than 21 units. Passing the preliminary review is prerequisite to continuing in the program.
The student selects a three-member advisement committee in consultation with the adviser upon applying to take the qualifying examination.
The committee chair must have a full-time appointment in the Rossier School of Education. One member of the committee may be a faculty member elsewhere or a full-time professional educator holding a doctorate and with strength in the area of the dissertation topic, if nominated by the committee chair and approved by the director of the EdD program.
There are four areas from which students must select a specialization: K–12 Leadership in Urban School Settings, Educational Psychology, Higher Education Administration and Teacher Education in Multicultural Societies.
The EdD requires completion of 60 units of course work. A maximum of 4 dissertation units (794 Doctoral Dissertation) may be applied toward the degree. Students admitted with Advanced Standing complete a minimum of 43 units.
EdD students are required to complete 13 units of core course work:
All EdD students must complete EDUC 532 Inquiry Methods I and EDUC 536 Inquiry Methods II for a total of 6 units.
Students must complete 6 units of research course work (EDUC 792 Critique of Research in Education and EDUC 790 Research).
In consultation with assigned advisers, students take 14 units of elective course work.
Admission to candidacy is a formal action taken by the faculty of the Rossier School of Education. That action is based upon passing the qualifying examination.
A dissertation based upon original research is required. An acceptable dissertation must show technical mastery of a special field, capacity for independent research and scholarly ability. The student must be enrolled in 794 Doctoral Dissertation each fall and spring semester after admission to candidacy until the dissertation has been approved. A minimum of two semesters (4 units) is required. Enrollment in 794 prior to admission to candidacy is not permitted and such registration is invalid.
The Global Executive EdD prepares tomorrow's transformational educational leaders, policy makers, administrators and change agents for their challenging task of improving individual and national educational outcomes. The curriculum is designed to enhance the professional experience of senior educational leaders and policy makers by:
The program will focus on achieving large-scale improvements across educational systems through strategic use of policy, innovative practice and assessment. The curriculum stresses the examination of educational solutions from around the world as participants work with their own, local challenges.
Classes are delivered in Los Angeles and in Hong Kong. The total units required for the degree is 60. A maximum of 4 project units (EDUC 764a, EDUC 764b, EDUC 764c, EDUC 764d, EDUC 764z) may be applied toward the degree. Students admitted with advanced standing complete a minimum of 50 units.
The Global Executive EdD preliminary review must be passed before the student has completed more than 18 units. Passing the preliminary review is prerequisite to continuing in the program.
The Education Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership is a three-year degree program that prepares current and future leaders to create conditions that foster continuous improvement in themselves and their organizations. It emphasizes how learning occurs informally and formally in workplaces and serves as a mechanism for change and innovation in organizations and systems. Arranged by four topical streams – problem solving, leadership, dispositions of leaders and reflection – the program seeks to attract a diverse student body of current and emerging leaders who are interested in fostering learning that leads to systemic improvement in their workplaces. The primary emphasis will be on those individuals who currently hold or are seeking leadership positions within colleges/universities, traditional and non-traditional K-12 environments, chief learning officers and their related human resources staff, non-profits and governmental organizations. The degree is not linked to the credentials typically needed to become an administrator in a K-12 environment, including becoming a principal or superintendent. The degree requires a minimum of 60 units. Students with a prior master's may enter with Advanced Standing, reducing their units to 43. It is delivered only online.
The PhD program requires a minimum of 63 units of course work, comprising the following elements: Core Block (16 units), Concentration Block (15 units), Research Block (15 units), Cognate Block (12 units) and Dissertation Proposal and Dissertation Block (5 units).
The core represents the essential knowledge that serves as the groundwork for later course work and for other research and scholarly activities within the program and beyond with a particular focus on urban education. This work is completed in the first year.
Courses in this block are linked to two of the concentrations available in the Rossier School of Education PhD program. Courses in this block permit students to consider applied problems in collaboration with students in other programs.
Courses in this block provide the basic tools to pursue systematic, programmatic, empirical investigation. It includes qualitative and quantitative elements with the understanding that complex educational problems require a variety of investigative approaches. Areas include research design, analysis of variance/multiple regression, qualitative methods, measurement, advanced qualitative or quantitative analysis, or other related areas. Courses may be taken inside or outside the Rossier School of Education.
This block is designed for students to pursue interdisciplinary approaches to educational issues, and may consist of courses inside or outside the Rossier School of Education. The specific courses are determined in conjunction with the adviser.
This block includes preparation for the qualifying examination and initial dissertation proposal. It is taken during the semester of the qualifying examination and EDUC 794a Doctoral Dissertation, EDUC 794b Doctoral Dissertation (minimum of 4 units taken after a student passes the qualifying examination and has advanced to candidacy). The dissertation block is designed to prepare students for their dissertation research and continues through the writing and defense of the dissertation. The process involves intensive collaboration with the adviser and the qualifying exam committee.
The maximum number of transfer credits that can be applied toward the degree is 20 units. The faculty of the student's degree program determines whether transfer credit is applicable toward a specific graduate degree.
A designated faculty member provides the academic advisement for entering graduate students at the point of admission. A faculty member is appointed to serve as the adviser until an approved qualifying exam committee is established.
When students have completed the core course work, the doctoral screening committee assesses their performance and makes a decision about their readiness to continue in the program. Students are notified of the results by the PhD program chair and director.
The qualifying exam committee is composed of at least five members. A minimum of three, including the chair, must be from the Rossier School; one must be a faculty member from outside the Rossier School. Normally, all members of the qualifying exam committee are regular faculty with the rank of assistant professor or above in departments offering the PhD
As a prerequisite to candidacy for the PhD, students must pass written and oral qualifying examinations. The written qualifying examination is designed to assess a student's readiness to undertake dissertation research and to assess the student's ability to critically analyze and synthesize theoretical and methodological knowledge. The oral portion consists, in part, of a teaching and research portfolio. The teaching portfolio documents and reflects the student's development and productivity in thinking about course content and instructional delivery. The research portfolio documents and reflects the student's development and productivity in research and writing from the point of entry into the program.
Admission to candidacy is a formal action taken by the faculty that is based upon passing the qualifying examination and completing all PhD course requirements (with the exception of EDUC 794a, EDUC 794b, EDUC 794d, EDUC 794z Doctoral Dissertation). Notification of admission or denial of admission to candidacy is by letter from the associate vice provost for graduate programs.
After admission to candidacy and approval of the dissertation proposal, the PhD qualifying exam committee is known as the dissertation committee and is usually reduced to three members. The committee will include one faculty member from outside the Rossier School of Education but within USC, and will be chaired by a tenure track faculty member.
After the qualifying examination is passed, students must enroll in EDUC 794a, EDUC 794b, EDUC 794d, EDUC 794z Doctoral Dissertation each semester, except summer session, after admission to candidacy until all degree requirements have been completed. A minimum of two semesters (4 units) is required. A maximum of 4 dissertation units may be applied to satisfy the degree requirement. While enrolled in EDUC 794a, students will develop a dissertation proposal in collaboration with the adviser. The dissertation committee grants final approval for the proposal. Credit for EDUC 794a and permission to enroll in EDUC 794b will only be given after the dissertation proposal is approved. IRB (Human Subjects Institutional Review Board) approval is required for all dissertation studies.
Return to: USC Rossier School of Education
USC Rossier School of Education graduates Grant Burlew '10 and
Tensie Taylor '14 both received degrees in Postsecondary
Administration and Student Affairs (PASA). The ME PASA program
prepares students for professional roles in higher education
administration and student affairs. Graduates work in various
sectors of postsecondary education, including academic advising,
athletic administration, student recruitment and residential life.
Photo by Meiko Takechi Arquillos.
The USC Rossier School of Education is one of the world's premier centers for the study of urban education. The school is committed to preparing teachers, researchers, counselors, administrators and curricular specialists for leadership positions. The mission of the USC Rossier School of Education is to improve learning in urban education locally, nationally and globally. Urban areas often face challenges associated with equity and access, poverty, density, mobility and immigration, environmental degradation and strained social conditions around housing, health care and crime. Urban education takes place in many contexts including pre-kindergarten through high school, human services, higher education and workplace settings.
We seek to transform urban education by:
Our vision is a world where every student, regardless of personal circumstance, is able to learn and succeed. We believe that USC Rossier, as a top-tier research institution, has the responsibility and the ability to train the education leaders and to develop the innovative practices inclusive of equity and access that will help realize this vision.
The Rossier School of Education is committed to our four academic themes of leadership, diversity, learning and accountability that guide all academic, research and service efforts within our school.
USC Rossier School of Education
Waite Phillips Hall 1100
(213) 740-8313
rossier.usc.edu
Karen Symms Gallagher, PhD, Dean
William G. Tierney, PhD, Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs
Kathy Stowe, Ed., Associate Dean for Academic Programs
Kenneth Yates, EdD, Associate Dean for Program and Professional Improvement
Jerome Lucido, PhD, Associate Dean for Strategic Enrollment Services
Blair Sillers, Chief of Staff
Emery Stoops and Joyce King-Stoops Dean's Chair in Education: Karen Symms Gallagher, PhD
Stephen Crocker Professor of Education: Robert Rueda, PhD
Leslie Wilbur and Norma Lash Wilbur-Evelyn Keiffer Professor of Higher Education: William G. Tierney, PhD
Katzman/Ernst Chair in Educational Entrepreneurship, Technology and Innovation: Alan Arkatov
University Professor: William G. Tierney, PhD
Professors: Ron Avi Astor, PhD (Social Work); Estela Mara Bensimon, EdD; Henry Jenkins, PhD (Annenberg); Adrianna Kezar, PhD; Franklin Manis, PhD (Dornsife); Harold F. O'Neil Jr., PhD; Daphna Oyserman, PhD (Dornsife); Gary Painter, PhD (Price); Lawrence O. Picus, PhD; Robert Rueda, PhD; Gale Sinatra, PhD; John B. Slaughter, PhD (Engineering)
Associate Professors: Patricia Burch, PhD; Darnell Cole, PhD; Alicia Dowd, PhD; Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, PhD; Robert G. Keim, EdD (Dentistry); Julie Ann Marsh, PhD; Tatiana Melguizo, PhD; David Schwartz, PhD (Dornsife); Katharine O. Strunk, PhD; Brendesha Tynes, PhD
Assistant Professors: Morgan Polikoff, PhD; Jamy Stillman, PhD
Professors of Clinical Education: Reynaldo R. Baca, PhD; Rudy Castruita, EdD; Ginger Clark, PhD; Michael Escalante, EdD; Raymond John Gallagher, PhD; Pedro Garcia, EdD; Dennis Hocevar, PhD; Sandra N. Kaplan, EdD; Anthony B. Maddox, PhD; Azad Madni, PhD (Viterbi); Susan Metros, MFA (Technology Enhanced Learning); Eugenia Mora-Flores, EdD; Maria Ott, EdD; Margo Pensavalle, EdD; Mark Power Robison, PhD; Darlene Robles, PhD; Sylvia Rousseau, EdD; Julietta Shakhbagova, PhD; Julie Slayton, JD, PhD; Kathy Stowe, EdD; Melora Sundt, PhD; Kristan Venegas, PhD; Adlai Wertman, MBA (Marshall); Kenneth Yates, EdD
Associate Professors of Clinical Education: Shafiqa Ahmadi, JD; Mary Andres, PsyD; Ruth Gim Chung, PhD; Jenifer Crawford, PhD; Robert Filback, PhD; Frederick W. Freking, PhD; Alan G. Green, PhD; Angela Hasan, PhD; Kimberly Hirabayashi, PhD; Helena Seli, PhD; John Pascarella, PhD; Tracy Poon Tambascia, EdD; Patricia Tobey, PhD (Student Affairs)
Assistant Professors of Clinical Education: Uju Anya, PhD; Paula Carbone, PhD; Lynne Goldfarb, PhD; Briana Hinga, PhD; Jaimie Hoffman, EdD; Lynnette Merriman, EdD (Student Affairs); Emmy Min, PhD; Artineh Samkian, EdD
Associate (Teaching) Professors of Clinical Education: Michael Genzuk, PhD; Kimberly Ferrario, PhD; Corinne Hyde, EdD
Assistant (Teaching) Professor of Clinical Education: Monique Datta, EdD
Associate Research Professor: Zoe Corwin, PhD
Senior Lecturer: Kate O'Connor
Senior Fellow: Douglas Lynch, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Earl Carnes, PhD; Richard Clark, EdD; Myron H. Dembo, PhD; Mike Diamond, PhD (Marshall); Robert Ferris, EdD; Mabel E. Hayes, PhD; Edward J. Kazlauskas, PhD; Frederick Knirk, EdD; Steven Krashen, PhD; Johanna K. Lemlech, EdD; James Magary, PhD; Merle Marks, EdD; William G. Millington, EdD; William F. O'Neill, PhD; Donald E. Polkinghorne, PhD; William M. Rideout, Jr., PhD; Audrey J. Schwartz, EdD; Robert A. Smith, PhD; Eddie Williams, EdD; Kathleen Wulf, PhD
Emeritus Professor of Clinical Education: Stuart E. Gothold, EdD
Emeritus Professor of Clinical Psychology: Rodney K. Goodyear, PhD
Stoops Dean and Cooper Chair Emeritus: Guilbert C. Hentschke, PhD
Emeritus Associate Professor of Clinical Education: William Maxwell, PhD
Research Professor Emeritus of Education: Allen Munro, PhD
The Rossier School of Education offers the following degree programs: Master of Arts, Teaching; Master of Arts, Teaching: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages; Master of Education, Teacher Leadership; Master of Education, Educational Counseling; Master of Education, Learning Design and Technology; Master of Education, Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs; Master of Education, School Counseling; Master of Education, School Leadership; Master of Marriage and Family Therapy; Doctor of Education/Master of Business Administration (EdD/MBA); Doctor of Education (EdD); Organizational Change and Leadership (EdD); Global Executive (EdD); and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Urban Education Policy.
The Rossier School of Education also offers minors in Education and Society and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
Applicants for admission to graduate degree programs must have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. Admission to graduate programs in the Rossier School of Education is highly selective and competitive. A grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) is usually expected as well as satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test and three letters of recommendation. Specific testing and recommendation requirements vary by program. For specific information on admission and application procedures, contact the Office of Admission and Recruitment, (213) 740-0224.
Students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) or better to stay in good academic standing. Consistent with USC's overall policies for graduate students, factors other than satisfactory grades may also be taken into consideration in decisions regarding a student's continuation in a graduate degree program. These factors include satisfactory performance in fieldwork or credentialing requirements, or meeting program-defined professional standards, which are communicated to students at the beginning of the program.
Students who do not earn or maintain a 3.0 (A = 4.0) grade point average in an academic term will be given an academic warning in the following term. Students may also be given an academic warning if they are have not fulfilled non-GPA related requirements, as defined by their degree program. The academic warning provides notification that the student is subject to dismissal. A student who is not in good academic standing is subject to dismissal, and may be dismissed from a program whenever, in the judgment of the associate dean for academic programs and the program director of the program in question, it is unlikely that the student will successfully complete his or her program.
The time limit for completing a master's degree is five years. The time limit for completing a doctoral degree is eight years. For students who earned an applicable master's degree within five years prior to admission to the doctorate, the time limit for completion is six years.
The time limit begins with the first course at USC applied toward a specified degree and ends the semester during which all requirements are met.
A primary consideration of the setting of time limits is the currency of the course work and research with respect to the date the degree is to be conferred. Equally important is the concern that the faculty members serving as advisers or committee members be available to the student for the duration of graduate studies at USC.
Occasionally a student finds it impossible to comply with prescribed time limits for completion of a degree. If a significant delay is likely to occur, the student must make arrangements in advance by petitioning for an extension of time. Such petitions will be considered when there is clear justification based on sound academic or critical personal reasons. An academic department may grant an extension of up to one year at a time for a maximum of two years.
The Rossier School of Education offers the Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education Policy (PhD) and the Doctor of Education (EdD). Both doctoral programs place strong emphasis on the acquisition of inquiry skills and on the collaborative and interdisciplinary study of issues mutually engaging to both students and the Rossier School of Education faculty members. Both degrees emphasize the acquisition of appropriate research and inquiry skills, but the application of these skills is expected to differ. The EdD student is trained to use educational inquiry skills to solve contemporary educational problems, while the PhD student is trained to contribute to the general and theoretical knowledge about educational issues. The EdD is administered by the Rossier School of Education; the PhD is administered by the Graduate School.
PhD students must also consult The Graduate School section of this catalogue for regulations and requirements pertaining to the degree.
A credential is a license issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) to persons wishing to legally teach or perform certain other professional services in California's public schools. USC is one of several institutions authorized to recommend qualified persons to the CCTC for receipt of credentials.
There are two categories of credentials offered in the Rossier School: teaching and service. Requirements for these credentials may be obtained by calling the appropriate phone number listed below. Credential requirements may change due to state law. Students are advised to consult periodically with the Rossier School of Education for current credential requirements.
California has a two-tier credential structure. A five-year preliminary credential is the first credential issued after an individual meets basic credential requirements. A clear credential is issued when all credential requirements have been completed.
Multiple Subject Teaching (MST) authorizes the holder to teach in a self-contained classroom such as the classrooms in most elementary schools. A teacher authorized for multiple subject instruction may be assigned to teach in any self-contained classroom (preschool, grades K–12 or many subjects within a self-contained classroom). This classroom situation is generally found in preschool and elementary grades or in classes organized primarily for adults. In addition, the holder of a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential may serve in a core or team teaching setting.
Single Subject Teaching (SST) authorizes the holder to teach a specific subject(s) named on the credential in departmentalized classes such as those in most middle schools academic area. This classroom situation is generally found in middle and senior high schools. A teacher authorized for single subject instruction may be assigned to teach any subject on his or her authorized fields at any grade level: preschool, grades K–12 or in classes organized primarily for adults.
All teacher candidates must meet the following requirements in order to be recommended/endorsed for a teaching credential: successful evidence of completion and passing of the TPA (Teaching Performance Assessment) and verification of training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that covers infant, child and adult CPR skills.
Teacher certification rules and requirements vary greatly by state. Completion of a CCTC-approved program does not guarantee certification or licensure in another state. Prospective teacher candidates are strongly advised to learn about their state's requirements and to review the following accreditation statements:
Accredited in Indiana by the Indiana Commission on Proprietary Education (CPE).
The University of Southern California is registered as a private institution with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to sections 136A.61 to 136A.71. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Registration does not mean that credits earned at the institution can be transferred to all other institutions.
University of Southern California is authorized by the Washington Student Achievement Council and meets the requirements and minimum educational standards established for degree-granting institutions under the Degree-Granting Institutions Act. This authorization is subject to periodic review and authorizes University of Southern California to offer specific degree programs. The Council may be contacted for a list of currently authorized programs. Authorization by the Council does not carry with it an endorsement by the Council of institution or its programs. Any person desiring information about the requirements of the act or the applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the Council at P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430.
Prospective Washington state students are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at (360) 725-6320 or profed@k12.wa.us to determine whether this education program is approved for teacher certification or endorsements in Washington state. In addition, teachers are advised to contact their individual school district as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.
USC is approved by the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education to deliver its online program to residents.
USC is authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. This authorization must be renewed each year and is based on an evaluation by minimum standards concerning quality of education, ethical business practices, health and safety, and fiscal responsibility.
If a complaint is not settled at the institutional level, the student may contact the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, Nashville, TN 37243-0830, (615) 741-5293. If the institution uses a mediation clause in its enrollment agreement, the catalogue must describe the steps required of the student and/or the institution to initiate the mediation process.
For inquiries, contact the MAT@USC office at (213) 743-2127.
The Administrative Services Credential authorizes the holder to provide a variety of services in grades 12 and below, including preschool, and in classes organized primarily for adults. USC recommends candidates for the Clear Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. A prerequisite for admission to this program is admission to the EdD program.
For inquiries, contact the EdD Program Office, (213) 740-9323.
The Pupil Personnel Services: School Counseling Credential allows the holder to provide the following services:
USC recommends candidates for the School Counseling Credential that also authorizes the holder to perform the following duties:
For inquiries, contact the Master's Program Office, (213) 740-3255.
The Office of Professional Development offers a variety of non-degree and certificate programs for the professional educator.
Certificate programs are offered in blended formats and include: Professional Preparation for Reading, Differentiated Curriculum for Gifted and High-Ability Learners, Differentiating the Common Core State Standards, School Business Management, Induction for New Teachers, Preliminary Administrative Credential and an Equity Educators Certificate.
Professional Development also offers the in-person, two-day Summer Gifted Institute and Teacher Demonstration School intended for teachers, administrators and academic coaches of gifted and high-ability learners.
New areas to be introduced will include Early Childhood, Individualized Learning Experiences for Educators and Side-by-Side, a course for children and their families.
The Office for Professional Development provides fully custom programs as well as customized versions of its open enrollment programs. Some key areas of expertise include adult learning; teaching and learning with technology; differentiated curriculum; school district leadership development; and data-driven decision-making. The office also offers programs for international student teachers, faculty and administrators, K-12 classroom teachers, and teacher educator scholars seeking immersion in an American education environment.
For further information, contact the Office of Professional Development at (213) 740-8536.
Faculty
and undergraduates from the USC Viterbi School of Engineering show
their spirit in the Piazza Trilussa in Trastevere, Rome as part of
the school's summer European program. While taking two
major-related courses and exploring the local environs, students
learn more about other cultures as well as gain perspective on
technology issues in other countries. As evidenced in this photo, a
growing number of women are entering the engineering field; 37
percent of the Viterbi School's 2014 freshman class was female,
which is almost exactly twice the national average for
undergraduate engineering enrollments.
The USC Viterbi School of Engineering is innovative, elite and internationally recognized for creating new models of education, research and commercialization that are firmly rooted in real world needs. The school's first priorities are the education of outstanding students and the pursuit and publication of new research.
As the school's faculty and students extend the frontiers of engineering knowledge through their research, they also apply engineering and technology to address societal challenges. The school stimulates and encourages qualities of scholarship, leadership, ambition and character that mark the true academic and professional engineer — to serve California, the nation and the world. At USC Viterbi, we call this the enabling power of Engineering+.
Courses in engineering were first offered at USC in the 1905–06 academic year in the basement of one of the oldest buildings on campus. Today, 210 full-time, tenure track faculty (and more than 330 total full-time faculty) serve over 3,000 undergraduates in major and minor programs and more than 5,100 graduate students, utilizing extensive and technically advanced laboratories, classrooms and live interactive high-speed Internet broadcast systems. Government and industry annually fund nearly $188 million worth of research.
Viterbi undergraduate support programs complement and strengthen the academic experience, enhancing both depth and scope. Viterbi graduate education is outstanding preparation for advanced research and professional careers. The PhD program is built around fellowships, teaching assistantships and research appointments, and produces a steadily growing core of doctoral graduates across the disciplines. The master's and professional programs are national and global leaders in advanced training for professional engineers.
Yannis C. Yortsos, PhD, Dean
John O'Brien, PhD, Executive Vice Dean
Maja Matarić, PhD, Vice Dean
James E. Moore II, PhD, Vice Dean
Prem Natarajan, PhD, Vice Dean
Timothy Pinkston, PhD, Vice Dean
Cauligi Raghavendra, PhD, Vice Dean
Linda Rock, MA, Vice Dean
Kelly Goulis, MS, Senior Associate Dean
Mary Ann Schwartz, Senior Associate Dean
Louise A. Yates, MS, Senior Associate Dean
David Murphy, Chief Financial Officer
The Viterbi School of Engineering offers the following undergraduate curricula leading to the Bachelor of Science in: Aerospace Engineering; Applied Mechanics; Astronautical Engineering; Biomedical Engineering; Chemical Engineering; Civil Engineering; Computer Engineering and Computer Science; Computer Science; Computer Science/Business Administration (with the Marshall School of Business); Computer Science (Games); Electrical Engineering; Environmental Engineering; Industrial and Systems Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; and Physics/Computer Science (with the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences).
Minor programs are offered in: 3-D Animation; Applied Computer Security; Astronautical Engineering; Computer and Digital Forensics; Computer Programming; Computer Science; Construction Planning and Management (with the Price School of Public Policy); Craniofacial and Dental Technology (with the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry and the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences); Engineering Management; Enterprise Information Systems; Environmental Engineering; Innovation: The Digital Entrepreneur (with the Marshall School of Business); Mobile App Development; Petroleum Engineering; Technology Commercialization (with the Marshall School of Business); Video Game Design and Management; Video Game Programming; Web Technologies and Applications.
Graduate curricula leading to the Master of Science in: Aerospace Engineering; Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering (Computational Fluid and Solid Mechanics); Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering (Dynamics and Control); Analytics; Astronautical Engineering; Biomedical Engineering; Biomedical Engineering (Medical Imaging and Imaging Informatics); Chemical Engineering; Civil Engineering; Civil Engineering (Construction Engineering); Civil Engineering (Structural Engineering); Civil Engineering (Transportation Engineering); Civil Engineering (Transportation Systems); Civil Engineering (Water and Waste Management); Computer Engineering; Computer Science; Computer Science (Computer Networks); Computer Science (Computer Security); Computer Science (Data Science); Computer Science (Game Development); Computer Science (High Performance Computing and Simulations); Computer Science (Intelligent Robotics); Computer Science (Multimedia and Creative Technologies); Computer Science (Scientists and Engineers); Computer Science (Software Engineering); Cyber Security Engineering; Data Informatics; Electrical Engineering; Electrical Engineering (Computer Networks); Electrical Engineering (Electric Power); Electrical Engineering (Multimedia and Creative Technologies); Electrical Engineering (VLSI Design); Electrical Engineering (Wireless Health Technology); Electrical Engineering (Wireless Networks); Engineering Management; Environmental Engineering; Financial Engineering; Global Supply Chain Management (with the Marshall School of Business); Green Technologies; Health Systems Management Engineering (with the Price School of Public Policy, not currently accepting applications); Industrial and Systems Engineering; Manufacturing Engineering; Materials Engineering; Materials Science; Mechanical Engineering; Mechanical Engineering (Energy Conversion); Mechanical Engineering (Nuclear Power: not currently accepting applications); Medical Device and Diagnostic Engineering; Operations Research Engineering; Petroleum Engineering; Petroleum Engineering (Geoscience Technologies); Petroleum Engineering (Smart Oilfield Technologies); Product Development Engineering; Spatial Informatics; and Systems Architecting and Engineering.
Graduate curricula leading to the Master of Construction Management and the Master of Communication Informatics.
Graduate curricula leading to dual degrees in: Master of Science Aerospace Engineering / Master of Science Engineering Management, Master of Science Electrical Engineering / Master of Science Engineering Management, Master of Science Industrial and Systems Engineering / Master of Business Administration and Master of Science Mechanical Engineering / Master of Science Engineering Management.
Graduate curricula leading to the Engineer degree in: Aerospace Engineering; Astronautical Engineering; Chemical Engineering; Civil Engineering; Electrical Engineering; Environmental Engineering; Industrial and Systems Engineering; Materials Science; Mechanical Engineering; and Petroleum Engineering.
Through the Graduate School, graduate curricula leading to the Doctor of Philosophy in: Aerospace Engineering; Astronautical Engineering; Biomedical Engineering; Chemical Engineering; Civil Engineering; Computer Engineering; Computer Science; Electrical Engineering; Engineering (Environmental Engineering); Industrial and Systems Engineering; Materials Science; Mechanical Engineering; and Petroleum Engineering.
Graduate certificates in: Astronautical Engineering; Health Systems Operations (with the Price School of Public Policy); Health, Technology and Engineering (with the Keck School of Medicine); Network Centric Systems; Smart Oilfield Technologies; Software Architecture; Systems Architecting and Engineering; and Transportation Systems (with the Price School of Public Policy).
The Bachelor of Science degrees in aerospace engineering, astronautical engineering, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering and computer science, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, industrial and systems engineering, and mechanical engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, abet.org. The Bachelor of Science degrees in computer engineering and computer science and in computer science are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, abet.org.
By the time of graduation from Bachelor of Science degree programs accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, students will develop at least the following abilities and knowledge:
By the time of graduation from Bachelor of Science degree programs accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, students will develop at least the following abilities and knowledge:
USC undergraduate students who have not been admitted to the Viterbi School of Engineering may apply to add an engineering major with the approval of the Associate Dean for Admission for the Viterbi School. Students seeking approval to add an engineering major must complete required prerequisite courses and submit a Request to Change Major to Engineering form to the Admission and Student Affairs Office in Ronald Tutor Hall 110. Approval is granted on the basis of academic performance at USC and in the required prerequisite courses in the Viterbi School within a specific number of semesters.
Non-engineering students may complete a maximum of four engineering courses. No further engineering courses may be taken unless admission has been approved.
Certain general requirements are common to all undergraduate curricula for Bachelor of Science degrees in Engineering. These are as follows:
A minimum total of 128 acceptable units is required to earn the Bachelor of Science in Engineering. Exceptions are: aerospace engineering, 130 units; biomedical engineering with an emphasis in electrical engineering, 133 units; biomedical engineering with an emphasis in mechanical engineering, 132 units; chemical engineering, 133 units; chemical engineering with an emphasis in biochemical engineering, 133 units; chemical engineering with an emphasis in environmental engineering, 136 units; chemical engineering with an emphasis in nanotechnology, 132 units; chemical engineering with an emphasis in petroleum engineering, 137 units; chemical engineering with an emphasis in polymer/materials science engineering, 137 units; civil engineering, 131 units; civil engineering with an emphasis in building science, 135–36 units; civil engineering with an emphasis in environmental engineering, 129-130 units; civil engineering with an emphasis in structural engineering, 131 units; electrical engineering, 131 units; environmental engineering, 131–134 units.
Not more than 4 units may be physical education activity courses, provided the department allows it in the program.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus writing and two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies). See the General Education Program for more information.
Students in the Viterbi School of Engineering must satisfy the general education requirements. Students satisfy Core Literacy requirements in life sciences, physical sciences, and quantitative reasoning with the basic science and mathematics elements of their undergraduate engineering programs.
Students in the engineering "3-2" program are not required to satisfy general education requirements or the lower-division writing requirement for USC; these students are understood to have satisfied USC's general education requirements when they have satisfied the general education requirements and lower level writing requirement at their previous institution. All students must, however, complete the WRIT 340 requirement.
Sixteen units or more, including three semesters of calculus, are required.
Twelve units or more of biology, chemistry or physics are required.
All students must complete a minimum of 64 units at USC in order to receive a USC degree. In addition, the Viterbi School of Engineering requires that students complete all upper-division units required for the major in residence.
For students in the Viterbi School of Engineering "3-2" Program, at least 48 units must be earned in courses taken at USC.
For graduation with a bachelor's degree, a grade point average of C (2.0) or higher is required in all upper division courses applied toward the major including any approved substitutes for these courses taken at USC. Additional scholarship requirements for the various majors are listed under the departmental headings.
A grade point average of at least 2.0 is required on all course work attempted at USC.
Transfer students must meet these averages, both on residence work attempted and on combined transferred and residence courses attempted.
A student whose overall GPA falls below 2.0 is placed on academic probation. Continued enrollment requires clearance from an academic review counselor.
Each semester, students on academic probation are required to receive academic advisement. Proof of advisement must be filed with the Academic Review Department before any registration requests will be processed. The only acceptable proof of advisement is an official academic review advisement record signed by the student's academic adviser and a representative from the Viterbi Admission and Student Affairs Division. Academic review advisement forms may be obtained from Tutor Hall of Engineering (RTH) 110 or John Hubbard Hall 113.
Students on probation are encouraged to utilize the academic services (advisement and free tutoring) provided by the Viterbi Admission and Student Affairs Division.
Students on academic probation who do not raise their overall GPA to 2.0 after two semesters of enrollment (excluding summers) will be academically disqualified from the university. However, if a student earns a minimum semester GPA of 2.3 in the second or any subsequent probation semester but has not yet reached an overall 2.0 GPA, the student will not be disqualified and will be allowed to enroll an additional semester.
Petitions for readmission after academic disqualification are initiated by the student through the Academic Review Department. All grade issues (IN, MG, etc.) must be resolved prior to the submission of such a petition. Before petitioning for readmission, a student must complete a minimum of 12 semester units of transferable course work (applicable to USC degree requirements) with a minimum 3.0 GPA. University residency requirements will determine whether these units are accepted as transfer credit.
As readmission to the university is never guaranteed, any indication of strong academic performance beyond the 12 unit minimum would strengthen a readmission petition.
Students must petition for readmission by December 30 for the spring semester, by May 1 for the summer session and by August 15 for the fall semester. Late petitions will not be accepted. A non-refundable fee determined by the Academic Review Office must accompany all readmission petitions.
The Viterbi Admission and Student Affairs Division, located in Ronald Tutor Hall of Engineering (RTH) 110, begins to assist students as soon as they express an interest in engineering and continues working with them until, and in some cases after, they graduate.
The office is not only responsible for working with prospective students, but also with continuing students as well. It directs special services and programs, provides a variety of support services, sponsors student organizations, is involved with student government and acts as a liaison with other university offices.
The Viterbi Admission and Student Affairs Division enables engineering students to have maximize their potential at USC.
The Center for Engineering Diversity (CED) provides a variety of services for historically underrepresented students in engineering (African-American, Hispanic and Native American students, including women). Prior to their first semester in Viterbi, freshmen can participate in a four-week summer residential program (Summer Institute).
Contact the Center for Engineering Diversity at (213) 740-1999 for more information.
The Women in Engineering Program (WIE) offers professional, academic and co-curricular support to the women of the Viterbi School. The goal of the Viterbi Women in Engineering Program is to recognize the unique challenges that female engineering students will face, provide resources and overall support to address these challenges, and allow our female students to find academic and personal success during their Viterbi career and beyond.
The Klein Institute for Undergraduate Engineering Life (KIUEL) was established to provide Viterbi undergraduates with a variety of personal and professional activities designed to enhance undergraduate engineering student life experiences outside the classroom. The KIUEL Programming Board implements programs around leadership, service learning and globalization, and cross-disciplinary learning. Past KIUEL events have included the KIUEL Weekend for Leaders, the KIUEL Showcase and the Senior Design Expo. For more information, visit viterbi.usc.edu/kiuel.
Every year, a select group of promising incoming freshmen are invited by faculty to work on projects in their research laboratories as part of the Viterbi Fellows Program. These student researchers actively participate in the development of new technology throughout their undergraduate careers.
In addition to giving students excellent first-hand experience, this program can help offset the cost of education since each participant earns wages for his or her work. This renewable award is separate from other financial assistance offered by the university.
The student must apply for renewal of his or her award by March 1 of each year. Continuing students can use the same application form to apply for the award starting in their sophomore year.
The Viterbi School encourages students to pursue their academic and co-curricular involvement keeping the "Grand Challenges" in mind. The USC Viterbi Grand Challenges Scholar Program (GCSP) helps students organize their time spent focused on exploring results that benefit society.
Each year, the top 25 students who successfully complete the USC Viterbi GCSP areas will be named National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenges Scholars, recognized both by USC at graduation and the National Academy of Engineering.
Students interested in being designated as Grand Challenge Scholars should demonstrate involvement related to a specific Grand Challenge topic in each of the five areas below. Successful students must carry their involvement related to the challenge across five dimensions:
For more information, contact the Viterbi Admission and Student Affairs Division office in RTH 110.
The First Year Excellence (FYE) program helps first-year students develop strong connections to the university and the Viterbi School of Engineering. FYE promotes academic exploration and success through its co-curricular programs, support services and resources during students' first year. Freshman academies, introductory courses and the Viterbi Spotlight Series help guide students as they explore engineering. Academic advisers work with all freshman students to ensure they are on track academically and to assist with acclimating to college life and USC. Free tutoring, group-led supplemental instruction sessions, workshops and seminars on time management and networking with faculty are available to students to assist them in accomplishing their goals.
The Viterbi School of Engineering provides extensive career services to all students. Students are encouraged to register with Viterbi Career Connections during their first year at USC via the Viterbi Gateway portal. By doing so, they will be kept informed of all career-related events such as company information sessions, career preparation workshops, industry luncheons and career fairs. In addition, students are able to participate in the school's extensive on-campus interview program.
USC's Viterbi School of Engineering attracts employers not only from Southern California, but from across the country. A few of the many companies that have recently hired Co-ops, interns and permanent employees from the Viterbi school include: Accenture, Amgen, Alcon Laboratories, Inc., The Boeing Company, Chevron Corporation, Cisco Systems, Inc., Clark Construction, Google, IBM, Intel, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Kiewit Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Morley Builders, NASA, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Parsons Corporation, Raytheon, Turner Construction Company, Walt Disney Imagineering and Yahoo.
By participating in the Co-op Program, students can earn degree credit and industry work experience before they graduate. Co-op improves students' understanding of the relationship between theory and practice, helps them fine-tune their career goals and aids in the acquisition of important engineering skills. Students' work assignments are closely related to their specific degree program and are appropriate to their current academic level.
Participation in the program is open to all full-time undergraduate engineering majors. Students are eligible to apply for Co-op the second semester of their sophomore year. Though the sequence may vary, students typically have one summer work experience in addition to one semester immediately preceding or following one of the summer sessions. While on assignment, students enroll in a 1–2 unit course (ENGR 395a, ENGR 395b, ENGR 395c, ENGR 395d) that aids in the integration of both on-campus and off-campus learning. With departmental approval, credit toward a degree may be earned upon completion of this course.
For those students wishing greater depth and breadth in the liberal arts, the Viterbi School of Engineering has developed agreements with more than 20 liberal arts colleges nationwide in which a student attends a liberal arts institution for his or her first three years of college, pursuing pre-engineering courses in addition to a solid program in the liberal arts. At the end of the three years, upon recommendation from the liberal arts college, the student applies to the Viterbi School of Engineering as a junior and, if admitted, completes the remaining requirements for a BS degree typically within two years. After degree requirements for both schools are complete, the student will receive two degrees — a BA from the liberal arts college and a BS from USC.
Every summer the Viterbi School of Engineering sponsors a seven-week academic program in either Florence, London, Paris, Madrid, Rome or another location that provides students with the opportunity to enroll in engineering and humanities courses, as well as participate in a directed studies project. This program is open to all engineering majors.
The Viterbi School of Engineering International Exchange Program gives undergraduate students the opportunity to broaden their exposure to the global context of engineering theory and practice by spending a semester abroad in a challenging academic environment at an international host institution. The International Exchange Program allows students to satisfy technical electives and/or approved degree requirements by attending approved partner institutions. This program is open to students entering their junior or senior year. Students apply at the Viterbi Student Affairs Office. Candidates must meet all admission requirements of both the Viterbi School of Engineering as well as those of the international host institution. Contact the Admission and Student Affairs Office for a complete list of international exchange partners.
The Viterbi School of Engineering has established a variety of honor societies to recognize academic excellence, creativity and service. These are: Alpha Pi Mu (industrial and systems engineering), Chi Epsilon (civil engineering), Eta Kappa Nu (electrical engineering), Omega Chi Epsilon (chemical engineering), Omega Rho (industrial and systems engineering), Pi Tau Sigma (mechanical engineering), Sigma Gamma Tau (aerospace engineering), Tau Beta Pi (nationwide honor society) and Upsilon Pi Epsilon (computer science).
The Viterbi School of Engineering recommends candidates for the Master of Science degree in: aerospace engineering, analytics, astronautical engineering, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, computer science, cyber security engineering, data informatics, electrical engineering, engineering management, environmental engineering, financial engineering, green technologies, health systems management engineering, industrial and systems engineering, manufacturing engineering, materials engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, medical device and diagnostic engineering, operations research engineering, petroleum engineering, product development engineering, spatial informatics, and systems architecting and engineering; and the Master's degree in construction management. Several areas of emphasis and specialization are available within these disciplines.
All graduate work in the Viterbi School of Engineering is under the jurisdiction of the Viterbi School except the Doctor of Philosophy degree, which is under the jurisdiction of the USC Graduate School. All prospective graduate engineering students should apply to the USC Office of Graduate Admission.
Two classes of students are admitted to take courses for graduate credit: admitted and conditionally admitted students. These classifications are determined by the Office of Graduate Admission on the recommendations of the appropriate department in the Viterbi School of Engineering.
This is the status of a graduate student pursuing work leading toward an advanced degree. The student has been accepted into the degree program without any conditions.
The chair of a major department in the Viterbi School of Engineering may recommend that a student be admitted under certain conditions. Conditional admission is granted when a student's admission records are incomplete or when deficiency courses must be taken but the student appears to be otherwise admissible. The conditions must be met before the completion of two semesters of enrollment or 12 units of course work, whichever comes first. If the conditions on admission are not met within the given time period, the student may not be allowed to register for course work in subsequent semesters. When the conditions have been met, the academic department will remove the restrictions that have been placed on the student's registration.
To qualify for admission, applicants are expected to present strong academic records and show superior accomplishment in their engineering and related courses. Admission decisions will be based on Graduate Record Examinations test scores and transcripts of previous school work. Individual departments may set higher admission standards than the Graduate School. Some programs also require letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose. Doctor of Philosophy applicants who have published professional papers in their field may forward copies to the department, and they will be considered together with the other credentials submitted.
Applicants to graduate programs must present credentials to the Office of Graduate Admission showing that they have completed an acceptable curriculum for the bachelor's degree. In some departments students with outstanding records will be admitted for the doctoral program without first receiving the Master of Science degree. If the previous degree is not in the field in which the student wishes to pursue graduate study, it may be necessary to make up undergraduate deficiencies in the area of the desired specialty. Applicants must take the Graduate Record Examinations. Satisfactory scores on the general test are required for admission to full graduate standing in most programs. Consult the department office for further information.
Once the application for admission has been sent, arrangements should be made immediately to have official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate school work forwarded directly to the Office of Graduate Admission from the schools attended. If the Graduate Record Examinations general and subject tests, as well as the TOEFL or IELTS exams, have been taken the scores should be sent to the Office of Graduate Admission by the educational testing service. If the tests have not been taken, the applicant should register to take them on the earliest available date. The departments will review the application files and select for admission those students offering the greatest promise for completing graduate studies.
The progressive degree program allows qualified undergraduate students the opportunity to complete an integrated program of study joining a bachelor's degree program and a master's degree program in the same or different departments. Applicants for a progressive degree program must have completed 64 units of course work applicable to their undergraduate degree since graduating from high school. (Credit by exam and course work taken prior to high school graduation are excluded). Applicants must submit their application prior to completion of 96 units of course work. Normally, the application is submitted in the fall semester of the third year of enrollment at USC. The application for admission to a progressive master's program must be accompanied by a departmentally approved course plan proposal and two letters of recommendation. All application materials can be obtained from the Viterbi Admission and Student Affairs Office (RTH 110, viterbi.usc.edu/pdp).
Progressive degree program students must fulfill all the requirements for both the bachelor's degree and the master's degree. The total number of units for the master's degree, however, may be reduced by a maximum of one-third. A minimum of two-thirds of the units required for the master's degree must be at or above the 500 level, excluding any 590 courses. Students will be subject to undergraduate academic progress standards and policies while in undergraduate status and master's academic progress standards and policies while in graduate status. The degrees may be awarded separately, but the master's degree will not be awarded before the undergraduate degree. The time limit for completing a progressive degree program is 12 semesters. For more information, refer to the Requirements for Graduation page.
Viterbi students are allowed up to five years to earn a master's degree. Depending on the specific degree, the typical time required varies from between one and one-half to two years for students in MS programs oncampus to three years for MS students completing their degrees online via DEN@Viterbi. Master's degrees other than the Master of Science typically require more course work, and may take more time to complete.
Students entering the Viterbi School of Engineering with course or credit deficiencies require a correspondingly longer period. A candidate must complete the last four semester units of course work at USC. Up to four transferred units will be accepted from another engineering school upon verification by the Office of Degree Progress and the approval of the major department.
Prerequisite is a bachelor's degree in engineering, allied fields or science. If the graduate field is different from the field of the bachelor's degree, there may be undergraduate deficiencies assigned by the major department, and these must be made up by taking and passing the assigned courses before proceeding with the graduate courses.
New students may be required to demonstrate satisfactory preparation for the graduate program with previously completed course work. In cases where preparation is not demonstrated, up to 9 units of deficiency course work may be required in addition to the normal degree requirements.
Credit for required deficiency courses may not be applied toward a graduate degree. A deficiency course within the same discipline taken after the higher level course has been passed will not be available for unit or grade point credit.
Enrollment in certain 500- and 600-level courses in the disciplines of computer engineering and electrical engineering will require a student to either take and pass the corresponding 400-level prerequisite at USC, or pass a placement exam in the corresponding course.
Not all 400-level prerequisite courses taken instead of a placement exam are available for degree credit. No unit or grade point credit is given for placement exams. Please consult with an academic adviser or refer to the department Website for information on specific courses and placement exam details.
A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for the master's degree in all engineering programs. The minimum GPA must be earned on all course work applied toward the master's degree and on all 400-level and above course work attempted at USC beyond the bachelor's degree. A minimum grade of C (2.0) is required in a course to receive graduate credit. Work graded C- or below is not acceptable for subject or unit credit toward any graduate degree. Transfer units count as credit (CR) toward the master's degree and are not computed in the grade point average.
There are two program options for the master's degree, one with a thesis and the other without. Courses are selected to fit the special needs of individual students, must form an integrated program leading to a definite objective and must be approved in advance by the department. Only courses numbered 400 and above may be applied for degree credit.
The minimum requirement is 27 units; 18 of these units must be at the 500 level and at least 18 units must be in the major department and closely related departments. Prior department approval is required for all non-major courses. Specific requirements are listed under each department.
The minimum requirement is 27 units; 4 of these units are to be thesis. At least 16 units, not including thesis, must be at the 500 level or higher, and at least 18 units must be in the major department. Two units of 594a and 2 units of 594b are required. No more than 4 units of 590 Directed Research is permitted.
The thesis, when it is required, is regarded as an important part of the work of the candidate for a master's degree. It is not intended to be a piece of highly recondite research, but it must be a serious, considerable and publishable piece of work demonstrating the writer's power of original thought, thorough grasp of the subject matter and ability to present material in a scholarly manner and style.
The thesis presents the results of an investigation of an approved subject in the major department. It is supervised throughout by a thesis committee, appointed by the chair of the student's major department. The committee is usually composed of two members of the major department and one other member of the faculty.
The student will register in courses 594a and b respectively during the final two semesters of the master's program as determined by discussion with an adviser. (Concurrent registration for 594a and b during the same semester is permitted when a student's progress makes completion of all requirements likely within one semester.) If the thesis has not been completed within these two semesters, the candidate must register for 594z each semester until the thesis has been accepted but no additional unit credit will be earned. Units of 594ab Master's Thesis may not be converted to units of 590 Directed Research.
A student readmitted to candidacy by petition to the Graduate School must reregister for 594a and 594b. Final acceptance of the thesis is based upon the recommendation of all members of the thesis committee. For requirements concerning format of master's thesis see The Graduate School section of this catalogue.
Candidates who find it necessary to be excused from registration in 594a or 594b for a semester must formally report before the beginning of the semester to the Viterbi Office of Graduate and Professional Programs that they will be inactive during that semester and request a leave of absence. During a leave of absence a candidate will not be entitled to assistance from the thesis committee or to the use of university facilities. The granting of a leave of absence does not change the candidate's responsibility for meeting the time schedule for the completion of degree requirements. Leave will be granted only under exceptional circumstances.
Graduate students are expected to make regular progress toward their degrees as defined by the faculty of their respective departments and within the time limits allowed. Graduate students' progress and performance are reviewed each semester. Students making unsatisfactory progress receive a formal written warning and are placed on a semester of academic warning with specific conditions to be met for continuation in the program. Please refer to catalogue sections Academic Warning and Dismissal of Graduate Students; Grade Point Average Requirements; and the Website of the Office of Graduate and Professional Programs (GAPP) at viterbi.usc.edu/gapp.
Prior departmental approval is required for non-major courses to be taken and applied toward a graduate degree. Students must consult with the faculty adviser for formal written permission to take courses outside the major department for degree credit.
A copy of the faculty adviser's written approval must be kept in the department file and retained by the student until graduation.
It is expected that work for a Master of Science in Engineering will be completed within a maximum of five calendar years. An academic department may grant an extension of up to one year at a time for a maximum of two years. Courses taken more than seven years prior to the date upon which the degree is to be awarded cannot be included for the degree.
Application for admission to candidacy for the Master of Science is a separate step from admission to graduate standing. The requirements for admission to candidacy are: (1) the applicant must be admitted to regular graduate standing and must have removed all undergraduate deficiencies, and (2) the applicant must submit a complete program approved by the major department showing the course work, research and thesis (if required).
Application for graduation should be made at the beginning of the semester in which the requirements for the master's degree are to be completed. Students are strongly advised to file for graduation as soon as the registration process has been completed so that their names may appear in the printed Commencement program and so that any discrepancies in their records may be resolved. Late filing may delay conferral of the degree.
Application forms for graduation with the master's degree may be obtained from the student's academic department. This application should be returned to the student's academic department. Changes in the program after admission to candidacy are made by petition to the student's academic department.
A graduate student who already holds a master's degree from USC may apply a limited number of previously earned units toward the second master's degree.
The maximum number of units allowed for transfer is: 4 units in degree programs requiring 24–32 units; 8 units in programs requiring 33–40 units; 12 units in programs requiring 41 or more units. In all cases, permission of the chair of the major department is required. All credit, including the units from the first master's degree, must be earned within seven calendar years.
For students who earned their first master's degree at another institution, no course work may be repeated from the first program of study and no unit credit from the first program of study may be counted toward the second master's degree.
The Viterbi School does not currently offer degree programs with the Master of Engineering designation.
The Engineer degree is awarded under the jurisdiction of the Viterbi School of Engineering. This degree is granted upon completion of a comprehensive curriculum beyond the general course requirements for the Master of Science and after successfully passing an engineer's qualifying examination. The required curriculum is intended to give students broad preparation in two areas of engineering, together with a minimum number of units in these areas to prepare them for the interdisciplinary nature of the many complex problems they will encounter in practice today. The degree is also intended to fulfill a growing need in industry for students with comprehensive advanced engineering training, but not necessarily with the research orientation developed by the PhD student.
The Engineer degree is a terminal degree. Students who complete the Engineer degree will not be considered for admission to the PhD program.
The Engineer degree is offered in aerospace engineering, astronautical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, industrial and systems engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering and petroleum engineering.
There are three basic prerequisites for the Engineer Degree Program: a Master of Science degree or completion of 27 units of acceptable course work, application for admission to the Viterbi School of Engineering and acceptance to the program by the appropriate department.
The Engineer degree requires a minimum of 30 units of graduate course work beyond the Master of Science degree; up to 6 units at the 400 level may be counted at the discretion of the student's qualifying exam committee if the committee finds them necessary for the student's program. The course work must form a balanced program of study leading to a definite concentration in two fields of engineering, a minimum of 12 units in one field, nine in another; nine units are elective and may be taken outside the Viterbi School of Engineering, but must be acceptable for graduate credit. The distribution of course work will be governed by the student's qualifying exam committee and should be considered in conjunction with the course work done for the Master of Science degree. A candidate for the Engineer degree may substitute a project under the supervision of a faculty member for 6 units of course work. To have the project credited toward the degree, the student must register in 690 Directed Research during the course of the project; total 690 Directed Research registration should not exceed 6 units. A student wishing to work on a project must make arrangements with a member of the faculty to supervise and evaluate work, and obtain the approval of the committee chair prior to completing more than 15 units of course work. In many cases the project may be related to the candidate's work outside the university but must still be supervised by a faculty member. Distribution of the course work should take into account the nature of the project.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be earned on all course work applied toward the Engineer degree. This average must also be achieved on all 400-level and above course work attempted at USC beyond the bachelor's degree. A minimum grade of C (2.0) is required in a course to receive graduate credit. Work graded C- or below is not acceptable for subject or unit credit toward any graduate degree. Transfer units count as credit (CR) toward the Engineer degree and are not computed in the grade point average.
A candidate must complete the last four units of course work at USC. At least 26 units must be taken in residency at USC. A maximum of four transfer units not counted toward a previous degree may be allowed with adviser approval.
After being granted graduate standing the student must form a guidance committee. The committee is made up of three full-time faculty members who are specialists in the student's areas of concentration, with at least two from the major department. Forms for appointment of the committee are available from the student's academic department. The student is responsible for finding a faculty member from one area of concentration who will act as the chair of the guidance committee. The chair will assist in selection of the other members. Advisement of the student after formation of the committee will be by the committee chair.
Qualifying Examination
The student must satisfactorily complete an engineer's qualifying examination administered by his or her guidance committee. This examination will cover both areas of concentration and will consist of at least one written and one oral examination. This examination is normally taken during the last semester of course work toward the degree. Students who choose to take the examination in the semester following the completion of course requirements may do so up until the end of the third week of classes without registering. After that date they must register for GRSC 810 to maintain continuous enrollment in the program. Results of the examination are reported to the Viterbi Office of Graduate and Professional Programs and forwarded to the Office of Academic Records and Registrar.
Up to four units of graduate course work may be transferred from an accredited institution to be applied toward the Engineer degree. Transfer work must have been done after receipt of the Master of Science degree and must be approved by the qualifying exam committee.
A student who receives the Master of Science degree at USC may reserve a limited number of units taken prior to the receipt of the Master of Science degree for credit toward the Engineer degree. To reserve credit, the course must have been taken during the last semester as a Master of Science candidate, not used toward the Master of Science degree, be acceptable to the student's committee, and approved by the Office of Degree Progress.
The student must complete all requirements within five calendar years.
After satisfactorily completing the qualifying examination, and no later than the beginning of the last semester of course work, the student must file for candidacy. This is a separate and distinct step which sets forth the entire academic program fulfilling the degree requirements and is used as a working basis for awarding the degree.
This degree is granted under the jurisdiction of the USC Graduate School. Students should also refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and the Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degree must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
Thirteen Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs are offered: aerospace engineering, astronautical engineering, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, engineering (environmental engineering), industrial and systems engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering and petroleum engineering.
New students may be required to demonstrate satisfactory preparation for the graduate program with previously completed course work. In cases where preparation is not demonstrated, up to 9 units of deficiency course work may be required in addition to the normal degree requirements.
Credit for required deficiency courses may not be applied toward a graduate degree. A deficiency course within the same discipline taken after the higher level course has been passed will not be available for unit or grade point credit.
Enrollment in certain 500- and 600-level courses in the disciplines of computer engineering and electrical engineering will require a student to either take and pass the corresponding 400-level prerequisite at USC, or pass a placement exam in the corresponding course.
Not all 400-level prerequisite courses taken instead of a placement exam are available for degree credit. No unit or grade point credit is given for placement exams. Please consult with an academic adviser or refer to the department Website for information on specific courses and placement exam details.
There is no foreign language requirement for engineering majors.
Satisfactory completion of at least 60 units of approved graduate level course work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 is required of all PhD students in engineering. A minimum grade of C (2.0) is required in a course to receive graduate credit. Work graded C- or below is not acceptable for subject or unit credit toward any graduate degree. Undergraduate prerequisites and graduate course work will be required in accordance with the regulations of the major department or program and the recommendations of the student's qualifying exam committee. Transfer units are subject to approval by the Office of Degree Progress (for course work taken at institutions in the United States) or by the Office of Graduate Admission (for course work taken at institutions outside the United States) and by the qualifying exam committee.
The original admission decision admitting a student to the PhD program is based on the student's previous academic records, Graduate Record Examinations scores and other evidence of scholastic abilities indicating promise for completing graduate studies. It is also a prerequisite that all PhD students successfully complete the screening procedures designated by the department. These usually consist of a written and an oral examination administered by the faculty. Students who fail the screening procedure will be advised that they are not recommended to continue in the PhD program and that any additional work may not be counted toward the degree.
The PhD student's program of study is supervised by the qualifying exam committee, which is formed immediately after passing the screening examination. The committee consists of five tenure-track faculty members, four from the major department and one from outside the department. Reporting the screening procedures and forming the qualifying exam committee are accomplished by filing the appropriate forms obtainable from the Graduate School Website, usc.edu/schools/GraduateSchool.
The qualifying examinations are taken during the last semester of the second year of graduate study or, at the latest, in the fifth semester or equivalent. The Request to take the Qualifying Examinations must be filed in the semester prior to taking the examinations and at least 30 days before beginning the examinations. The examinations are intended to determine the extent of the student's knowledge in basic science and engineering areas as well as the ability to do original and scholarly research. The qualifying exam committee decides the nature of the qualifying examinations (both oral and written portions) according to the policies applicable in each department.
If not otherwise enrolled, a student must enroll in GRSC 800 during the semester in which the qualifying examination is to be taken. Students are strongly encouraged to take the qualifying examination during the first semester in which they are enrolled in GRSC 800, and may not enroll in more than two semesters of GRSC 800 before taking the qualifying examination.
The examinations may be scheduled at any time during the semester provided that all members of the committee are available to administer them. All portions of the examinations must be completed within 60 days. After passing the qualifying examinations the PhD student is admitted to candidacy by the Graduate School and the dissertation committee is established. After this step students will normally engage in at least one year of fulltime graduate study and research on campus.
An acceptable dissertation based on original investigation and supervised directly by the dissertation committee is required. The dissertation must show mastery of a special field, capacity for independent research and a scholarly result. Candidates are expected to keep all members of the dissertation committee informed of their progress at all stages of the dissertation.
After satisfactorily meeting all other requirements and after the research and writing of the dissertation are substantially complete, the PhD candidate must pass a general final oral examination devoted to the major field and to the topic of the dissertation. The examination will be conducted in such a manner as to determine to the satisfaction of the dissertation committee that the candidate has attained the stage of scholarly advancement and power of investigation demanded by the university for final recommendation to the doctorate. The faculty are invited to attend and to participate in the final oral examination. However, only the dissertation committee may vote. Unanimous approval of the committee is required for the student to upload the dissertation to the Graduate School.
The requirements and regulations set forth in this portion of the catalogue are to be construed as the minimal requirements only as established by the Graduate School. In addition, students must meet all the requirements established by their department.
Graduate students are expected to make regular progress toward their degrees as defined by the faculty of their respective departments and within the time limits allowed. Graduate students' progress and performance are reviewed each semester. Students making unsatisfactory progress receive a formal written warning and are placed on a semester of academic warning with specific conditions to be met for continuation in the program. Please refer to catalogue sections Academic Warning and Dismissal of Graduate Students; Grade Point Average Requirements; and the Website of the Office of Graduate and Professional Programs (GAPP) at viterbi.usc.edu/gapp.
Established in 1972, DEN@Viterbi, the USC Viterbi School of Engineering's online delivery system is a pioneer in the distance learning arena, using cutting-edge technology to enable professional engineers to take USC engineering courses for graduate degree credit without coming to the campus. DEN@Viterbi students enrolled around the world are pursuing over 40 graduate degree programs online — more choices than at any other research university. DEN@Viterbi breaks down geographical and scheduling barriers, allowing students to take classes anytime and anywhere, with the option for live interactivity. DEN@Viterbi students receive support from administrative and technical staff, and enjoy access to all services the Viterbi School has to offer.
The Viterbi School has made it possible for all on-campus students enrolled in the school's graduate courses to receive free access to the archived lectures of courses offered via DEN@Viterbi. This valuable study aid enables students to review lectures throughout the semester.
For more information about the Viterbi School graduate programs and DEN@Viterbi, visit viterbi.usc.edu/gapp.
This interdisciplinary minor includes courses from both the business and engineering schools and provides education in the economic, technological and entrepreneurial aspects of commercializing new technologies. The minor is designed for students from a range of backgrounds (e.g., majors in engineering, life sciences or business) who are interested in starting their own technology-based ventures, working for technology-based start-up companies or pursuing corporate careers that may involve the commercialization of new technologies. In the minor, students learn about conceptualizing, developing, and managing new, technology-based ventures and projects.
To enroll, students must have completed a minimum of 32 units of college-level course work and have a minimum overall GPA of 2.75. To complete the minor, students are required to complete the two required courses (7 units) and enough elective courses to achieve a total of 16 units outside of their major. Business majors thus require 23 total units and other majors 16 total units to complete the minor.
Return to: USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Return to: USC Viterbi School of Engineering
The courses listed in the following section have been designed for specific groups of students for various purposes as indicated in the course descriptions. Certain courses have restrictions related to their applicability for degree credit. Students should consult the academic adviser in the major department for further information.
Return to: USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Student Services Office
Robert Glenn Rapp Engineering Research
Room 101
(213) 821-3155
FAX: (213) 740-7774
Email: ame@usc.edu
Faculty and Business Office
Olin Hall of Engineering
Room 430
(213) 740-8762
FAX: (213) 740-8071
Email: ame@usc.edu
Chair: Geoffrey R. Spedding, PhD*
Choong Hoon Cho Chair in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering: Michael Kassner, PhD
Philip and Cayley MacDonald Early Career Chair: Andrea Hodge, PhD
William E. Leonhard Professor of Engineering: Fokion Egolfopoulos, PhD
Gordon S. Marshall Professor of Engineering Technology: Roger Ghanem, PhD (Civil and Environmental Engineering)
Zohrab A. Kaprielian Fellow in Engineering: Eva Kanso, PhD
Professors: Charles Campbell, PhD; Julian Domaradzki, PhD**; Fokion Egolfopoulos, PhD*; Henryk Flashner, PhD; Roger Ghanem, PhD (Civil and Environmental Engineering); Yan Jin, PhD; Paul K. Newton, PhD; Larry G. Redekopp, PhD*; Paul Ronney, PhD; Satwindar S. Sadhal, PhD; Geoffrey Spedding, PhD*; Firdaus E. Udwadia, PhD (Civil and Environmental Engineering, Data Science and Operations, Systems Architecting and Engineering and Mathematics); Bingen Yang, PhD
Associate Professors: Eva Kanso, PhD; Geoffrey R. Shiflett, PhD*
Assistant Professors: Ivan Bermejo-Moreno, PhD; Veronica Eliasson, PhD; Mitul Luhar, PhD; Nestor Perez-Arancibia, PhD
Associate Professor of Engineering Practice: M. Oussama Safadi, PhD*
Senior Lecturers: Charles Radovich, PhD; Takahiro Sakai, PhD; Yann Staelens, PhD
Research Associate Professor: Adam Fincham, PhD
Research Associate: Anita Penkova, PhD
Joint Appointments: Yong Chen, PhD (Industrial and Systems Engineering); Daniel Erwin, PhD* (Astronautics); Mike Gruntman, PhD (Astronautics); Andrea Hodge, PhD (Chemical Engineering and Materials Science); Petros Ioannou, PhD (Electrical Engineering — Systems); Michael Kassner, PhD (Chemical Engineering and Materials Science); Berok Khoshnevis, PhD (Industrial and Systems Engineering); Joseph Kunc, PhD (Astronautics, Physics); Stephen C-Y Lu, PhD (Industrial and Systems Engineering); Sami F. Masri, PhD (Civil and Environmental Engineering); Steven Nutt, PhD (Materials Science); Constantinos Sioutas, PhD (Civil and Environmental Engineering); Francisco Valero-Cuevas, PhD (Biomedical Engineering)
Emeritus Professors: Ron Blackwelder, PhD*; Fred Browand, PhD; Clarke Howatt, MS; S. Lampert, PhD; Terence Langdon, PhD; Robert Mannes, MS, PE*; Donald E. Shemansky, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
**Recipient of university-wide or school research award.
Mechanical Engineering Honor Society: Pi Tau Sigma
Aerospace Engineering Honor Society: Sigma Gamma Tau
The degree programs of the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering provide the educational foundation for success in all walks of life whether or not one's career path includes employment as a professional engineer, work in a field outside of engineering, or pursuit of further education.
Graduates of the undergraduate programs in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering are expected to attain the following objectives within a few years after graduation:
The program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering prepares graduates to have a knowledge of aerodynamics, aerospace materials, structures, propulsion, flight mechanics, and stability and control. The program also prepares graduates to have design competence that includes integration of aeronautical topics.
The program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering requires students to apply principles of engineering, basic science and mathematics (including multivariate calculus and differential equations); to model, analyze, design and realize physical systems, components or processes; and prepares students to work professionally in both thermal and mechanical systems areas.
See the listing under Product Development Engineering.
See the listing under Systems Architecting and Engineering.
Requirements for the Engineer in Aerospace Engineering are the same as the general requirements. Also, 3 to 6 of the units required for the degree must be AME 690. Prior approval must be obtained from the qualifying exam committee before registration in AME 690.
The Doctor of Philosophy with a major in aerospace engineering is also offered. See general requirements for graduate degrees.
The department offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Additionally, petroleum engineering exists as an emphasis within the mechanical engineering program. An area of emphasis appears in parenthesis after the primary major name on the transcript.
A minor in music recording is offered through the USC Thornton School of Music to provide undergraduate students with the background necessary to enter the field of recording engineering and to familiarize them with the design needs of modern recording equipment. The minor is recommended to mechanical engineering majors with extensive musical training who would like to combine their technical and musical abilities while learning the engineering applications of physical and mathematical principles to the art of music recording. See the listing under the USC Thornton School of Music.
See Sustainable Infrastructure Systems.
See listing under Aerospace Engineering Degrees.
Requirements for the Engineer in Mechanical Engineering degree are the same as set forth in the general requirements. Six of the units required for the degree must be AME 690. Prior approval must be obtained from the committee before registration in AME 690.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering is also offered. See general requirements for graduate degrees.
The requirement for this degree is 128-130 units. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required in all upper division courses applied toward the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken. See the common requirements for undergraduate degrees section.
General education Units: 24 +
Technical Electives* Units: 6
*Technical electives consist of (1) any upper-division course in engineering, or (2) an upper-division course in chemistry, physics or mathematics.
Choose three from the following:
*Students may complete AME 481 in place of ASTE 421, but the program will be 130 units.
*Students may complete PHYS 316 in place of AME 312, but the program will be 130 units.
The requirement for the degree is 128 units. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required in all upper division courses applied toward the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken. See the common requirements for undergraduate degrees section.
| AME Core Electives* | 12 |
| AME Capstone Elective** | 3 |
| AME Design Elective*** | 3 |
| Technical Electives+ | 5 |
*Any upper-division course in AME.
**Any approved Capstone Elective course (select from AME 409, AME 415, AME 423, AME 430, AME 443 or other department-approved course).
***An approved AME design course (select from AME 408, AME 430 or any special topic design course).
+ Technical Electives must be upper-division engineering, MATH, PHYS or CHEM classes.
Free Electives Units: 1
Technical Electives* Units: 4
*Technical Electives must be upper-division engineering, MATH, PHYS or CHEM classes.
Technical Electives* Units: 5
* Technical Electives must be upper-division engineering, MATH, PHYS or CHEM classes.
Technical Electives* Units: 8
* Technical Electives must be upper-division engineering, MATH, PHYS or CHEM classes.
The requirement for the degree with an emphasis in petroleum engineering is 128 units. A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher is required for all upper division course work in engineering, science and mathematics. See the common requirements for undergraduate degrees section.
or
or
or
or
or
Technical electives must be upper-division engineering, MATH, PHYS or CHEM classes.
The program prepares students for professional careers in engineering companies that develop products using computational tools of fluid and solid mechanics. The program also provides the necessary background for pursuing higher degrees, Engineer and PhD, in aerospace and mechanical engineering with specializations in computational fluid mechanics, computational solid mechanics and computational heat transfer. The degree course work provides a necessary background in basic aerospace and mechanical engineering disciplines (solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer), engineering mathematics and numerical methods. The advanced computational technical electives provide practical examples using existing numerical programs to simulate structures, heat transfer and fluid flows as well as commercial mathematical packages for analyzing data and simulations.
Admission requirements follow the general admission rules for aerospace and mechanical engineering graduate programs. The program requires completion of a minimum of 27 units and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 for graduation. The program with thesis requires 28 units, four of which are thesis units.
Select a computational technical elective from the following list or another approved by a graduate adviser: 3 units.
Select a technical elective from the following list or other electives approved by a graduate adviser: 3 units.
One core class requirement may be waived at the discretion of a graduate adviser if a student documents that he or she completed or is enrolled in an equivalent course. The waived class must be replaced by a technical elective. Credit for one course of not more than 4 units from another accredited institution may be approved by a graduate adviser. The Master's Thesis (4 units) may be substituted for a technical elective class (3 units).
The Master of Science with emphasis in dynamics and control educates and trains multidisciplinary professionals in the modeling, analysis, simulation and control of complex time-evolutionary systems. It is a program of study that encompasses advanced analytical dynamics, nonlinear dynamical systems, linear and nonlinear dynamics and vibrations, and linear and nonlinear control. The program equips students to apply their knowledge to a variety of complex systems encountered in nature and society, especially those in civil, mechanical and aerospace engineering and applied mechanics.
Students will be given advisement in the first semester of their study. In addition to AME 525 and AME 526, students are required to take the following core courses: AME 521, AME 522, AME 524, AME 541, AME 552. Elective courses can be chosen in areas of specific interest to the student such as orbital dynamics, spacecraft control, aircraft dynamics and control, chaos and chaotic dynamics, random vibrations, computer control of mechanical systems and robotics. The program provides the graduate student with a broad, well-rounded, advanced education that can be applied to many specific, technologically advanced fields in which dynamics and control play a pivotal role.
In addition to the general requirements listed in this catalogue, the department has identified requirements in the following areas of specialization: aerodynamics/fluid dynamics; aerospace controls; aerospace design; aerospace structures; computational fluid dynamics; hypersonics/kinetics of gases and plasmas; propulsion; and space science. Core requirements and elective requirements are defined for each area of specialization. Information on the current approved courses that comprise these core and elective requirements is available from the department.
The department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering in conjunction with the Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering offers programs leading to the degree of Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering/Master of Science in Engineering Management. This program is designed for graduate aerospace engineers whose career objectives lead to increasing technical management responsibilities.
In addition to the general requirements of the Viterbi School of Engineering, the dual degree of Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering/Master of Science in Engineering Management is also subject to the following requirements:
Requirements for the Master of Science in mechanical engineering are the same as set forth in the general requirements. Six of the required units must be in AME 525 and AME 526 or courses in engineering analysis approved in advance in writing by the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
The specific sequence of courses that constitutes an acceptable program must be approved in advance.
Requirements for Graduation Without Thesis, 27 units total with 3.0 GPA: AME 525 and AME 526 or approved mathematics (6); 500 level courses in major department (12); approved 400 or 500 level courses (9).
With Thesis, 27 units total with 3.0 GPA: AME 525 and AME 526 or approved mathematics (6); 500 or 600 level courses in major department (12) not including thesis; maximum AME 594a, AME 594b — thesis (4); approved 400 or 500 level units (5) (a maximum total of 8 units combining AME 590 and AME AME 594a, AME 594b).
The program of study depends upon the student's interest and background. During the first semester at USC, students must consult with a departmental adviser about an area of concentration and draw up a plan of study, which must be approved by the adviser. Besides the common requirements, listed below are several areas in mechanical engineering with specific courses identified as core and core electives. Groups of courses in other combinations and from other departments within the university may be approved if a particular coordinated interest can be demonstrated. In some instances students whose background is not in mechanical engineering may be required to take additional course work.
Two courses from
Four courses from one of the selected areas:
Take two courses from the following list, not duplicating the above selection:
One of
One of
Students interested in this area may follow the M.S., Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering (Dynamics and Control) described below.
The program offers the degree of Master of Science in mechanical engineering with specialization in nuclear power. It is structured so that students who have all the prerequisites can complete the entire program through distance education. It is intended for students with an undergraduate degree in engineering. However, students with a physics and/or chemistry background can be accommodated with the completion of certain prerequisites.
The department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering in conjunction with the Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering offers programs leading to the degree of Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering/Master of Science in Engineering Management. This program is designed for graduate mechanical engineers whose career objectives lead to increasing technical management responsibilities.
In addition to the general requirements of the Viterbi School of Engineering, the dual degree of Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering/Master of Science in Engineering Management is also subject to the following requirements:
Return to: USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Robert Glenn Rapp Engineering Research Building
(RRB)
(213) 821-5817
FAX: (213) 821-5819
Email: aste@usc.edu
astronautics.usc.edu
Chair: Daniel A. Erwin, PhD*
Professors: Daniel A. Erwin, PhD* (Aerospace Engineering); Mike Gruntman, PhD (Aerospace Engineering, Systems Architecting and Engineering); Joseph A. Kunc, PhD (Physics and Astronomy, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Architecting and Engineering); Azad Madni, PhD (Systems Architecting and Engineering)
Associate Professor: Joseph Wang, PhD
Professor of Engineering Practice: George Friedman, PhD (Systems Architecting and Engineering)
Adjunct Professors: Robert Brodsky, PhD; Gerald Hintz, PhD; William Tobiska, PhD; James Wertz, PhD
Adjunct Associate Professor: Michael Kezirian, PhD
Research Professors: Elliot Axelband, PhD; Herbert Schorr, PhD (Computer Science), Vice Dean for Engineering, Executive Director Emeritus, Information Sciences Institute
Research Associate Professor: Sergey Gimelshein, PhD
Research Assistant Professors: Jo Ann Lane, PhD; Anita Sengupta, PhD; Marc Sparagen, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
Aerospace Engineering Honor Society: Sigma Gamma Tau
The Bachelor of Science degree program in Astronautical Engineering has the following objectives:
Within a few years of graduation, graduates will:
The program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Astronautical Engineering prepares graduates to have knowledge of orbital mechanics, space environment, attitude determination and control, telecommunications, space structures and rocket propulsion. The program also prepares graduates to have design competence that includes integration of astronautical topics.
Requirements for the Engineer degree in Astronautical Engineering are the same as set forth in the general requirements. See the general requirements for Viterbi graduate degrees.
Credit for classes may be applied toward the MS, Engineer or PhD in Astronautical Engineering, should the student decide later to pursue an advanced degree. In order to be admitted to the MS program, the student should maintain a B average or higher in courses for the certificate and must satisfy all normal admission requirements. All courses for the certificate must be taken at USC. It is anticipated that other classes on emerging space technologies will be added to the list of the offered classes in the future.
The Bachelor of Science in Astronautical Engineering prepares students for engineering careers in the space industry, for research and development in industry and government centers and laboratories, and for graduate study. The program combines a core in the fundamentals of engineering, specialized work in astronautics and space technology, and technical electives to broaden and/or deepen the course work.
The requirement for this degree is 131 units. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required in all upper division courses applied toward the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken. See also the common requirements for undergraduate degrees section.
*Satisfies GE Category III requirement.
**Technical electives consist of (1) any upper division course in engineering except CE 404, CE 412 and ISE 440, or (2) an upper division course in chemistry, physics or mathematics and MATH 225. No more than 3 units of 490 course work can be used to satisfy the technical elective requirement.
+The university allows engineering majors to replace the GE Category IV with a second course in Categories I, II or VI.
This program is for USC students who wish to work in the space industry and government space research and development centers and who are pursuing bachelor's degrees in science, mathematics or engineering with specializations other than in astronautical engineering.
The space industry employs a wide variety of engineers (electrical, mechanical, chemical, civil, etc.); scientists (physicists, astronomers, chemists); and mathematicians. These engineers participate in development of advanced space systems but they usually lack the understanding of basic fundamentals of astronautics and space systems. The minor in astronautical engineering will help overcome this deficiency and provide unique opportunities for USC engineering, science and mathematics students, by combining their basic education in their major field with the industry specific minor in astronautical engineering.
Required course work consists of a minimum of 18 units. Including prerequisites, the minor requires 46 units. Three courses, or 9 units, at the 400 level will be counted toward the minor degree. The course work is a balanced program of study providing the basic scientific fundamentals and engineering disciplines critically important for contributing to development of complex space systems.
This degree is in the highly dynamic and technologically advanced area of astronautics and space technology. The program is designed for those with BS degrees in science and engineering who wish to work in the space sector of the defense/aerospace industry, government research and development centers, and laboratories and academia. The program is available through the USC Distance Education Network (DEN).
The general portion of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and two letters of recommendation are required.
Required courses: 27 units
Two 3-unit courses. Students are advised to select these two elective courses from the list of core electives or from other courses in astronautical engineering or from other science and engineering graduate courses, as approved by the faculty adviser. No more than 3 units of directed research (ASTE 590) can be applied to the 27-unit requirement. New courses on emerging space technologies are often offered; consult the current semester's course offerings, particularly for ASTE 599 Special Topics.
At least 21 units must be at the 500 or 600 level.
Students choose core elective and technical elective courses that best meet their educational objectives. Students can also concentrate their studies in the desired areas by selecting corresponding core elective courses. Presently, ASTE faculty suggest the following areas of concentration:
Choose two core electives from:
Choose two core electives from:
Choose two core electives from:
Choose two core electives from:
Choose two core electives from:
The Certificate in Astronautical Engineering is designed for practicing engineers and scientists who enter spacerelated fields and/or want to obtain training in specific space-related areas. Students enroll at USC as limited status students; they must apply and be admitted to the certificate program after completion of no more than 9 units of required course work. The required course work consists of 12 units; students will choose four 3-unit courses from the following:
Most classes are available through the USC Distance Education Network (DEN).
The PhD in Astronautical Engineering is awarded in strict conformity with the general requirements of the USC Graduate School. See general requirements for graduate degrees. The degree requires a concentrated program of study, research and a dissertation. Each student wishing to undertake a doctoral program must first be admitted to the program and then take the screening examination. This examination will emphasize comprehension of fundamental material in the graduate course work. Further guidance concerning admission, the screening exam and the full completion of courses, including those given outside the Department of Astronautical Engineering, can be obtained from the ASTE student adviser and program coordinators.
Return to: USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Denny Research Building 140
(213) 740-7237
FAX: (323) 821-3897
Email: bmedept@usc.edu
bme.usc.edu
Chair: Ellis F. Meng, PhD
Dwight C. and Hildagarde E. Baum Chair in Biomedical Engineering: Ellis F. Meng, PhD
Chonette Chair in Biomedical Technology: David Z. D'Argenio, PhD
David Packard Chair in Engineering: Theodore W. Berger, PhD
Cornelius J. Pings Chair in Biomedical Sciences: Mark Humayun, PhD (Opthalmology)
Provost Professor of Biological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Physiology and Biophysics, Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Pediatrics, Radiology and Ophthalmology: Scott Fraser, PhD (Biological Sciences)
Dean's Professor in Biomedical Engineering: Kirk Shung, PhD
Provost Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Neurology, Biokinesiology, and Physical Therapy: Terence D. Sanger, MD, PhD
WISE Jr. Gabilan Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering: Stacey D. Finley, PhD
WISE Jr. Gabilan Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering: Megan McCain, PhD
Professors: David Agus, MD (Medicine); Michael O. Arbib, PhD (Computer Science, Neurobiology); Theodore W. Berger, PhD (Neurobiology); Roberta D. Brinton, PhD (Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology); Peter S. Conti, MD, PhD (Radiology); David Z. D'Argenio, PhD*; Scott Fraser, PhD (Biological Sciences); Mark S. Humayun, PhD (Ophthalmology); Michael C.K. Khoo, PhD (Pediatrics); Kwang Jin Kim, PhD (Medicine and Physiology); Peter Kuhn, PhD (Biological Sciences); Richard Leahy, PhD (Electrical Engineering and Radiology); Jay Lieberman, PhD (Orthopaedic Surgery); Charles Liu, MD, PhD (Neurological Surgery); Gerald E. Loeb, MD; Anupam Madhukar, PhD (Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Physics); Vasilis Z. Marmarelis, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Jill McNitt-Gray, PhD (Biological Science); Ellis Meng, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Krishna Nayak, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Chrysostomos Nikias, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Stefan Schaal, PhD (Computer Science); K. Kirk Shung, PhD; Armand R. Tanguay Jr., PhD (Electrical Engineering, Materials Science); Francisco Valero-Cuevas, PhD (Biokinesiology); Pin Wang, PhD, (Chemical Engineering and Materials Science); James D. Weiland, PhD (Ophthalmology); Stanley M. Yamashiro, PhD (Electrical Engineering)
Associate Professors: Andrea Armani, PhD (Chemical Engineering and Materials Science); Robert H.-P. Chow, MD, PhD (Physiology and Biophysics); Daniel P. Holschneider, MD (Psychiatry); Hossein Jadvar, MD, PhD (Radiology); Noah Malmstadt, PhD (Chemical Engineering and Materials Science); Bartlett W. Mel, PhD; Terence D. Sanger, MD, PhD (Neurology, Biokinesiology); Nicolas Schweighofer, PhD (Biokinesiology); John C. Wood, MD, PhD (Medicine/Radiology); Jesse T. Yen, PhD
Assistant Professors: Greg D. Field, PhD (Cell and Neurobiology); James Finley, PhD (Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy); Justin Haldar, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Stacey D. Finley, PhD; Radha Kalluri, PhD (Otolaryngology); Jason Kutch, PhD (Biokinesiology); J. Andrew MacKay, PhD (Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences); Megan McCain, PhD; Keyue Shen, PhD
Associate Professors of Engineering Practice: Jean-Michel I. Maarek, Doc.Ing.; Brent Liu, PhD
Research Professors: Cynthia Bir, PhD (Emergency Medicine); Jonathan G. Lasch, PhD (AMI-USC); Alfred E. Mann, MS (AMI-USC); Robert V. Shannon, PhD (Otolaryngology); Qifa Zhou, PhD
Research Associate Professors: John J. Granacki, PhD (Electrical Engineering-Systems/ISI); Dong Song, PhD
Research Assistant Professor: Jean-Marie Bouteiller, PhD
Associate Professors of Research: Stefan Bluml, PhD (Radiology); Eun Jin Lee, PhD (Ophthalmology); Tishya A.L. Wren, MD, PhD (Orthopaedics/Pediatrics Children's Hospital and Radiology)
Assistant Professors of Research: Tracy C. Grikscheit, MD (Surgery and Children's Hospital); Bo Han, PhD (Surgery); Natasha Leporé, PhD (Radiology and Children's Hospital); Rex A. Moats, PhD (Pathology, Radiology)
Adjunct Professors: Sophia Chun, MD (VA Long Beach Healthcare System); Norberto Grzywacz, PhD (Georgetown University)
Adjunct Research Professor: Daniel Farkas, PhD (Spectral Molecular Imaging/The Brain Window)
Adjunct Assistant Professors: Alireza Dibazar, PhD (General Electric, Global Research); Arkadiusz Gertych, PhD (Cedars-Sinai Medical Center); Leonid Litvak, PhD (Advanced Bionics Corp.); Philip Requejo, PhD (Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center and Kinesiology)
Emeritus Professors: George A. Bekey, PhD (Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Speech Science); H. K. Huang, DSc (Radiology)
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
Graduates of the undergraduate program in Biomedical Engineering are expected to attain the following objectives within a few years after graduation:
The program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering provides both breadth and depth across the range of engineering topics implied by the title. The program prepares graduates to have an understanding of biology and physiology; and the capability to apply advanced mathematics (including differential equations and statistics), science and engineering to solve the problems at the interface of engineering and biology. The curriculum prepares graduates with the ability to make measurements on and interpret data from living systems, addressing the problems associated with the interaction between living and non-living materials and systems.
For a complete listing, see the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC.
The Department of Biomedical Engineering offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering. Additionally, there are three possible areas of emphasis within this biomedical engineering program major. These are biochemical engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. An area of emphasis appears in a special field on the transcript. The requirement for the degree is 128 units. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required in all upper division courses applied toward the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken.
See common requirements for undergraduate degrees.
Technical electives are to be selected from an approved list available in the department office.
*WRIT 150 is taken concurrently with GE Category VI.
**Satisfies GE Category III requirement.
+The university allows engineering majors to replace the GE Category IV with a second course in Categories I, II or VI.
The requirement for the degree with an emphasis in biochemical engineering is 132 units. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required in all upper division courses applied towards the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken. See General Education and additional common requirements for undergraduate degrees.
*GE Category VI is taken concurrently with WRIT 150.
**Satisfies GE Category III requirement.
+The university allows engineering majors to replace the GE Category IV with a second course in Categories I, II or VI.
The requirement for the degree with an emphasis in electrical engineering is 133 units. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required in all upper division courses applied towards the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken. See common requirements for undergraduate degrees.
**Satisfies GE requirement.
The requirement for the degree with an emphasis in mechanical engineering is 132 units. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required in all upper division courses applied towards the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken. See common requirements for undergraduate degrees.
*WRIT 150 is taken concurrently with GE Category VI.
**Satisfies GE Category III requirement.
+The university allows engineering majors to replace the GE Category IV with a second course in Categories I, II or VI.
Completion of the Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering (Medical Imaging and Imaging Informatics) requires that at least 28 approved units must be satisfactorily completed of which at least 19 units must be at the 500 level or above.
The Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering is awarded in strict conformity with the general requirements of the Viterbi School of Engineering. At least 28 approved units must be satisfactorily completed, of which at least 19 units must be at the 500 level or above. Four of these units may be thesis BME 594a, BME 594b, BME 594z.
The master's degree program provides students with a broad background, linking physiology with engineering science, necessary for entering interdisciplinary careers in medical technology or pursuing further graduate studies in a related field.
*Students who have taken an advanced undergraduate or master's level course in system and signal analysis may substitute BME 523 for BME 513 with departmental approval.
This program is designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed for the development of medical devices and diagnostic techniques, including aspects of medical product regulation and product development. The course of study requires successful completion of 28 units of course work and has been designed to be completed in three semesters of full-time study. Students in the program will complete a 19-unit core as well as selecting a 6-unit specialization (or "track") and one elective from a list provided by the department.
Applicable courses include: AME 503, BME 511, BME 535, BME 551, ISE 507, ISE 508, ISE 544, MPTX 517 and courses listed in alternate tracks to that chosen. Other courses may be applicable; please see an adviser for approval.
Academic Director: Terry Sanger, MD, PhD, Provost Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Neurology, Biokinesiology, and Physical Therapy
Administrative Director: George Tolomiczenko, PhD, Assistant Professor, Neurology
This program offers current second-year USC PhD engineering students and first-year MD students an opportunity to learn about and gain experience in medical device and process innovation. Through project-based and interdisciplinary collaboration, students will augment their current programs with a set of courses and lab experiences linking medical and engineering research groups. By applying design-informed approaches toward problem identification and solution prototyping, students will be involved in all the steps of medical device or process innovation from conception to commercialization. The program aims to create interdisciplinary, boundary-spanning, inventive entrepreneurs seeking early practical experience with device and method innovation in health care. Program participants will form bonds with a group of like-minded medical students and engineers who will be their mentors, colleagues and contacts as they advance in their careers.
The courses unique to the program include a seminar sequence (Topics in Health, Technology and Engineering), which must be taken during the first two years of involvement with the HTE@USC program, a case studies sequence taken during the second year and a research course to earn project-related credits:
(PhD students enroll in INTD course versions of the same courses open only to HTE students on CR/NC basis):
Candidates interested in applying should contact HTE@USC via email at hte@usc.edu.
The objective of the Doctor of Philosophy is to produce independent investigators who can make original scholarly contributions and apply advanced engineering concepts and techniques to the understanding and solution of biomedical problems. This program is intended to prepare the student for a career in academic research and teaching, or as an independent investigator in industrial or government laboratories.
The requirements listed are special to this department and must be read in conjunction with the general requirements of the Graduate School.
This program is designed to be normally completed in four years of full-time work beyond the Bachelor of Science degree (including summers). The first two years are devoted primarily to formal course work and the last two to research. In view of the flexible program, each student is assigned an adviser who will guide him or her in the selection of courses. By the end of the third semester of graduate study the student must have completed the PhD screening examination. Subsequently, he or she is required to make a tentative major field selection (e.g., biomedical imaging, signal processing, neural engineering) and pass a qualifying examination. In accordance with the requirements of the Graduate School, at least 60 units of credit beyond the Bachelor of Science degree are required, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Students are required to take BME 533, the graduate biomedical engineering seminar course, for three semesters during their studies.
Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or a natural science, and satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examinations. Undergraduate work should include a basic course in biology, physics, organic chemistry, biochemistry, differential equations and digital computation. Students lacking any of these will be required to make up the deficiency during the first two years of graduate work.
Students who have completed all requirements for the Master of Science degree offered in this department may apply for admission to the PhD program. In this case, all courses taken in the MS program may be applied toward the requirements of the doctoral degree.
By the end of the third semester of graduate study, all students must have completed the screening examination process to determine whether or not they will be allowed to continue in the Doctor of Philosophy program. Those who fail will be dropped from the program, although they may be permitted to complete the additional requirements necessary to obtain the Master of Science degree.
During the third semester, the student must make a tentative major field selection as described above and form a qualifying exam committee. The latter administers the qualifying examination.
The qualifying examination will normally be taken during the fourth semester of full-time academic study. The examination requires the preparation of a comprehensive written research proposal that presents a research question, critically reviews the pertinent literature and outlines the proposed experimental, analytical and computational procedures required to answer the question. The proposal must be defended in an oral examination.
Return to: USC Viterbi School of Engineering
HEDCO Building 216
(213) 740-2225
FAX: (213) 740-8053
Email: chemsche@vsoe.usc.edu
chems.usc.edu
Chair: Richard Roberts, PhD
Director: Pin Wang, PhD
Zohrab A. Kaprielian Dean's Chair in Engineering and Chester F. Dolley Chair in Petroleum Engineering: Yannis C. Yortsos, PhD
Jack Munushian Early Career Chair: Malancha Gupta, PhD
N.I.O.C. Chair in Petroleum Engineering: Muhammad Sahimi, PhD
Robert E. Vivian Chair in Energy Resources: Theodore T. Tsotsis, PhD
Fluor Professor in Process Engineering: S. Joe Qin, PhD (Electrical Engineering and Industrial and Systems Engineering)
Judge Widney Professor of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry: Ray R. Irani; PhD (Chemistry)
Zohrab A. Kaprielian Fellow in Engineering: Pin Wang, PhD
Professors: Richard Roberts, PhD (Chemistry); Muhammad Sahimi, PhD; Theodore Tsotsis, PhD; Pin Wang, PhD
Associate Professors: Malancha Gupta, PhD; C. Ted Lee Jr., PhD*; Noah Malmstadt, PhD; Katherine S. Shing, PhD*
Assistant Professors: Nicholas Graham, PhD; Jongseung Yoon, PhD
Joint Appointments: Edward Crandall, PhD, MD (Medicine); P. Daniel Dapkus, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Stacey Finley, PhD (Biomedical Engineering); Martin Gundersen, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Aiichiro Nakano, PhD (Computer Science, Physics, Biomedical Engineering); Grace Lu, PhD (Physics and Electrical Engineering); George Olah, PhD (Chemistry); Charles G. Sammis, PhD (Geological Sciences); Raymond Stevens, PhD (Biological Sciences and Chemistry); Armand R. Tanguay Jr., PhD (Electrical and Biomedical Engineering); Mark E. Thompson, PhD (Chemistry); Arieh Warshel, PhD (Chemistry); Chongwu Zhou, PhD (Electrical Engineering)
Emeritus Professors: Elmer L. Dougherty, PhD; Murray Gershenzon, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Florian Mansfeld, PhD; Ronald Salovey, PhD*; Peter Will, PhD (Astronautical Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering)
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
Chemical Engineering Honor Society: Omega Chi Epsilon
Chemical engineering is the only engineering discipline that makes extensive use of chemical transformations (reactions) in addition to physical transformations (refining, molding or machining) to achieve added value. Chemical engineers are employed in virtually all manufacturing industries, from the basic chemical, biochemical, materials, energy, food, pharmaceutical and microelectronics industries to the myriad consumer product industries. Our various curricula are designed to produce graduates who are broadly educated as well as highly adaptable.
Graduates of the undergraduate program in Chemical Engineering are expected to attain the following objectives within a few years after graduation:
The program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering provides a thorough grounding in the basic sciences including chemistry, physics and/or biology, with some content at an advanced level, as appropriate to the objectives of the program. The curriculum includes the engineering application of these basic sciences to the design, analysis and control of chemical, physical and/or biological processes, including the hazards associated with these processes.
Requirements for the Engineer in chemical engineering are the same as set forth in the general requirements. See general requirements for graduate degrees. Only available to graduate students currently enrolled.
A special curriculum is available for obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering and a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in a letters, arts and sciences major in five years. For further information see departmental advisers.
Similar programs are available in cooperation with certain liberal arts colleges. Such programs are particularly suited for obtaining a Bachelor of Science in chemistry at the liberal arts college and a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering at USC.
The Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. Additionally, there are five possible areas of emphasis within this chemical engineering program major. These are: biochemical engineering (133 units); environmental engineering (136 units); nanotechnology (132 units); petroleum engineering (137 units); and polymer/materials science (137 units). An area of emphasis appears in parentheses after the primary major name on the transcript.
Sample student schedules are located on the department Web page (chems.usc.edu).
See also common requirements for undergraduate degrees.
*GE Category VI is taken concurrently with WRIT 150.
**Diversity course must double count as a GE course in calculating the total unit count for the degree.
***Satisfies GE Category III requirement.
+The university allows engineering majors to replace the GE Category IV with a second course in Categories I, II or VI.
The requirement for the degree in the absence of an area of emphasis is 133 units. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required in all upper division courses applied toward the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken. In addition to the previously listed common requirements, students must also take the following courses:
The Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. Additionally, there are five possible areas of emphasis within this chemical engineering program major. These are: biochemical engineering (133 units); environmental engineering (136 units); nanotechnology (132 units); petroleum engineering (137 units); and polymer/materials science (137 units). An area of emphasis appears in parentheses after the primary major name on the transcript.
Sample student schedules are located on the department Web page (chems.usc.edu).
See also common requirements for undergraduate degrees.
*GE Category VI is taken concurrently with WRIT 150.
**Diversity course must double count as a GE course in calculating the total unit count for the degree.
***Satisfies GE Category III requirement.
+The university allows engineering majors to replace the GE Category IV with a second course in Categories I, II or VI.
The requirement for the degree with an emphasis in biochemical engineering is 133 units.* A scholarship average of C (2.0) or higher is required for all upper division courses taken in chemical engineering, biomedical engineering and biological sciences. In addition to the previously listed common requirements, students must also take the following courses:
*Students in the biochemical engineering option must take a minimum of 48 engineering units total to graduate.
**Student may combine a 3-unit approved bio-engineering elective with 1 unit of free elective.
The Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. Additionally, there are five possible areas of emphasis within this chemical engineering program major. These are: biochemical engineering (133 units); environmental engineering (136 units); nanotechnology (132 units); petroleum engineering (137 units); and polymer/materials science (137 units). An area of emphasis appears in parentheses after the primary major name on the transcript.
Sample student schedules are located on the department Web page (chems.usc.edu).
See also common requirements for undergraduate degrees.
*GE Category VI is taken concurrently with WRIT 150.
**Diversity course must double count as a GE course in calculating the total unit count for the degree.
***Satisfies GE Category III requirement.
+The university allows engineering majors to replace the GE Category IV with a second course in Categories I, II or VI.
The requirement for the degree with an emphasis in environmental engineering is 136 units. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required for all upper division courses applied toward the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken. In addition to the previously listed common requirements, students must also take the following courses:
The Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. Additionally, there are five possible areas of emphasis within this chemical engineering program major. These are: biochemical engineering (133 units); environmental engineering (136 units); nanotechnology (132 units); petroleum engineering (137 units); and polymer/materials science (137 units). An area of emphasis appears in parentheses after the primary major name on the transcript.
Sample student schedules are located on the department Web page (chems.usc.edu).
See also common requirements for undergraduate degrees.
*GE Category VI is taken concurrently with WRIT 150.
**Diversity course must double count as a GE course in calculating the total unit count for the degree.
***Satisfies GE Category III requirement.
+The university allows engineering majors to replace the GE Category IV with a second course in Categories I, II or VI.
The requirement for the degree with an emphasis in nanotechnology is 132 units. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required for all upper division courses applied toward the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken. In addition to the previously listed common requirements, students must also take the following courses:
The Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. Additionally, there are five possible areas of emphasis within this chemical engineering program major. These are: biochemical engineering (133 units); environmental engineering (136 units); nanotechnology (132 units); petroleum engineering (137 units); and polymer/materials science (137 units). An area of emphasis appears in parentheses after the primary major name on the transcript.
Sample student schedules are located on the department Web page (chems.usc.edu).
See also common requirements for undergraduate degrees.
*GE Category VI is taken concurrently with WRIT 150.
**Diversity course must double count as a GE course in calculating the total unit count for the degree.
***Satisfies GE Category III requirement.
+The university allows engineering majors to replace the GE Category IV with a second course in Categories I, II or VI.
The requirement for the degree with an emphasis in petroleum engineering is 137 units. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required for all upper division courses applied toward the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken. In addition to the previously listed common requirements, students must also take the following courses:
Chemistry Technical Elective
The Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. Additionally, there are five possible areas of emphasis within this chemical engineering program major. These are: biochemical engineering (133 units); environmental engineering (136 units); nanotechnology (132 units); petroleum engineering (137 units); and polymer/materials science (137 units). An area of emphasis appears in parentheses after the primary major name on the transcript.
Sample student schedules are located on the department Web page (chems.usc.edu).
See also common requirements for undergraduate degrees.
*GE Category VI is taken concurrently with WRIT 150.
**Diversity course must double count as a GE course in calculating the total unit count for the degree.
***Satisfies GE Category III requirement.
+The university allows engineering majors to replace the GE Category IV with a second course in Categories I, II or VI.
The requirement for the degree with an emphasis in polymer/materials science is 137 units. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required for all upper division courses applied toward the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken. In addition to the previously listed common requirements, students must also take the following courses:
The Master of Science in chemical engineering is awarded in strict conformity with the general requirements of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering with the exception that the minimum unit requirement is 28. Registration in either CHE 550a, CHE 550b or CHE 590 is required.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in chemical engineering is awarded in conformity with the general requirements of the Graduate School. See general requirements for graduate degrees.
In addition to the general requirements for the PhD described in this catalogue, candidates in chemical engineering are required to demonstrate proficiency in the following fields: thermodynamics, fluid flow, heat and mass transfer and chemical engineering kinetics. Registration in CHE 550a, CHE 550b is required of all students. More detailed statements of the departmental requirements may be found in a brochure available upon request from the Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science office.
Return to: USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Vivian Hall of Engineering 604
(213) 740-4339
Email: chemsmas@vsoe.usc.edu
chems.usc.edu
Chair: Richard Roberts, PhD
Director: Michael Kassner, PhD
Choong Hoon Cho Chair in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering: Michael E. Kassner, PhD (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering)
Dean's Chair in Chemical Engineering and Materials Science: Priya Vashishta, PhD (Computer Science, Physics)
Fluor Early Career Chair in Engineering: Andrea M. Armani, PhD (Chemistry, Electrical Engineering)
M.C. Gill Chair in Composite Materials: Steven R. Nutt, PhD (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering)
Kenneth T. Norris Professor of Engineering: Anupam Madhukar, PhD (Physics, Biomedical Engineering)
Professors: P. Daniel Dapkus, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Rajiv K. Kalia, PhD (Physics, Computer Science); Michael E. Kassner, PhD (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering); Anupam Madhukar, PhD (Physics); Steven R. Nutt, PhD (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering); Priya Vashishta, PhD (Physics, Computer Science)
Associate Professors: Andrea Armani, PhD (Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering); Edward Goo, PhD; Andrea Hodge, PhD (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering);
Assistant Professors: Jayakanth Ravichandran, PhD; Jongseung Yoon, PhD
Joint Appointments: Edward Crandall, PhD, MD (Medicine); P. Daniel Dapkus, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Stacey Finley, PhD (Biomedical Engineering); Martin Gundersen, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Aiichiro Nakano, PhD (Computer Science, Physics, Biomedical Engineering); Grace Lu, PhD (Physics and Electrical Engineering); George Olah, PhD (Chemistry); Charles G. Sammis, PhD (Geological Sciences); Raymond Stevens, PhD (Biological Sciences and Chemistry); Armand R. Tanguay Jr., PhD (Electrical and Biomedical Engineering); Mark E. Thompson, PhD (Chemistry); Arieh Warshel, PhD (Chemistry); Chongwu Zhou, PhD (Electrical Engineering)
Emeritus Professors: Elmer L. Dougherty, PhD; Murray Gershenzon, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Florian Mansfeld, PhD; Ronald Salovey, PhD*; Peter Will, PhD (Astronautical Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering)
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
Requirements for the Engineer in materials science degree are the same as set forth in the general requirements for graduate degrees.
Students with an interest in the characterization, selection and processing of engineering materials, and in materials problems related to engineering design may work toward a Master of Science in materials engineering. This degree is awarded in conformity with the general requirements of the Viterbi School of Engineering. Students may elect to work for this degree in either the Materials Science or Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering departments. The specific courses that constitute an acceptable program must be approved in advance by the administering department.
In addition to the general requirements for the Master of Science degree, add the following required courses: CHE 501, EE 471, MASC 501, MASC 503, MASC 504, MASC 505 and MASC 551. The six remaining units for the degree may be electives chosen with departmental approval.
The Doctor of Philosophy with a major in materials science is awarded in strict conformity with the general requirements of the USC Graduate School. It includes the course requirements for the Master of Science degree, which are required courses CHE 501, EE 471, MASC 501, MASC 503, MASC 504, MASC 505 and MASC 551. See general requirements for graduate degrees.
Return to: USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Hedco Building 316
(213) 740-0322
FAX: (213) 740-0324
Email: chemspte@vsoe.usc.edu
chems.usc.edu
Chair: Richard Roberts, PhD
Director: Iraj Ershaghi, PhD, PE
Zohrab A. Kaprielian Dean's Chair in Engineering and Chester F. Dolley Chair in Petroleum Engineering: Yannis C. Yortsos, PhD
Omar B. Milligan Chair in Petroleum Engineering: Iraj Ershaghi, PhD, PE
William M. Keck Professor of Energy Resources: Donald M. Paul, PhD
Associate Professors: Behnam Jafarpour, PhD; Kristian Jessen, PhD
Adjunct Associate Professors: Stephen Cheung, PhD; Robert Ehrlich, PhD; Donald G. Hill, PhD; Victor M. Ziegler, PhD
Adjunct Assistant Professors: Andrei Popa, PhD; Ehsan Tajer, PhD
Lecturers: Jincai, Chang, PhD; George Chilingar, PhD; Donald Gautier, PhD; Martin Karrenbach, PhD; Keith Millheim, PhD; Bradford Pierce, MS; Wenlong Xu, PhD; Ke-Thia Yao, PhD
Research Professors: Fred Aminzadeh, PhD; Dongxiao Zhang, PhD
Joint Appointments: Edward Crandall, PhD, MD (Medicine); P. Daniel Dapkus, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Stacey Finley, PhD (Biomedical Engineering); Martin Gundersen, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Aiichiro Nakano, PhD (Computer Science, Physics, Biomedical Engineering); Grace Lu, PhD (Physics and Electrical Engineering); George Olah, PhD (Chemistry); Charles G. Sammis, PhD (Geological Sciences); Raymond Stevens, PhD (Biological Sciences and Chemistry); Armand R. Tanguay Jr., PhD (Electrical and Biomedical Engineering); Mark E. Thompson, PhD (Chemistry); Arieh Warshel, PhD (Chemistry); Chongwu Zhou, PhD (Electrical Engineering)
Emeritus Professors: Elmer L. Dougherty, PhD; Murray Gershenzon, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Florian Mansfeld, PhD; Ronald Salovey, PhD*; Peter Will, PhD (Astronautical Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering)
Petroleum Engineering Honor Society: Pi Epsilon Tau
See the listing under Chemical Engineering.
See the listing under Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering.
Requirements for the Engineer degree in petroleum engineering are the same as set forth in the general requirements. See general requirements for graduate degrees.
A minor in petroleum engineering consisting of 16 required units is available to undergraduate majors in various fields of engineering and applied science. Besides preparing for graduate study in petroleum engineering, the program will prepare students for careers in areas of national need such as the exploration, recovery and production of subterranean resources, and the underground disposal of hazardous wastes.
The Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering (Geoscience Technologies) is a unique degree that emphasizes recent developments in the field of unconventional oil and gas resources and modern techniques for mapping and monitoring of subterranean resources. The program may be completed via the USC Viterbi School's Distance Education Network (DEN). All courses for the degree must be taken at USC.
Students without a BS in Petroleum Engineering will normally be required to complete prerequisite courses before beginning the MS program. Specific prerequisite courses are decided upon consultation with the department adviser. Units from these courses cannot be applied toward the degree.
A minimum of 34 units is required to earn the MS in Petroleum Engineering (Geoscience Technologies).
The Master of Science in petroleum engineering is awarded in strict conformity with the general requirements of the Viterbi School of Engineering. Electives vary according to the area of interest. A student may be permitted to elect the program without thesis upon approval from the department.
The Master of Science in petroleum engineering (smart oilfield technologies) is awarded in strict conformity with the general requirements of the Viterbi School of Engineering. A student may be permitted to elect the program without thesis upon approval from the department. Course requirements are similar to the existing MS degree in petroleum engineering in terms of core requirements.
Students without a BS in Petroleum Engineering will normally be required to complete prerequisite courses before beginning the MS program. Specific prerequisite courses are decided upon consultation with the department adviser. Units from these courses cannot be applied toward the degree.
The certificate in smart oilfield techniques is designed for practicing engineers and scientists who enter petroleum engineering related fields and/or who wish to obtain training in the specific smart oilfields area. The applicants may enroll at USC as limited status students. They must apply and be admitted to the program before they complete 9 units of the required course work. The certificate program is open to applicants with an undergraduate degree in engineering or sciences who meet the admission criteria as limited students. Students without a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering will normally be required to complete prerequisite courses before beginning the certificate program. Specific prerequisite courses are decided upon consultation with the department adviser. Units from these courses cannot be applied toward the certificate.
The required courses consist of the following 12 units:
These classes will be available through the USC Distance Education Network (DEN@Viterbi). The credit for classes may be applied toward the M.S. or Ph.D. in petroleum engineering should the student decide later to pursue an advanced degree. In order to be admitted to the M.S. program, the student should maintain a B average or higher in courses for the certificate program and must satisfy all normal admission requirements. All courses for the certificate must be taken at USC.
The Doctor of Philosophy with a major in petroleum engineering is also offered. See general requirements for graduate degrees.
Return to: USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Kaprielian Hall 210
(213) 740-0603
FAX: (213) 744-1426
Email: ceedept@usc.edu
usc.edu/cee
Chair: Lucio Soibelman, PhD
Associate Chair: Erik Johnson, PhD
Director, Environmental Engineering: Amy Childress, PhD
Associate Director, Environmental Engineering: Massoud Pirbazari, PhD
Stephen Schrank Early Career Chair in Civil and Environmental Engineering: Burcin Becerik-Gerber, DDes
Fred Champion Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Constantinos Sioutas, ScD
Gordon S. Marshall Professor of Engineering Technology: Roger Ghanem, PhD (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering)
Professors: James C. Anderson, PhD*; Amy Childress, PhD; Roger Ghanem, PhD (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering); Erik A. Johnson, PhD; Jiin-Jen Lee, PhD, PE*; Vincent W. Lee, PhD; Patrick Lynett, PhD; Sami F. Masri, PhD (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering); Najmedin Meshkati, PhD, CPE (Industrial and Systems Engineering); Massoud Pirbazari, PhD; Constantinos Sioutas, ScD; Lucio Soibelman, PhD; Costas Synolakis, PhD (Aerospace Engineering); Mihailo Trifunac, PhD; L. Carter Wellford, PhD; Hung Leung Wong, PhD*
Associate Professor: Burcin Becerik-Gerber, DDes
Assistant Professors: George Ban-Weiss, PhD; Felipe deBarros, PhD; Kelly Sanders, PhD; Ketan Savla, PhD; Adam Smith, PhD; Qiming Wang, PhD
Professors of Engineering Practice: Gregg E. Brandow Jr., PhD, PE; Geraldine Knatz, PhD (Public Policy); Henry M. Koffman, PE
Associate Professor of Engineering Practice: Amy Rechenmacher, PhD
Senior Lecturer: Dana Sherman, Esq.* (Industrial and Systems Engineering)
Joint Appointments: David J. Gerber, DDes (Architecture); Genevieve Giuliano, PhD (Public Policy); Behrokh Khoshnevis, PhD (Industrial and Systems Engineering); James Moffett, PhD (Marine Environmental Biology); James Moore, PhD (Industrial and Systems Engineering, Public Policy); Firdaus E. Udwadia, PhD (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering); John P. Wilson, PhD (Sociology)
Research Professor: Michael Orosz (Information Sciences Institute)
Research Assistant Professor: Scott Fruin, PhD (Environmental Health, Keck School of Medicine)
Adjunct Associate Professor: Hanh Dam Le-Griffin, PhD
Adjunct Assistant Professor: Navid Nastar, PhD
Adjunct Research Professors: Maria I. Todorovska, PhD; Yan Xiao, PhD, PE; Dongxiao Zhang, PhD
Adjunct Research Assistant Professors: Jose C. Borrero, PhD; John Caffrey, PhD; Mohammad R. Jahanshahi, PhD; Mazen Wahbeh, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Mihran S. Agbabian, PhD, PE; George V. Chilingar, PhD; Joseph S. Devinny, PhD; Geoffrey Martin, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
Chi Epsilon is dedicated to the purpose of maintaining and promoting the status of civil engineering as a profession. Chi Epsilon was organized to recognize the characteristics of the individual civil engineer deemed to be fundamental to the successful pursuit of an engineering career and to aid in the development of those characteristics in the civil engineering student. To contribute to the improvement of the profession, Chi Epsilon fosters the development and exercise of sound traits of character and technical ability among civil engineers.
Chi Epsilon is based on broad principles of scholarship, character, practicality and sociability. Civil engineering students who rank in the upper one-third of the junior or senior class are eligible for membership. These qualifications will make one eligible but not necessarily acceptable. Each member must be well skilled in all four of the basic principles.
Fulfilling the vision of the Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the Viterbi School of Engineering and the University of Southern California, our graduates will:
The program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering prepares graduates to apply knowledge of mathematics through differential equations, calculus-based physics, chemistry and at least one additional area of basic science, consistent with the program educational objectives; apply knowledge of four technical areas appropriate to civil engineering; conduct civil engineering experiments and analyze and interpret the resulting data; and design a system, component, or process in more than one civil engineering context. The program also explains basic concepts in management, business, public policy, and leadership; and explains the importance of professional licensure.
The program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering prepares graduates to be proficient in mathematics through differential equations, probability and statistics, calculus-based physics, general chemistry; an earth science, e.g., geology, meteorology, soil science, relevant to the program of study; a biological science, e.g., microbiology, aquatic biology, toxicology, relevant to the program of study; fluid mechanics relevant to the program of study; and an introductory level knowledge of environmental issues associated with air, land, and water systems and associated environmental health impacts. The program prepares graduates to be proficient at conducting laboratory experiments and critically analyzing and interpreting data in more than one major environmental engineering focus area, e.g., air, water, land, environmental health; performing engineering design by means of design experiences integrated throughout the professional component of the curriculum; and to be proficient in advanced principles and practice relevant to the program objectives; including understanding of concepts of professional practice and the roles and responsibilities of public institutions and private organizations pertaining to environmental engineering.
See Environmental Engineering.
See Sustainable Infrastructure Systems.
See Sustainable Infrastructure Systems.
Requirements for the Engineer in Civil Engineering are the same as set forth in the general requirements.
The requirement for this degree is 128 units. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required in all upper division courses applied toward the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken. See the common requirements for undergraduate degrees section.
*GE Category VI and WRIT 150 are taken concurrently.
**The choice of free electives in the fourth year requires approval of the administering department.
The department offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. Additionally, there are three possible areas of emphases within this civil engineering program major. These are building science, environmental engineering and structural engineering. An area of emphasis appears in parentheses after the primary major name on the transcript.
The requirement for the degree is 133 units. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required for all courses taken at USC as well as all upper-division courses applied toward the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken. In addition, a minimum grade of C must be earned in each of the following courses: CE 205, CE 225, CE 309 and CE 235. See also common requirements for undergraduate degrees.
**Satisfies General Education requirement.
***Design kernel courses must be selected from the following list of design courses: CE 457, CE 465, CE 466, CE 476, CE 478, CE 482, CE 484 and CE 485.
In addition to the core courses, students are required to select one of the following tracks: General, Construction or Water Resources.
Choose one of the following: CE 480 as the capstone course and CE 482 as a required design kernel course; or CE 465 as the capstone course and CE 466 or CE 476 as a required design kernel course.
The civil engineering electives may be chosen freely.
Select CE 480 as the capstone course and CE 482 as a required design kernel course. Replace CE 453 with CE 412. CE 460 is a required elective. The other civil engineering electives must be chosen from the following list: CE 461, CE 462, CE 469 and CE 470.
Select CE 465 as the capstone course and select one of the following as a required design kernel course: CE 466 or CE 476. The civil engineering electives must be selected from the following list: CE 466, CE 476 and CE 490.
All curricula leading to a degree must be approved by the Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; please note this includes transfer credit and units for courses waived for subject credit only, which have been approved through the Degree Progress department.
The requirement for the degree with an emphasis in building science is 137 units. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required for all courses taken at USC as well as all upper-division courses applied toward the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken. In addition, a minimum grade of C must be earned in each of the following courses: CE 205, CE 225, CE 309 and CE 235. See also the common requirements for undergraduate degrees section.
**Satisfies GE requirement.
***The School of Architecture requires a minimum grade of C in ARCH 205a, ARCH 205b, ARCH 305a, ARCH 305b and ARCH 405a, ARCH 405b in order to continue in the building science design sequence.
****The civil engineering elective must be selected from the following courses: CE 451, CE 453, CE 460 and CE 471.
All curricula leading to a degree must be approved by the Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; please note this includes transfer credit and units for courses waived for subject credit only, which have been approved through the Degree Progress department.
The requirement for the degree with an emphasis in environmental engineering is 130 units. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required for all courses taken at USC as well as all upper division courses applied toward the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken. In addition, a minimum grade of C must be earned in each of the following courses: CE 205, CE 225, CE 309 and CE 235. See also common requirements for undergraduate degrees.
**Satisfies GE requirement.
***Kernels must be selected from the following list of design courses: CE 465, CE 466, CE 476, CE 482, CE 484, ENE 486.
All curricula leading to a degree must be approved by the Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; please note this includes transfer credit and units for courses waived for subject credit only, which have been approved through the Degree Progress department.
The requirement for the degree with an emphasis in structural engineering is 133 units. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required for all courses taken at USC as well as all upper division courses applied toward the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken. In addition, a minimum grade of C must be earned in each of the following courses: CE 205, CE 225, CE 309 and CE 235. See also common requirements for undergraduate degrees.
**Satisfies GE requirement.
All curricula leading to a degree must be approved by the Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; please note this includes transfer credit and units for courses waived for subject credit only, which have been approved through the Degree Progress department.
The program requires 132 units. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required for all courses taken at USC as well as all upper-division courses applied toward the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken. In addition, a minimum grade of C must be earned in each of the following courses: CE 205 and CE 309 or ENE 410. See also common requirements for undergraduate degrees.
*Satisfies GE requirement.
**Kernels must be selected from the following design courses: CE 443, CE 466, CE 476 or CHE 442.
This program covers the most current theories and practice of construction planning and management. The program provides a valuable adjunct credential to professional school students pursuing careers in business administration, public administration, environmental studies, and other areas; and a unique opportunity for professional focus to students in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
Construction activities are complex. In contemporary society, effective planning and management of these activities requires specialized knowledge of the technical, economic and political environment. This program couples the knowledge of how construction activities are organized with a broader understanding of the urban system in which construction projects are embedded. With the exception of statistics, all of the required courses are within the Department of Civil Engineering and the Price School of Public Policy. Any USC undergraduate who has completed the equivalent of two full-time semesters in good standing is eligible to pursue the minor program. This minor program is rigorous enough to serve as an introductory credential for students subsequently electing to pursue advanced studies in development, urban planning, construction management or allied fields.
See the Department of Civil Engineering for course requirements.
The Master of Science in Civil Engineering is awarded in strict conformity with the general requirements of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. A student may receive the Master of Science in Civil Engineering with a special option by specializing in one of the following courses of study: construction engineering; structural engineering; and transportation engineering. Students specializing in the transportation option and completing a thesis must include in their program 4 units of CE 594a and CE 594b.
A general Master of Science in Civil Engineering without special designation is also given. Students pursuing this program will choose between the following special options: general, earthquake engineering, structural mechanics, water resources or ocean and coastal engineering.
A student who wishes to pursue the Master of Science in Civil Engineering without special designation and who has an interest in public works may take a selected sequence of 12 units in the USC Price School of Public Policy. For further information, see the Public Administration Professional Sequence section in the USC Price School of Public Policy.
Students possessing a bachelor's degree and with sufficient training in capital management and statistics may pursue the Master of Construction Management. The purpose of the Master of Construction Management program is to educate and train multidisciplinary professionals to understand and execute the broad array of technical and non-technical activities associated with construction management. The program provides special attention to the function of the constructor in real estate development. The program is drawn from the MS, Civil Engineering program in construction engineering and management, and from the USC Marshall School of Business.
Applicants to the program are expected to have completed undergraduate course work in engineering economy or business finance.
*Prerequisite required.
The minimum requirement for the Master of Construction Management degree is 33 units. At least three elective courses totaling at least 9 units are required for this degree. These may be taken from the USC Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, other engineering departments, the USC Price School of Public Policy, the USC School of Architecture, the USC Davis School of Gerontology, the USC Gould School of Law or the USC Marshall School of Business subject to adviser approval. Admission to some classes requires advanced prerequisites and is subject to availability and approval of the instructor.
The normal time required for earning the Master of Construction Management is three semesters, including one summer semester beginning in June and continuing through the spring semester ending in May. Students are expected to participate in extracurricular activities associated with the Master of Construction Management program, including the speaker series and field trips. A candidate must complete the last four semester units of course work at USC.
Students who wish to take a leave of absence for a semester or longer must request it from the chairman of the Astani Department in writing. Such leaves may be granted for up to one year.
Students with a bachelor's degree in engineering or science may work toward the Master of Science in Environmental Engineering. Students with degrees in fields other than engineering or science may be admitted on the recommendation of a program adviser and program director. Selection of courses will be determined through consultation with a program adviser to provide a maximum of training in the student's area of interest in environmental problems.
The graduate certificate in Transportation Systems is an interdisciplinary program administered by the USC Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The certificate program allows students to specialize in transportation applications, while simultaneously receiving a degree in their home department. The certificate in transportation systems combines elements of transportation engineering with transportation policy, planning and project management. The program is especially appropriate for students intending to pursue careers as developers of transportation technologies, or as implementors of technologies within government agencies.
Students electing the certificate program apply to the USC Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Course prerequisites for the program are:
These prerequisites may be satisfied after enrollment in the certificate program by taking the indicated courses or their equivalent. Graduate students cannot receive credit for courses numbered below 400. Detailed admissions requirements are published by the USC Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
The courses taken for the certificate may be applied later to the Master of Science in Civil Engineering, transportation option.
Qualified students holding a bachelor's degree also have the option of enrolling in the certificate program without receiving a separate graduate degree.
The curriculum consists of five graduate courses for a total of 17 units.
The Doctor of Philosophy with a major in civil engineering and the Doctor of Philosophy with a major in engineering (environmental engineering) are also offered. See general requirements for graduate degrees.
Areas of specialization for Doctor of Philosophy level students are: structural engineering, structural mechanics, earthquake engineering, coastal engineering, water resources engineering, construction engineering and management, soil mechanics and foundation engineering, hydrology, hydrodynamics and transportation.
The Doctor of Philosophy with a major in civil engineering and the Doctor of Philosophy with a major in engineering (environmental engineering) are also offered. See general requirements for graduate degrees.
Areas of specialization for Doctor of Philosophy level students are: structural engineering, structural mechanics, earthquake engineering, coastal engineering, water resources engineering, construction engineering and management, soil mechanics and foundation engineering, hydrology, hydrodynamics and transportation.
Return to: USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Kaprielian Hall 210
(213) 740-0603
FAX: (213) 744-1426
Email: ceedept@usc.edu
usc.edu/cee
Chair: Lucio Soibelman, PhD
Associate Chair: Erik Johnson, PhD
Director, Environmental Engineering: Amy Childress, PhD
Associate Director, Environmental Engineering: Massoud Pirbazari, PhD
Stephen Schrank Early Career Chair in Civil and Environmental Engineering: Burcin Becerik-Gerber, DDes
Fred Champion Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Constantinos Sioutas, ScD
Gordon S. Marshall Professor of Engineering Technology: Roger Ghanem, PhD (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering)
Professors: James C. Anderson, PhD*; Amy Childress, PhD; Roger Ghanem, PhD (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering); Erik A. Johnson, PhD; Jiin-Jen Lee, PhD, PE; Vincent W. Lee, PhD; Patrick Lynett, PhD; Sami F. Masri, PhD (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering); Najmedin Meshkati, PhD, CPE (Industrial and Systems Engineering); Massoud Pirbazari, PhD; Constantinos Sioutas, ScD; Lucio Soibelman, PhD; Costas Synolakis, PhD (Aerospace Engineering); Mihailo Trifunac, PhD; L. Carter Wellford, PhD; Hung Leung Wong, PhD*
Associate Professor: Burcin Becerik-Gerber, DDes
Assistant Professors: George Ban-Weiss, PhD; Felipe de Barros, PhD; Kelly Sanders, PhD; Ketan Savla, PhD
Professors of Engineering Practice: Gregg E. Brandow Jr., PhD, PE; Geraldine Knatz, PhD (Public Policy); Henry M. Koffman, PE
Associate Professor of Engineering Practice: Amy Rechenmacher, PhD
Senior Lecturer: Dana Sherman, Esq.* (Industrial and Systems Engineering)
Joint Appointments: David J. Gerber, DDes (Architecture); Genevieve Giuliano, PhD (Public Policy); Behrokh Khoshnevis, PhD (Industrial and Systems Engineering); James Moffett, PhD (Marine Environmental Biology); James Moore, PhD (Industrial and Systems Engineering, Public Policy); Firdaus E. Udwadia, PhD (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering); John P. Wilson, PhD (Sociology)
Research Professor: Michael Orosz (Information Sciences Institute)
Research Assistant Professor: Scott Fruin, PhD (Environmental Health, Keck School of Medicine)
Adjunct Associate Professor: Hanh Dam Le-Griffin, PhD
Adjunct Assistant Professor: Navid Nastar, PhD
Adjunct Research Professors: Maria I. Todorovska, PhD; Yan Xiao, PhD, PE; Dongxiao Zhang, PhD
Adjunct Research Assistant Professors: Jose C. Borrero, PhD; John Caffrey, PhD; Mohammad R. Jahanshahi, PhD; Mazen Wahbeh, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Mihran S. Agbabian, PhD, PE; George V. Chilingar, PhD; Joseph S. Devinny, PhD; Geoffrey Martin, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
Fulfilling the vision of the Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the Viterbi School of Engineering and the University of Southern California, our graduates from the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering program or the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering program will:
The program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering prepares graduates to apply knowledge of mathematics through differential equations, calculus-based physics, chemistry and at least one additional area of basic science, consistent with the program educational objectives; apply knowledge of four technical areas appropriate to civil engineering; conduct civil engineering experiments and analyze and interpret the resulting data; and design a system, component, or process in more than one civil engineering context. The program also explains basic concepts in management, business, public policy, and leadership; and explains the importance of professional licensure.
The program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering prepares graduates to apply knowledge of mathematics through differential equations, probability and statistics, calculus-based physics, chemistry (including stoichiometry, equilibrium and kinetics), an earth science, a biological science and fluid mechanics. The curriculum prepares graduates to formulate material and energy balances, and analyze the fate and transport of substances in and between air, water, and soil phases; conduct laboratory experiments, and analyze and interpret the resulting data in more than one major environmental engineering focus area, e.g., air, water, land, environmental health; design environmental engineering systems that include considerations of risk, uncertainty, sustainability, life-cycle principles and environmental impacts; and apply advanced principles and practice relevant to the program objectives. The curriculum prepares graduates to understand concepts of professional practice, project management, and the roles and responsibilities of public institutions and private organizations pertaining to environmental policy and regulations.
See Civil Engineering.
See Civil Engineering.
See Civil Engineering.
Requirements for the Engineer in Environmental Engineering are the same as set forth in the general requirements. See General Requirements for the Engineer Degree.
See listing under Civil Engineering.
See the listing in the USC Price School of Public Policy section.
A minor in environmental engineering provides students with a basic knowledge of our environment, potential causes for its deterioration, methods to prevent or mitigate environmental hazards, and the means to improve its quality at reasonable costs. Students will learn how to control water pollution, maintain air quality, treat and properly dispose of wastes, and remediate sites contaminated due to improper disposal of hazardous waste. This minor also enhances students' employment opportunities in the field of environmental engineering. The program provides the necessary infrastructure for the pursuit of graduate studies in environmental engineering.
The minor in environmental engineering is offered to undergraduates in various fields of engineering and natural sciences.
Return to: USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Graduates of the Computer Engineering and Computer Science program are expected to attain the following educational objectives within a few years of graduation:
The program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and Computer Science provides both breadth and depth across the range of engineering topics implied by the title. The curriculum includes probability and statistics, including appropriate applications; mathematics, including discrete mathematics through differential and integral calculus; sciences (defined as biological, chemical or physical science) to develop an understanding of the scientific method and provide students with an opportunity to experience this mode of inquiry in courses for science or engineering majors that provide some exposure to lab work; and engineering topics (including computing science) necessary to analyze and design complex electrical and electronic devices, software and systems containing hardware and software components.
The computer science portion of the curriculum covers the fundamentals of algorithms, data structures, software design, concepts of programming languages and computer organization and software; provides an exposure to a variety of programming languages and systems, including at least one higher-level language; and includes advanced course work that builds on the fundamental course work to provide depth.
The graduate program in computer engineering, offered through the Department of Electrical Engineering, is designed to provide students with an intensive background in the analysis, structure, design and function of digital computers and information processing systems. In addition to giving each student a fundamental background in digital logic, computer architecture and operating systems, a wide variety of elective courses allows for study in the following specialized areas: artificial intelligence; computer architecture; computer networks; computer system performance; design automation; fault-tolerant computers; microprocessors; parallel processing; real-time systems; robotics; and VLSI design.
Students attaining the bachelor of science degree in computer engineering and computer science would possess the scientific and engineering skills and knowledge that would enable them to design and implement computer systems that effectively and efficiently integrate developing hardware and software technologies. This degree is administered jointly by the departments of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering.
The requirement for the degree is 128 units. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required in all upper division courses applied toward the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken.
**Satisfies GE requirement.
CSCI 300, CSCI 310, CSCI 360, CSCI 420, CSCI 445, CSCI 459, CSCI 460, CSCI 464, CSCI 476, CSCI 477a, CSCI 477b, CSCI 485, CSCI 491a, CSCI 491b, CSCI 499 ; EE 454, EE EE 465, EE 477, EE 490, EE 499; MATH 458 .
Students may also choose one adviser-approved course from the 300- and 400-level ITP offerings. Other courses may be applicable; please see an adviser for approval.
The Master of Science in Computer Engineering is earned by completing an integrated program of at least 27 units of approved course work in computer engineering and computer science. No more than three courses (maximum 12 units) may be counted at the 400 level — at least 18 adviser-approved units must be taken at the 500 or 600 level.
All applicants must have taken the entrance requirement courses (or equivalent in other institutions) in order to be admitted to the program. Entrance requirement course credit cannot be applied toward the degree. A fundamental course may be waived by taking a placement exam. In case a placement exam is not offered, a fundamental course may be waived by a designated faculty member upon proof (in the form of prior course work or a placement examination, etc.) that the student already has equivalent knowledge of the course material. At least 18 units must be taken at the 500-level or above. At least 18 units must be taken in electrical engineering, 15 of which must be taken at USC. Units taken outside of electrical engineering or computer science must be approved in advance by a computer engineering adviser and must be substantive in content and related to the degree objective. Up to 3 units of EE 590 Directed Research with a computer engineering faculty member may be applied toward the degree.
(with the option of EE 450 or EE 503):
(with the option of EE 550 or EE 555):
(cannot overlap with the core courses):
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) must be earned on all course work applied toward the master's degree in computer engineering. This average must also be achieved on all 400-level and above course work attempted at USC beyond the bachelor's degree. Transfer units which count as credit (CR) toward the master's degree are not computed in the grade point average. All other Viterbi School of Engineering requirements for the Master of Science apply.
The requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Engineering are in strict conformity with the requirements of the Graduate School. Program requirements for the PhD in Computer Engineering are the same as those for the PhD in Electrical Engineering except that the major field is computer engineering. See general requirements for graduate degrees.
Screening and qualifying examinations are administered by the computer engineering faculty. Students should contact the Electrical Engineering Systems Department Office for further information.
The following course work must be completed; these courses can be included in the 60-unit course work requirement:
Take two courses from theory area and four courses from the other three areas (hardware, software and systems), including at least one course from each area to total six courses.
Return to: USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Henry Salvatori Computer Science Center 104
(213) 740-4494
FAX: (213) 740-7285
Email: csdept@usc.edu
Chair: Gaurav Sukhatme, PhD
Chan Soon-Shiong Chair: Maja Matarić, PhD (Neuroscience Center)
Dean's Chair in Chemical Engineering and Materials Science: Priya Vashishta, PhD (Computer Science, Physics)
Fletcher Jones Chair in Computer Science: Michael A. Arbib, PhD
Viterbi Early Career Chair: Jernej Barbic, PhD
Gordon S. Marshall Chair in Engineering: Aristides A.G. Requicha, PhD
Jack Munishian Early Career Chair: Fei Sha, PhD
Northrup Grumman Chair in Engineering: Ramesh Govindan, PhD
David Packard Chair in Manufacturing Engineering: Stephen C-Y Lu, PhD (Mechanical Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering)
Charles Lee Powell Chair in Engineering: Viktor Prasanna, PhD (Electrical Engineering)
Charles Lee Powell Chair in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science: Melvin Breuer, PhD (Electrical Engineering)
Henry Salvatori Chair in Computer Science: Leonard M. Adleman, PhD
Andrew and Erna Viterbi Early Career Chair: Hao Li, PhD
Andrew and Erna Viterbi Early Career Chair: Minlan Yu, PhD
Dean's Professor of Computer Science: Kevin Knight, PhD
Dean's Professor of Computer Science: Gaurav Sukhatme, PhD
Helen N. & Emmett H. Jones Professorship in Engineering: Milind Tambe, PhD (Industrial and Systems Engineering)
Seeley G. Mudd Professor of Engineering: Shanghua Teng, PhD
TRW Professor of Software Engineering: Barry Boehm, PhD
Viterbi Professor in Engineering: Shrikanth (Shri) Narayanan, PhD
WISE Jr. Gabilan Chair in Computer Science: Nora Ayanian, PhD
WISE Jr. Gabilan Chair in Computer Science: Aleksandra Korolova, PhD
Professors: Leonard Adleman, PhD (Molecular Biology); Michael Arbib, PhD (Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering); Barry Boehm, PhD (Industrial and Systems Engineering); Leana Golubchik, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Ramesh Govindan, PhD; Ellis Horowitz, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Ming-Deh Huang, PhD; Laurent Itti, PhD (Neuroscience Center); Sven Koenig, PhD; Kevin Knight, PhD; Maja Matarić, PhD (Neuroscience Center); Dennis McLeod, PhD; Gerard Medioni, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Neno Medvidovic, PhD; Aiichiro Nakano, PhD (Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics); Ulrich Neumann, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Ramakant Nevatia, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Aristides Requicha, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Paul Rosenbloom, PhD; Stefan Schaal, PhD (Neuroscience Center); Cyrus Shahabi, PhD; Gaurav Sukhatme, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Milind Tambe, PhD (Industrial and Systems Engineering); Shanghua Teng, PhD
Associate Professors: Shahram Ghandeharizadeh, PhD; David Kempe, PhD; Fei Sha, PhD
Assistant Professors: Nora Ayanian, PhD; Jernej Barbic, PhD; Shaddin Dughmi, PhD; William GJ Halfond, PhD; Aleksandra Korolova, PhD; Hao Li, PhD; Wyatt Lloyd, PhD; Ethan Katz-Bassett, PhD; Yan Liu, PhD; Minlan Yu, PhD
Joint Professors: Murali Annavaram, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Melvin Breuer, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Todd Brun, PhD; Tim Ting Chen, PhD (Biological Sciences); Michael Crowley, PhD (Information Technology Program); Kai Hwang, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Rajiv Kalia, PhD (Physics); Carl Kesselman, PhD (Industrial and Systems Engineering); Bhaskar Krishnamachari, PhD (Electrical Engineering); C-C Jay Kuo, PhD (Signal and Image Processing); Stephen Lu, PhD (Industrial and Systems Engineering); Urbashi Mitra, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Shrikanth (Shri) Narayanan, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Hamid Nazerzadeh, PhD (Data Sciences and Operations); Viktor Prasanna, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Konstantinos Psounis, PhD; C.S. Raghavendra, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Benjamin Reichardt, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Remo Rohs, PhD (Computational Biology); Nicolas Schweighofer, PhD (Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy); Francisco Valero-Cuevas (Biomedial Engineering); Priya Vashishta, PhD (Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Physics); Michael Waterman, PhD (Mathematics, Biological Sciences); Richard Weinberg, PhD (Cinematic Arts); John Wilson, PhD (Geography); Xianghong Zhou, PhD (Biological Sciences)
Adjunct Professors: Danny Cohen, PhD; Rick Selby, PhD
Adjunct Associate Professors: David Chiang, PhD; Mary Hall, PhD; Eduard Hovy, PhD; Stacy Marsella, PhD; Larry Matthies, PhD; Chris Mattmann, PhD; Zhengyou Zhang, PhD
Adjunct Assistant Professors: Aude Billard, PhD; Auke Ijspeert, PhD; Louis-Phillippe Morency, PhD; Marco Papa, PhD; Sethu Vijayakumar, PhD; Roger Zimmermann, PhD
Research Professors: Paul Debevec, PhD; Yolanda Gil, PhD; Jonathan Gratch, PhD; John Heidemann, PhD; Randall Hill, PhD; Jerry Hobbs, PhD; Craig Knoblock, PhD; Premkumar Natarajan, PhD; Herbert Schorr, PhD; William Swartout, PhD
Research Associate Professors: Ann L. Chervenak, PhD; Ewa Deelman, PhD; Andrew Gordon, PhD; Eduard Hovy, PhD; Kristina Lerman, PhD; Robert Lucas, PhD; Daniel Marcu, PhD; Stacey Marsella, PhD; Robert Neches, PhD; Clifford Neuman, PhD; Wei-Min Shen, PhD; Pedro Szekely, PhD; Joseph Touch, PhD
Research Assistant Professors: Jose Luis Ambite, PhD; Ron Artstein PhD; Yu-Han Chang, PhD; Young Cho, PhD; Morteza Dehghani, PhD; David DeVault, PhD; Pedro Diniz, PhD; Aram Galstyan, PhD; Kallirroi Georgila, PhD; Jihie Kim, PhD; Anton Leuski, PhD; Rajiv Maheswaran, PhD; Jelena Mirkovic, PhD; Kenji Sagae, PhD; Stefan Scherer, PhD; Evan Suma, PhD; David Traum, PhD; Greg Ver Steeg, PhD
Professor of Engineering Practice: Michael Zyda, PhD
Associate Professor of Engineering Practice: Jeffrey Miller, PhD
Lecturers: Claire Bono; William Cheng, PhD; Aaron Cote, PhD; Scott Easley, BA; Massoud Ghyám-Khah, EdD; Saty Raghavachary, PhD; Shawn Shamsian, PhD; Michael Shindler, PhD; Sheila Tejada, PhD (Senior Lecturer)
Emeritus Professor: George Bekey, PhD (Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering)
Graduates of the undergraduate program in Computer Science are expected to attain the following objectives within a few years of graduation:
The program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science includes at least one and one-third years of computer science that covers the fundamentals of algorithms, data structures, software design, concepts of programming languages and computer organization and software; provides an exposure to a variety of programming languages and systems, including at least one higher-level language; and includes advanced course work that builds on the fundamental course work to provide depth.
The program includes at least one year of science and mathematics, including at least one-half year of mathematics, including discrete mathematics. Additional mathematics might consist of calculus, linear algebra, numerical methods, probability, statistics, number theory, geometry, or symbolic logic. The science component develops an understanding of the scientific method and provides an opportunity to experience this mode of inquiry in courses for science or engineering majors that provide some exposure to laboratory work.
This program is intended for students with dual interests in physics and computer science who wish to complete the essential courses for both majors within their normal four year career. See the Physics and Astronomy Department section for course requirements.
See the listing under Computer Engineering.
This interdisciplinary minor integrates three major disciplines (fine arts, computer science and interactive media) to develop the 2-D visual skills necessary to conceptualize and illustrate images for games. For more information, see USC Roski School of Art and Design.
The focus of the 3-D Art for Games minor is a trans-disciplinary approach that incorporates the creative, technological and team-based communication skills necessary to develop 3-D art skills for video games. For more information, see USC Roski School of Art and Design.
The requirements listed below are special to this department and must be read in conjunction with the general requirements of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering for master's degrees and the general requirements of the USC Graduate School for Ph.D. degrees. The graduate program in computer science provides intensive preparation in the basic concepts and techniques related to the design, programming and application of digital computers. Both the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are offered.
A Master of Science degree with specialization in software engineering is also offered. The program seeks to prepare students for an industrial leadership career in software engineering. It also serves as an introduction to this area for students who wish to pursue advanced studies and research leading to a Ph.D.
A Master of Science degree with specialization in intelligent robotics is also offered. This program seeks to prepare students for an industrial career in the development of computer systems for CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing) and robotics. It also serves as an introduction to this area for students who wish to pursue advanced studies and research leading to a Ph.D. The emphasis is on the domain of mechanical, electromechanical and mechatronic products. (CAD for digital systems is covered by a separate program offered by the Electrical Engineering-Systems department.)
A Master of Science degree with a specialization in computer networks is offered. This specialization prepares students in the areas of computer communications, networks and distributed processing.
A Master of Science in Computer Science (Multimedia and Creative Technologies) is also offered.
A Master of Science in Computer Science (High Performance Computing and Simulations) is also offered.
A Master of Science in Computer Science (Data Science) is also offered.
A Master of Science in Computer Science (Game Development) is also offered.
A Master of Science in Computer Science (Computer Security) is also offered.
A Master of Science in Computer Science (Technical Professionals) is also offered for students with three to five years of work experience.
A Master of Science in Computer Science Dual Degree with Tsinghua University School of Information Science and Technology – China is also offered.
A Master of Science in Computer Science (Scientists and Engineers) is also offered for students with limited background in computer science.
Admission is determined by the Office of Admission and the Viterbi School of Engineering, in consultation with the Computer Science Department. The applicant is required to have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university; satisfactory scores on the verbal and quantitative portions of the aptitude test of the Graduate Record Examinations (one advanced test from computer science, mathematics or engineering is recommended); and a substantial background in computing constitutes a minimum requirement. Foreign students must earn a satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
The undergraduate program in computer science is an interdisciplinary program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. The program is designed to provide both an academic and professional orientation.
General admission requirements for the undergraduate program are the same as those of the university and the USC Viterbi School of Engineering and include 3 to 5 units of mathematics and one unit of science (biology, chemistry or physics) together with satisfactory scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test and Achievement Tests. The minimum requirement for the degree is 128 units. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required for all courses taken at USC as well as all upper division courses applied toward the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken. Candidates must complete general education requirements; see The USC Core and the General Education Program.
One of the following science area course sequences:
* WRIT 340 Advanced Writing (Communication for Engineers) is strongly recommended for CSCI majors
**Courses selected to meet the general education life
science and physical science requirements must be approved by the
CSCI department to ensure that students achieve the required level
of basic science content in their programs.
***Satisfies General Education requirement.
Students may also choose one adviser-approved course from the 300- and 400-level ITP offerings. Other courses may be applicable; please see an adviser for approval.
The goal of the BS in Computer Science (Games) program is to graduate students with a solid grounding in computer science and a cross-disciplinary background in game development. Topics covered in the crossdisciplinary game development portion of the degree program include game production, visual design for games and interactives, computer animation, video game programming, game hardware architectures, game engine programming, serious game development, introductory and intermediate game design, and two semester-long final game projects. Students graduating from this program will be capable of engineering next-generation games and simulations and their technologies in the entertainment and serious game fields. Additionally, graduates from this program will be able to further their education in graduate programs in game development and computer science.
The requirement for the degree is 128 units. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required for all courses taken at USC as well as all upper-division courses applied toward the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken.
*Satisfies GE requirement.
The combined Bachelor of Science degree program in computer science/business administration offers qualified students the opportunity to gain an educational foundation in both areas. The degree cannot also be combined as an additional major in either computer science or business administration. The degree is administered by the Computer Science Department.
The minimum requirement for the degree is 128 units. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required for all courses taken at USC as well as all upper-division courses applied toward the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken.
Students must take one course from the Computer Science selection and one from the Business selection and a third course from either one.
Take one from the following courses:
Take one from the following courses:
*Satisfies GE requirement.
The computer science minor introduces the concepts, tools and techniques that are involved in the programming of computers. The minor prepares students to achieve mastery in several current programming languages. In addition, the student will learn about creating effective user interfaces and how to build applications that are available on the Internet.
Lower division (18 units)
12 units selected from the following courses:
The Master of Science in Computer Science Dual Degree with Tsinghua University School of Information Science and Technology – China (THU) leads to two Master of Science degrees in Computer Science, one from each institution. The dual degrees are subject to the following stipulations:
*CSCI 402 is a prerequisite for CSCI 551, CSCI 555 and CSCI 558. CSCI 402 is automatically waived for graduate computer science students.
(each internship = 1 unit, max 3)
*Topics must be pre-approved by an adviser.
The Master of Science in Computer Science (Data Science) provides students with a core background in computer science and specialized algorithmic, statistical and systems expertise in acquiring, storing, accessing, analyzing and visualizing large, heterogeneous and real-time data associated with diverse real-world domains including energy, the environment, health, media, medicine and transportation.
Any 500- or 600-level course in CSCI (including additional group electives or special topics)
No more than 4 units may be taken at the 400-level.
The goal of the MS in Computer Science (Game Development) program is to graduate students with a core in computer science, an engineering-oriented game development core and a concentration in one of the key research directions in game development infrastructure, cognition and games, immersion and serious games. Infrastructure is researching and developing the software and hardware infrastructure necessary for the development of the future of interactive games and large-scale simulations; massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) and simulation networks; game engines and tools; instant games; wireless and mobile games and infrastructures; and next generation consoles. Cognition and games is developing theories for modeling and simulating computer characters and story; developing methods for modeling, simulating and displaying human emotion; analyzing large-scale game play; and developing theories for infusing pedagogy with game play. Immersion is researching and developing the technologies to engage the mind of the game player via sensory stimulation; reading the human emotional state and providing that as an input to the game; and emotionally adaptive game software architectures. Serious games and simulations is developing a theory for the deployment of games and simulations for purposes of education and training, health, public policy and strategic communication; game evaluation; serious game development; and human performance engineering. Students graduating from this program will be capable of engineering next generation games and simulations and their required technologies immediately upon graduation in the entertainment and serious game fields. Additionally, graduates from this program will be able to further their education in graduate programs in game development and computer science. The long-term goal with this MS degree is to establish research and development directions that create a science of games and an accompanying archival literature that improves game development for both serious and entertainment purposes.
Complete 6 units from the following:
Max 8 units approved for 400-level courses.
Select either (option 1) two courses from Group A and one course from Group B, or (option 2) one course from Group A and two courses from Group B. Total group units will be 9-11 units.Three of the following courses — students must take courses from both the computer science track and the computational science/engineering application track.
*Adviser approval required.
*CSCI 445 must be taken before CSCI 545.
**Alternate Robotics/AI related courses may be substituted in the elective area.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be earned on all course work applied toward the master's degree in computer science. This average must also be earned on all graduate courses completed at USC (400-level and above). Transfer units count as credit (CR) toward the master's degree and are not computed in the grade point average. A maximum of 4 units may be taken at the 400 level from approved courses in either electrical engineering or computer science; the remaining units must be approved courses at the 500 or 600 level. M.S. students may complete a maximum of 8 units of 600-level courses for use in the degree program. Approval for enrollment in 600-level courses must come from the faculty instructor and department adviser. Total units required for the degree is 28. No examination is required for the degree. Other requirements for the Master of Science in Computer Science are the same as set forth in the general requirements for Viterbi School of Engineering master's degrees.
The required courses are as follows:
CSCI 400-599 Select any CSCI elective course from the department's offerings. Only one course may be 400 level. Units: 12
Non Computer Science Course (such as EE, ISE, etc. from approved list) Units: 3-4
600-level CSCI Course (faculty and department approval required) Units: 4
Additional 500-level CSCI course Units: 4
With the approval of a supervising professor, qualified students may be allowed to pursue a thesis option. Students pursuing the thesis option must satisfy all of the policies and course requirements for the master's degree with the following exceptions: A maximum of 4 units from approved courses may be taken at the 400 level in either electrical engineering or computer science. In addition, these students must enroll in a minimum of two semesters of CSCI 594a, CSCI 594b, CSCI 594z for a maximum of 4 units. Total units required for the degree is 28. The thesis must comply with all requirements set by the Graduate School. Students interested in a thesis while enrolled in a computer science specialization should consult with their department adviser.
Non Computer Science Course (such as EE, ISE, etc. from approved list) Units: 3-4
600-level CSCI Course (adviser approval required) Units: 4
Additional 500-level CSCI course Units: 4
Designed for students with engineering or science bachelor's degree but limited background in computer science, this comprehensive, two-year, 37-unit program combines an introductory sequence of undergraduate preparatory and foundational course work with all the graduate breadth requirements necessary to satisfy the traditional master's degree. Note: The preparatory programming requirement and foundational requirements must be completed at USC and cannot be transferred in or waived. Applicants to this program must meet the admissions standards of the Viterbi School of Engineering.
You must take the following courses (16 units):
Select two courses, 7-8 units, from approved 500- to 600-level course work from Computer Science. Units: 7-8
*Note: CSCI 455 is a preparatory requirement for this program, but the units for this course do not count toward the 33 units required for the degree.
Students must satisfy all requirements for the Master of Science degree in Computer Science. In addition, they must take the following courses. Students may also include research for an optional master's thesis in their programs. This program seeks to prepare students for an industrial leadership career in software engineering. It also serves as an introduction to this area for students who wish to pursue advanced studies and research leading to a PhD.
Non Computer Science course (such as EE, ISE, etc. from approved list) Units: 3-4
600-level CSCI course (faculty and department approval required) Units: 4
Additional 500-level CSCI course Units: 4
This certificate program will provide engineers with the skills required to face the increasingly complex future in architecting systems, systems of systems and software-intensive systems. Students will be exposed to the concepts, principles and state-of-the-art methods in software architectures. This program introduces principles and approaches for modeling systems using SysML; applies software engineering process models and management approaches to the design and architecture of large software systems; and guides the architect through every phase of the conception, implementation, deployment and finally retirement of software systems. It is expected that participants in the certificate program will have completed an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related field and will have several years of practical experience in software engineering and/or systems engineering. If students are later admitted to the Master of Science in Computer Science, the courses taken for the certificate may be applied to that program.
*Prerequisite: CSCI 402
**Prerequisite: EE 457
The Doctor of Philosophy with a major in computer science is awarded in strict conformity with the general requirements of the USC Graduate School. See Requirements for Graduation - GRAD. Departmental requirements for this degree consist of a concentrated program of study and research and a dissertation. Consult a separately published guide, available from the department office and Website, for more information concerning course requirements, the screening procedure, the teaching requirement, the qualifying examination, the thesis proposal and other requirements.
Elective courses: In addition to the mandatory courses, each student must complete five CSCI courses at the 500 level and above, 4 units each. No more than two of these courses (8 units total) may be at the 500 level; the remaining must be CSCI courses at the 600 level. Directed Research units or thesis credits do not satisfy this requirement. Students are strongly advised to take at least one of their elective courses in an area of computer science that is different from their proposed area of research. The PhD adviser is expected to provide guidance on this matter to the student.
The CSCI 670 course requirement may be waived by examination only. Each course in the department has a faculty member who is designated as the course "owner." The owner of CSCI 670 is in charge of creating and grading the waiver examination. CSCI 697 and CSCI 698 may not be waived.
Each PhD student is expected to demonstrate breadth of knowledge as well as depth in a chosen area of concentration. Hence, the required courses fall into two groups: (1) a common core, required of all doctoral students, and (2) additional required courses which depend on the student's area of concentration. The common core consists of five courses selected from the following five groups. Students must complete one class from each group:
A minimum GPA of 3.5 must be obtained in these five core courses.
In addition, all PhD students must register for two semesters of CSCI 597 Seminar in Computer Science Research for a maximum of 2 units during their first year. PhD programs in computer science are grouped into the following specializations: Network and Systems (Interaction); Databases (Interaction); Software Engineering (Interaction); Robotics (Autonomy); Intelligent Agents and Organizations (Autonomy); Natural Language Processing (Autonomy); Graphics and Multimedia (Immersion); Vision (Immersion); Theory of Computation: Genomic, Molecular and Quantum Computation (Computation); Brain Theory and Neural Networks (Computation); High Performance Computing and Parallel Computation (Computation).
Each student must select a specialization as his or her area of concentration. Each specialization requires a minimum of three additional courses. Specific specialization requirements (which may change as the fields change) will be provided to the students by the department.
Required courses may be taken in any chronological order, with due attention to prerequisites, and may precede or follow the Screening Evaluation.
A total of 60 units, at least 40 at the 500 level or above, beyond the bachelor's degree is required (including the above required courses). A minimum grade point average of 3.5 must be maintained. Students with a Master of Science degree may transfer up to 27 units.
All doctoral students must pass a qualifying examination in computer science within four years before being admitted to candidacy. The qualifying examination tests the student's broad knowledge of computer science and deep insight into a chosen area of research.
Permission to take the qualifying examination must be obtained from the dean of graduate studies at least 60 days prior to its occurrence, and must be taken in the semester for which permission is granted. The qualifying exam committee administers the qualifying examination and evaluates the student's performance. If the examination is failed, the qualifying exam committee may recommend that the student repeat the examination 6–12 months later. The examination cannot be taken more than twice.
An acceptable dissertation based upon original research is required. The dissertation must show mastery of some special field, must be an original contribution to that field and must be presented in scholarly form.
When all other requirements are satisfied, the candidate must pass a public final oral examination in defense of the dissertation.
Return to: USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Electrical Engineering-Systems
Hughes Aircraft Electrical
Engineering Center 100
(213) 740-4446
FAX: (213) 740-4449
Email: studentinfo@ee.usc.edu
Electrical Engineering-Electrophysics
Powell Hall of Information Sciences and Engineering 604
(213) 740-7874
FAX: (213) 740-8677
Email: eepdept@usc.edu
Co-Chairs: Sandeep Gupta, PhD (Systems); Eun Sok Kim, PhD (Electrophysics)
Associate Chair (Systems): Bhaskar Krishnamachari, PhD
Associate Chair (Curriculum and Student Services): Edward W. Maby, PhD
Presidential Chair: Andrew J. Viterbi, PhD
Presidential Chair: Simon Ramo, PhD
Kenneth C. Dahlberg Early Career Chair: Rahul Jain, PhD
Lloyd F. Hunt Chair in Electrical Power Engineering: Martin Gundersen, PhD
William M. Keck Chair in Engineering: P. Daniel Dapkus, PhD
Robert G. and Mary G. Lane Early Career Chair: Murali Annavaram, PhD
Fred W. O'Green Chair in Engineering: Leonard M. Silverman, PhD
Robert C. Packard President's Chair and Malcolm R. Currie Chair in Technology and the Humanities: C. L. Max Nikias, PhD
Colleen and Roberto Padovani Early Career Chair in Electrical Engineering: Mike Chen, PhD
George T. Pfleger Chair in Electrical Engineering: Robert W. Hellwarth, PhD
Charles Lee Powell Chair in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science: Melvin Breuer, PhD
Charles Lee Powell Chair in Engineering: Viktor Prasanna, PhD
Steven and Kathryn Sample Chair in Engineering: Alan E. Willner, PhD
Leonard Silverman Chair: Alexander A. Sawchuk, PhD
Andrew and Erna Viterbi Chair in Communications: Solomon W. Golomb, PhD
WISE Junior Gabilan Chair: Michelle Povinelli, PhD
Fred H. Cole Professor of Electrical Engineering: Robert A. Scholtz, PhD
Dean's Professor in Electrical Engineering: Chung-Chieh Kuo, PhD
Dean's Professor in Electrical Engineering: Urbashi Mitra, PhD
Stephen and Etta Varra Professor: Massoud Pedram, PhD
Viterbi Professor in Engineering: Shrikanth (Shri) Narayanan, PhD
Ming Hsieh Faculty Fellow in Electrical Engineering: Hossein Hashemi, PhD
Ming Hsieh Faculty Fellow in Electrical Engineering: Bhaskar Krishnamachari, PhD
Professors: Melvin Breuer, PhD* (Computer Science); Todd Brun, PhD (Computer Science, Physics); Giuseppe Caire, PhD; Keith M. Chugg, PhD; P. Daniel Dapkus, PhD (Materials Science); Michel Dubois, PhD; Solomon W. Golomb, PhD.(Mathematics); Martin Gundersen, PhD (Materials Science, Physics); Sandeep Gupta, PhD; Robert W. Hellwarth, PhD (Physics); Hossein Hashemi, PhD; Kai Hwang, PhD (Computer Science); Petros Ioannou, PhD; B. Keith Jenkins, PhD; Edmond Jonckheere, PhD (Mathematics); Eun Sok Kim, PhD; Bart Kosko, PhD (Law); Bhaskar Krishnamachari, PhD (Computer Science); Chung-Chieh Kuo, PhD (Computer Science); Richard Leahy, PhD* (Biomedical Engineering, Radiology); Anthony F. J. Levi, PhD (Physics); Daniel Lidar, PhD (Chemistry); William C. Lindsey, PhD; Jerry M. Mendel, PhD; Urbashi Mitra, PhD (Computer Science); Mahta Moghaddam, PhD; Andreas Molisch, PhD; Shrikanth (Shri) Narayanan, PhD (Computer Science, Linguistics, Psychology); Krishna Nayak, PhD (Biomedical Engineering, Medicine); C. L. Max Nikias, PhD; John O'Brien, PhD; Antonio Ortega, PhD; Alice C. Parker, PhD*; Massoud Pedram, PhD; Timothy Pinkston, PhD; Viktor Prasanna, PhD (Computer Science); C. Raghavendra, PhD (Computer Science); Simon Ramo, PhD; Steven B. Sample, PhD; Alexander A. Sawchuk, PhD*; Robert A. Scholtz, PhD; Leonard Silverman, PhD; John Silvester, PhD; John B. Slaughter, PhD (Education); Armand R. Tanguay Jr., PhD (Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science); Andrew J. Viterbi, PhD; Alan E. Willner, PhD*; Zhen Zhang, PhD; Chongwu Zhou, PhD
Associate Professors: Murali Annavaram, PhD (Computer Science); Salman Avestimehr, PhD; Peter Beerel, PhD; Stephen B. Cronin, PhD; Rahul Jain, PhD (Industrial and Systems Engineering); Christos Kyriakakis, PhD; Michael Neely, PhD; Michelle Povinelli, PhD; Aluizio Prata Jr., PhD*; Konstantinos Psounis, PhD (Computer Science); Wei Wu, PhD
Assistant Professors: Paul Bogdan, PhD; Michael Shuo-Wei Chen, PhD; Panayiotis Georgiou, PhD; Justin Haldar, PhD; Rehan Kapadia, PhD; Ashutosh Nayyar, PhD; Benjamin W. Reichardt, PhD (Computer Science); Maryam M. Shanechi, PhD; Mahdi Soltanolkotabi, PhD; Han Wang, PhD
Adjunct Professors: Dan Goebel, PhD; P. Vijay Kumar, PhD; Patric Muggli, PhD
Adjunct Associate Professors: Serge Dubovitsky, PhD; Edgar Satorius, PhD; P. Thomas Vernier, PhD
Adjunct Assistant Professor: Bindu Madhavan, PhD
Research Professor: Willie Ng, PhD
Research Associate Professors: Stephen Crago, PhD; Jeffrey Draper, PhD; John Granacki, PhD (Biomedical Engineering); Joseph Touch, PhD (Computer Science);
Research Assistant Professors: Anand Joshi, PhD; Sungbok Lee, PhD; Federico Spedalieri, PhD; John Stang, PhD; Alireza Tabatabaeenejad, PhD
Professors of Engineering Practice: Mary Eshaghian-Wilner, PhD; Edward W. Maby, PhD; Gandhi Puvvada, MS
Associate Professors of Engineering Practice: Mohammed Beshir, PhD; Shahin Nazarian, PhD; Mark Redekopp, MS
Senior Lecturer: Douglas Burke, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Alvin Despain, PhD; Hans H. Kuehl, PhD*; Michael J. Safonov, PhD; William H. Steier, PhD; Lloyd Welch, PhD (Mathematics)
Emeritus Instructor: Sidney A. Wielin, BS
Research Professor Emeritus of Electrical Engineering: Sanjit Mitra, PhD
Joint Professors: Michael Arbib, PhD (Computer Science, Neurobiology, Biomedical Engineering); Stanley P. Azen, PhD (Preventive Medicine and Biomedical Engineering); Jack Feinberg, PhD (Physics); Leana Golubchik, PhD (Computer Science); Ramesh Govindan, PhD (Computer Science); Norberto Grzywacz, PhD (Biomedical Engineering); Ellis Horowitz, PhD (Computer Science); Gerard Medioni, PhD (Computer Science); Ellis Meng, PhD (Biomedical Engineering); Ulrich Neumann, PhD (Computer Science); Ramakant Nevatia, PhD (Computer Science); Si-Zhao Qin, PhD (Chemical Engineering); Aristides Requicha, PhD (Computer Science); Suvrajeet Sen, PhD (Industrial and Systems Engineering); Cyrus Shahabi, PhD (Computer Science); Gaurav Sukhatme, PhD (Computer Science); Paul Thompson, PhD (Ophthalmology); Arthur Toga, PhD (Ophthamology); William G. Wagner, PhD (Physics); Curt F. Wittig, PhD (Chemistry, Physics); Stanley M. Yamashiro, PhD (Biomedical Engineering)
Joint Associate Professors: Andrea M. Armani, PhD (Chemical Engineering and Materials Science); Behnam Jafarpour, PhD (Chemical Engineering, Materials Science); Jia Grace Lu, PhD, (Physics); Elahe Nezami, PhD (Preventative Medicine); John Van Horn, PhD (Neurology)
Joint Assistant Professors: Yan Liu, PhD (Computer Science); Ketan Savla, PhD (Civil, Environmental Engineering); Yonggang Shi, PhD (Neurology); Jongseung Yoon, PhD (Chemical Engineering, Materials Science)
Joint Research Professor: Fred Aminzadeh, PhD (Chemical Engineering, Materials Science)
Joint Research Associate Professor: Joseph Touch, PhD (Computer Science)
Joint Research Assistant Professor: Young Cho, PhD (Computer Science)
Joint Emeritus Professors: George A. Bekey, PhD (Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering); Murray Gershenzon, PhD* (Materials Science)
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
Electrical Engineering Honor Society: Eta Kappa Nu
The electrical engineering program objectives are designed to promote technical competence, professional development and citizenship in the global community. Graduates of the undergraduate program in electrical engineering are expected to attain the following objectives within a few years of graduation:
Graduates will apply their technical skills in mathematics, science and engineering to the solution of complex problems encountered in modern electrical engineering practice.
Graduates will model, analyze, design and experimentally evaluate components or systems that achieve desired technical specifications subject to the reality of economic constraints.
Graduates will compete effectively in a world of rapid technological change and assume leadership roles within industrial, entrepreneurial, academic or governmental environments in the broad context of electrical engineering.
Some graduates who choose to redirect their careers will be employed in diverse fields such as healthcare, business, law, computer science, multimedia and music through graduate-level studies and the process of lifelong learning.
Graduates will have established the foundations for critical thinking that are needed to broaden or redirect their careers in diverse disciplines such as business, health care and the arts through graduate-level studies and/or the process of life-long leaning.
Graduates will adhere to highly ethical practices, and they will make exemplary engineering decisions that balance economic, environmental and societal factors for the betterment of the global community.
The program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering provides both breadth and depth across the range of engineering topics implied by the title. The curriculum includes probability and statistics, including appropriate applications; mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and advanced mathematics, such as differential equations, linear algebra, complex variables and discrete mathematics; sciences (defined as biological, chemical or physical science); and engineering topics (including computing science) necessary to analyze and design complex electrical and electronic devices, software and systems containing hardware and software components.
See the listing under Computer Engineering.
A minor in music recording is offered through the USC Thornton School of Music to provide undergraduate students with the background necessary to enter the field of recording engineering and to familiarize them with the design needs of modern recording equipment. The minor is recommended to electrical engineering majors with extensive musical training who would like to combine their technical and musical abilities while learning the engineering applications of physical and mathematical principles to the art of music recording. See the listing under the USC Thornton School of Music.
See listing in the Sustainable Infrastructure Systems section.
See the listing under Systems Architecting and Engineering.
Electrical Engineering Building 100
(213) 740-4447
FAX: (213) 740-4449
Email: eesystem@usc.edu
Faculty Contact: Professor Petros Ioannou, ioannou@usc.edu
A graduate student who already holds a master's degree from USC may apply up to 4 units toward a second master's degree with the permission of the chair of the major department. All credit, including the transferred units, must be earned within seven calendar years.
For students who earned their first master's degree at another institution, no course work may be repeated from the first program of study and no unit credit from the first program of study may be counted toward the second master's degree.
Requirements for the Engineer in Electrical Engineering are the same as those listed under Engineer degree, except that both areas of concentration must be in electrical engineering.
The requirement for the degree is 131 units. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required for all courses taken at USC as well as all upper-division courses applied toward the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken. See also the common requirements for undergraduate degrees section.
General education Units: 20
**Satisfies GE requirement.
***Students enrolled in the progressive degree program may take EE 503 (4) to satisfy this requirement
Students are required to take four entry-level electives from the following list:
Students must fulfill a minimum requirement of three 400-level elective courses in electrical engineering. Of these, one must be a capstone design course from the following list:
Free elective courses that complete the 33-unit elective requirement are to be chosen in consultation with the student's academic adviser. Students are encouraged to pursue minor options when satisfying this requirement.
Under the computer networks option students must satisfy the MS, Electrical Engineering requirements with the exception that only 15 units of EE are required.
It is expected that each student in this program will take or have taken the equivalent of three of the four following fundamental courses:
With the exception of EE 503, the fundamental courses may also be satisfied by having passed EE placement exams.
If a fourth required course is taken it can be counted toward elective credit.
Any other course must be approved by a faculty adviser.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be earned on all course work applied toward the master's degree in electrical engineering. This average must also be achieved on all 400-level and above course work attempted at USC beyond the bachelor's degree and through an accumulation of no more than 12 units beyond the minimum needed for the specific degree program. Transfer units count as credit (CR) toward the master's degree and are not computed in the grade point average.
In addition to the general requirements of the Viterbi School of Engineering, the Master of Science in electrical engineering is also subject to the following requirements: (1) a total of at least 27 units is required; (2) every non- EE course for graduate credit requires prior written adviser approval recorded each semester on a special request form in the student's department file; (3) no more than three courses (maximum 12 units) may be counted at the 400 level — at least 18 adviser-approved units must be taken at the 500 or 600 level; (4) at least 18 units must be taken in electrical engineering, those not in EE require written adviser approval and must be technical in nature; (5) to achieve a degree of breadth in their program, students are encouraged to take two technical courses outside their area of specialization but within EE; (6) at least 21 of the 27 units must be taken in the Viterbi School of Engineering; (7) units to be transferred (maximum four with adviser approval) must have been taken prior to taking classes at USC — interruption of residency is not allowed.
The aerospace controls option is available as an area of emphasis for MSEE students interested in learning to apply innovative control techniques to aerospace control problems. In addition to 18 approved units of electrical engineering courses, students in this option will take at least three of the following aerospace and mechanical engineering courses:
Students may earn a specialization in multimedia and creative
technologies by completing the general
requirements for the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
and the following additional requirements:
The Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (VLSI design) is earned by successfully completing the normal requirements for the Master of Science in electrical engineering, with the following additional required courses: EE 536a; EE 577a; EE 577b or EE 536b; and EE 552. If a student chooses to take EE 536b as well as EE 577b, the student may either count EE 536b as one of the courses for Area 2 or EE 577b as one of the courses for Area 1 or Area 3. No more than three courses (maximum 12 units) may be counted at the 400 level — at least 18 adviser-approved units must be taken at the 500 or 600 level.
The students must also take two courses from one of the following areas and one course from a second area:
With explicit approval of a faculty adviser, EE 599 Special Topics and/or 3 units of EE 590 Directed Research may be used to meet requirements for any of the approved areas.
The Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (Wireless Health Technology) reflects a partnership between the Viterbi School of Engineering, the Keck School of Medicine, and other institutions engaged in health care research. The program of study features targeted engineering courses, a rigorous exposure to general medicine, and relevant internship practice (a total of 29-32 units).
Students are expected to have a background in linear algebra equivalent to EE 441 and experience with a programming language such as C or C++. Admitted students who do not meet prerequisites by placement examination will be assigned courses to complete the deficiencies.
The Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (Wireless Networks) is a unique interdisciplinary degree program that prepares graduates for the design and improvement of future wireless networks such as the "Internet of Things." The program combines courses related to radio hardware, transmission techniques, the medium-access control layer, networking, applications and standards.
No more than three courses (maximum 12 units) may be counted at the 400 level — at least 18 adviser-approved units must be taken at the 500 or 600 level.
This program assumes prerequisite preparation in the area of computer networks. Students who do not meet this requirement or who do not pass a related placement exam will be required to take EE 450 Introduction to Computer Networks.
The objective of this program is the training of graduate students with engineering, applied mathematics or physics backgrounds in the application of mathematical and engineering tools to finance. Financial engineering is a multidisciplinary education program that involves the Viterbi School of Engineering, the USC Marshall School of Business and the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences (Department of Economics). Financial engineering uses tools from finance and economics, engineering, applied mathematics and statistics to address problems such as derivative securities valuation, strategic planning and dynamic investment strategies, and risk management, which are of interest to investment and commercial banks, trading companies, hedge funds, insurance companies, corporate risk managers and regulatory agencies.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be earned on all course work applied toward the master's degree in financial engineering. Transfer units count as credit (CR) toward the master's degree and are not computed in the grade point average. In addition to the general requirements of the Viterbi School of Engineering, the Master of Science in Financial Engineering is also subject to the following requirements: (1) a total of at least 30 units is required; (2) every plan of study requires prior written approval by the contact faculty of the program; (3) units to be transferred (maximum of four with adviser approval) must have been taken prior to taking classes at USC; interruption of residency is not allowed.
The degree requirements include six required courses and two courses from each of two lists of electives for a minimum total of 30 units.
Two courses (6-7 units) from the following:
Two courses (6-7 units) from the following:
*Students cannot receive credit for both ISE 520 and EE 553
The Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical Engineering in conjunction with the Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering offers a program leading to the degree of Master of Science in Electrical Engineering/Master of Science in Engineering Management. This program is designed for graduate electrical engineers whose career objectives lead to increasing technical management responsibilities.
In addition to the general requirements of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, the dual degree of Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and Master of Science in Engineering Management is also subject to the following requirements:
(1) All applicants must meet the admissions requirements of both the Department of Electrical Engineering and the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering; (2) a total of at least 48 units is required; (3) 24 of these must satisfy the requirements of the master's degree in electrical engineering; (4) 21 units must satisfy the required courses towards the master's degree in engineering management; (5) 3 units of electives approved by the program director or adviser; (6) all courses counted towards the dual degree must be at the 500 level, except those 400-level courses required by the master's degree in electrical engineering.
The Doctor of Philosophy with a major in electrical engineering is awarded in strict conformity with the general requirements of the USC Graduate School. See general requirements for graduate degrees. Departmental requirements for this degree consist of a concentrated program of study and research and a dissertation. Each student wishing to undertake a doctoral program must first be admitted to the program and then take the screening examination. This examination will emphasize comprehension of fundamental material in one of the 13 specialized areas of electrical engineering listed below. Listed under each area are courses offered by the Department of Electrical Engineering, which will provide basic background for the examination and partial preparation for the dissertation. Not all courses listed are required for preparation for the screening examination in any specific area. Consult a separately published guide, available from the department office, for more information concerning examination content and scheduling. Further guidance concerning the full completion of courses, including those given outside the department, which are recommended for preparation for the dissertation, can be obtained from the faculty in each technical area.
Return to: USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Office of Graduate and Professional Programs
Olin Hall of Engineering 106
(213) 740-4488
FAX: (213) 821-0851
Email: masters@gapp.usc.edu
Program Director: Edward W. Maby, PhD
Email: maby@usc.edu
(213) 740-4706
Student Services Adviser: Carolyn Suckow
Email: jecks@usc.edu
(213) 821-0413
Stephen Schrank Early Career Chair in Civil and Environmental Engineering: Burcin Becerik-Gerber, DDes
Professors: Jiin-Jen Lee, PhD, PE (Civil and Environmental Engineering)*; John Silvester, PhD (Electrical Engineering); James E. Moore, II, PhD (Industrial and Systems Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Public Policy); Priya Vashishta (Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Computer Science)
Associate Professors: Mansour Rahimi, PhD (Industrial and Systems Engineering); Geoffrey R. Shiflett, PhD (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering)*
Assistant Professors: Burcin Becerik-Gerber, DDes (Civil and Environmental Engineering)
Professors of the Practice: Edward Maby, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Azad Madni, PhD (Astronautical Engineering, Systems Architecting and Engineering)
Research Associate: Julie Albright, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
Green Technologies is a highly interdisciplinary degree program that emphasizes green systems and the environment, energy technology and efficiency, and sustainability and society. The discipline seeks opportunities for alternative sourcing, conservation, efficiency and repurposing through an understanding of product life cycles from origins to recycling or inevitable disposal. Green technologists will design products, processes and complex infrastructure systems to promote sustainable attributes of importance to the environment and the global community.
The Green Technologies program requires a minimum of 27 units (typically nine courses). At least 18 units must be at the 500-level or above, and at least 18 units must be completed in the Viterbi School of Engineering. These 18 units may reflect courses offered by other schools if cross-listed in a department in the Viterbi School. Students with BS degrees in engineering and science disciplines can be accepted into the program.
Students are required to take two courses in each of three topical areas:
Electives shall be chosen in consultation with an adviser to develop technical specialization in an area of interest to the student. This may include up to 3 units of directed research.
*Additional courses from this list may be used to fulfill the elective requirement.
Return to: USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Ethel Percy Andrus
Gerontology Center 240
(213) 740-4893
FAX: (213) 740-1120
Email: isedept@usc.edu
usc.edu/dept/ise
Chair: Julia L. Higle, PhD
Associate Chair: Kurt Palmer, PhD
Daniel J. Epstein Chair in Industrial and Systems Engineering: Sheldon M. Ross, PhD
Epstein Family Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering: Jong-Shi Pang, PhD
Gordon S. Marshall Early Career Chair in Engineering: Qiang Huang, PhD
David Packard Chair in Manufacturing Engineering: Stephen C-Y Lu, PhD (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science)
Dean's Professor in Industrial and Systems Engineering: Behrokh Khoshnevis, PhD
Helen N. & Emmett H. Jones Professorship in Engineering: Milind Tambe, PhD (Computer Science)
TRW Professor of Software Engineering: Barry Boehm, PhD (Computer Science)
Professors: Ali Abbas, PhD (Public Policy); Barry Boehm, PhD (Computer Science); Maged Dessouky, PhD*; Randolph Hall, PhD; Julia Higle, PhD; Carl F. Kesselman, PhD (Computer Science); Behrokh Khoshnevis, PhD (Civil and Environmental Engineering; Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering); Stephen C-Y Lu, PhD (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science); Najmedin Meshkati, PhD (Civil and Environmental Engineering)*; James E. Moore II, PhD (Civil and Environmental Engineering; Public Policy); Jong-Shi Pang, PhD; Sheldon M. Ross, PhD; Suvrajeet Sen, PhD (Electrical Engineering; Computer Science); Milind Tambe, PhD (Computer Science); Detlof von Winterfeldt, PhD (Public Policy)
Associate Professors: Yong Chen, PhD; Qiang Huang, PhD; Mansour Rahimi, PhD
Assistant Professors: John Gunnar Carlsson, PhD; Ketan Savla, PhD (Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering-Systems); Phebe Vayanos, PhD
Adjunct Professors: Paul J. Kern; Michael Mann, PhD; Neil Siegel, PhD
Adjunct Associate Professors: Tasos Sioukas, PhD; Marilee Wheaton, MS
Research Professor: Yigal Arens, PhD
Research Associate Professor: Fernando Ordoñez, PhD (Computer Science)
Research Assistant Professor: Greg Placencia, PhD
Adjunct Research Professors: Wanda M. Austin, PhD; Mohamed I. Dessouky, PhD
Associate Professors of the Practice of Industrial and Systems Engineering: Geza Bottlik, Engineer, PE; Nitin Kale, MS (Information Technology Program); Kurt Palmer, PhD*
Senior Lecturers: Cesar Acosta-Mejia, PhD; Dana Sherman, Esq. (Civil and Environmental Engineering); Richard Vawter, MS (Information Technology Program)
Emeritus Professors: Gerald A. Fleischer, PhD, PE; Homer H. Grant, MS; Ralph Keeney, PhD (Data Sciences and Operations); Peter Will, PhD (Astronautical Engineering, Chemical Engineering)
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
Alpha Pi Mu is the industrial engineering honor society. Qualifications for election are: juniors in the upper onefifth of their class; seniors in the upper one-third of their class; master's degree students who have completed at least one-third of the courses required for their degree and rank among the top 10 students in all ISE master's degree programs; and doctoral students recommended by the department chair. The adviser is Kurt Palmer, associate professor of the practice of industrial and systems engineering, (213) 740-5960.
Omega Rho is the operations research honor society to recognize academic excellence in operations research and encourage study of operations research, management science and closely associated disciplines. Election is by nomination only during the spring semester.
The mission of the Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering undergraduate program is to:
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering program are prepared to achieve any of the following accomplishments:
The program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering prepares graduates to design, develop, implement, and improve integrated systems that include people, materials, information, equipment and energy. The curriculum includes in-depth instruction to accomplish the integration of systems using appropriate analytical, computational, and experimental practices.
For additional information, visit usc.edu/dept/ise.
This degree is in revision, and applications are not currently being accepted. Interested students should consider the Health Administration (MHA) program in the USC Price School of Public Policy.
This interdisciplinary program is offered jointly with the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. The program is available via distance education. See the listing under Product Development Engineering.
See the listing under Systems Architecting and Engineering. The program is available via distance education.
See listing in the Electrical Engineering section.
Requirements for the Engineer in Industrial and Systems Engineering are the same as set forth in the general requirements.
See listing under Systems Architecting and Engineering. The program is available via distance education.
This abbreviated interdisciplinary program is offered jointly with the Department of Data Sciences and Operations in the USC Marshall School of Business. See here for program requirements.
See listing under Systems Architecting and Engineering. The program is available via distance education.
This abbreviated interdisciplinary program is offered jointly with the Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the USC Price School of Public Policy. See listing under Civil Engineering.
Applications for this program are not currently being accepted.
The Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering.
The requirement for the degree is 128 units. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required for all upper division courses applied towards the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken. See the common requirements for undergraduate degrees.
Major Electives** 24 Units
At least 12 units must be from one of the approved Focus Groups
At least 9 units must be from the Approved Engineering Electives
*GE Category Category E is fulfilled by PHYS 151 or CHEM 105a.
GE Category F is fulfilled by MATH 125.
**Students selecting ISE 370 are only required to complete 23 units of Major Electives.
Students must select at least 12 units from one group; however, all courses in a group are recommended.
Plus at least one course from among the following:
Plus at least 8 units from among the following
Students must select at least 9 units. Courses not listed may be petitioned for approval through the department.
AME 341a, AME 341b, CE 408, CE 460 , CE 471, DSO 427, EE 326, ISE 232, ISE 310, ISE 327, ISE 344, ISE 426, ITP 215, ITP 320, ITP 325, ITP 421, ITP 422, ITP 454, ITP 457, ITP 466, ITP 482, ITP 486, ITP 487, ITP 488, NSC 335, NSC 337,
This minor is designed to provide students who have a sound foundation in mathematics and the sciences with tools and skills for managerial analysis and problem solving.
Science and technology are driving significant portions of American and global economies. Individuals, companies and governments are demanding products, services and systems, which grow more complicated every day. Suppliers are forced by competition to provide goods and services efficiently and economically.
Scientists and engineers are trained in scientific and technical subjects which form an excellent base for building complex, technical products, services and systems. But more and more, scientists and engineers are managing the financial, material and human resources required to turn abstract ideas into physical and virtual reality, often without any formal management training. This minor provides that training, a complement to any science or technology degree.
Applicants must be upper division students in good standing and complete the Change/Addition of Major, Minor or Degree Objective form. The minor is not open to industrial and systems engineering majors.
Ethel Percy Andrus
Gerontology Center 240
(213) 740-4893
The Master of Science in Analytics is designed to satisfy the growing demand for professionals equipped with significant technical and quantitative training in the fundamentals of analytics for solving engineering and management problems in today's data-extensive digital world.
Analytics is a multidisciplinary field that relates the application of engineering approaches and methods to the analysis and management of engineering and enterprise processes based on data. Learning objectives of this program involve data collection, cleansing, fusing and curating, for the purpose of analyzing trends, discovering patterns and building decision models for well-reasoned decision support. Rigorous mathematical modeling and computational methods tools are at the heart of the program.
Graduates of this program will be prepared to convert data into meaningful information, embedded in decision support systems that can help organizations make important operational decisions and help set strategic direction and policy.
The core of the MS in Analytics program consists of six foundational courses, and four elective courses, totaling 30 units. The foundational courses cover the basic topics of data science and management, statistical methods, optimization, simulation and other operations research tools. The elective courses allow students to deepen their technical skills and expose them to the applied domains where analytics is much needed; some of these domains include electricity markets, supply chains and logistics, health care systems, and transportation.
Ethel Percy Andrus
Gerontology Center 240
(213) 740-4893
Program Director: Geza Bottlik, Engineer, PE
This program is designed primarily, but not exclusively, for graduate engineers whose career objectives lead to increasing technical management responsibilities. Students interested in the engineering management objectives may also want to consider the MS, Industrial and Systems Engineering/MBA dual degree program.
A total of 30 units is required for the degree. A minimum of 18 units must be taken in the Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. A total of 21 units must be at the 500 level or above. The program is available via distance education.
Applicants to the program are expected to have a degree in engineering or the equivalent.
Four courses for at least 12 units chosen to form a coherent program with the consent of the adviser.
The Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering is awarded in strict conformity with the general requirements of the Viterbi School of Engineering. This program enhances the technical capabilities of the industrial engineer. The program is available via distance education.
The MS program is for students who want to become technical leaders in the field of industrial and systems engineering. Applicants to the program are expected to have a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline with undergraduate course work in computing, probability and statistics, and engineering economy. Admitted students who do not meet prerequisites will be assigned courses to complete the deficiencies.
A total of 30 units is required for the degree, of which at least 18 units must be completed in the Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Of the 30 units, 20 must be at the 500 level or above.
Ethel Percy Andrus
Gerontology Center 240
(213) 740-4891
Program Director: Maged Dessouky, Ph.D.
The Master of Science in Operations Research Engineering is conferred upon candidates who hold bachelor's degrees in engineering, mathematics, science or related fields who successfully complete an integrated program (with departmental approval in advance) of not less than 30 units. The program must include not less than 21 units of industrial and systems engineering courses related to operations research and 9 units of approved electives. Students will be required to make up deficiencies in mathematics and statistics. Additional courses or examinations may be required at the discretion of the department before full admission to the program. The General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is required. Additional information is available from the department. This program is available via distance education.
This 17-unit graduate certificate is jointly sponsored by the Epstein Industrial and Systems Engineering Department and the USC Price School of Public Policy (Master of Health Administration program), and administered by the Epstein ISE Department. This certificate is designed for students with bachelor's degrees in applied social science, engineering or the sciences, who are interested in operations management and health care applications. The courses taken for the certificate may be applied later to the Epstein ISE Department's Master of Science in Engineering Management degree, the USC Price School of Public Policy's Master of Health Administration degree or the jointly sponsored MS in Health Systems Management Engineering degree subject to approval of the appropriate academic unit. This program is available via distance education.
The USC Marshall School of Business in conjunction with the Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering offers a program leading to the degree of Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering.
This alternative requires 66 units for graduates of industrial and systems engineering undergraduate curricula and leads to both a Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering and the Master of Business Administration. The dual degree provides an education of great depth.
The total number of units required for the MBA program is 48 including all required courses in an MBA program and graduate business electives sufficient to bring the total units completed in the Marshall School of Business to at least 48. Dual degree students may not count courses taken outside the Marshall School of Business toward the 48 units.
The degree Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial and Systems Engineering is also offered. See general requirements for graduate degrees.
Return to: USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Henry Salvatori Computer Science Center 104
(213) 740-4494
Fax: (213) 740-7285
Email: informatics@usc.edu
Director: Cyrus Shahabi, PhD
Professors: Barry Boehm, PhD (Computer Science, Industrial and Systems Engineering); Ramesh Govindan, PhD (Computer Science, Electrical Engineering); Julia Higle, PhD (Industrial and Systems Engineering); Carl Kesselman, PhD (Industrial and Systems Engineering, Computer Science); Neno Medvidovic, PhD (Computer Science); Shri Narayanan, PhD (Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Linguistics, Psychology); Viktor Prasanna, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Suvrajeet Sen, PhD (Industrial and Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science); Cyrus Shahabi, PhD (Computer Science); Gaurav Sukhatme, PhD (Computer Science, Electrical Engineering); Milind Tambe, PhD (Computer Science, Industrial and Systems Engineering); Priya Vashishta, PhD (Physics, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering)
Assistant Professor: Yan Liu, PhD (Computer Science)
Research Professors: Craig Knoblock, PhD (Computer Science); Yolanda Gil, PhD (Computer Science); William Swartout, PhD (Computer Science)
Research Associate Professor: Clifford Neuman, PhD (Computer Science)
Research Assistant Professor: Stefan Scherer, PhD (Computer Science)
Professor of the Practice: Roger Schell, PhD
Associate Professor of the Practice: Wensheng Wu, PhD
Senior Lecturers: Blaine Burnham, PhD; Mark Heckman, PhD
Program Director: Cyrus Shahabi, PhD
Program Co-Director: Michael Cody, PhD
Program Associate Director: Craig Knoblock, PhD
The Master of Communication Informatics is a cross-disciplinary joint degree program offered by the Viterbi School of Engineering and the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Students must be admitted by both schools.
Students explore several of the most interesting technological phenomena impacting communication today, including online communities, social media and user-generated content, Crowdsourcing, Big Data and data analytics, virtual and augmented reality, data mining and others. The goal is to educate students who are proficient users of these technologies, and who also possess the analytical and problem-solving skills to expand and improve on existing technologies, and to help define a roadmap for the communication technologies of the future. Students work on projects where the fields of communication and engineering naturally converge, namely in the engineering of communication (e.g. the design and construction of mobile apps, online networks, social media tools, the use of technology in journalism, etc.) and the communication of engineering (e.g. public relations, public awareness, and public engagement of topics relating to science and technology).
There are many career opportunities for students completing the Master of Communication Informatics degree. Traditional media outlets ranging from newspapers to network/cable news are hungry for individuals who understand the new technology-enabled social communication paradigms and can help translate this knowledge into new products. An example is the coverage of natural disasters, where it is difficult for media to get on the ground, but where social media allows victims to relay experiences and provide accounts of these situations. How to collect, manage, distribute and capitalize from this news source is a major challenge in current media.
There are also careers within these emerging communication platforms. Many technology companies realize the value in employing experts who understand the human factors aspects of their products. Communication is now so vital to the function of many products that success and failure are often determined by how well communication is performed, and how seamlessly it integrates into existing platforms. In the corporate world, the need to understand and capitalize on social media is pervasive, and the unique expertise this degree provides leaves graduates well positioned to become leaders in the space. Finally, as technology becomes ubiquitous in society, the role of the informed commentator has become very important in formal and informal formats. There is need for individuals who understand the basics of communication and have enough technology knowledge to provide analysis at a meaningful level to the public.
Associate Director of Informatics: Clifford Neumann, PhD
The Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering is intended for: a) graduate students who desire to obtain jobs in which computer security knowledge and skills are required; b) graduate students who wish to continue on a path toward enrollment for a doctoral degree focusing on information security; c) individuals in degree programs or job fields that have responsibility for information security. The typical admitted student will have the following qualifications:
During completion of the program, students will learn the fundamentals of developing, engineering and operating secure information systems. They will become versed in the challenges and problems of secure operating systems, secure applications, secure networking, database security and privacy, use of cryptography and key management. They will learn to develop a security policy and how policy drives technology decisions. Students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to administer environments that require high levels of information security, both from the standpoint of the principles of information protection and the role application technology has in meeting information protection needs. Students will understand the value of assets, the business model of threats, the threat matrix, mitigation strategies and how this integrates with the core organizational mission. They will understand why information security plans succeed or fail.
Students will have hands-on experience simulating real-world scenarios with extensive laboratory work which is designed by current and former information security practitioners.
Associate Director of Informatics: Craig Knoblock, PhD
The social emergence of large data environments and infrastructures (Big Data) in diverse domains and uses has spawned a requirement for analysis of the information contained. Past experience has shown that extracting value from large information stores can often be difficult due to the intrinsic nature of data, and the limits on ability to intelligently mine the information to add value to the organization.
The USC Viterbi Master of Science in Data Informatics provides students with the knowledge and skill to: a) understand and contribute toward the significant technical challenges created by large data environments, including architecture, security, integrity, management, scalability, artificial intelligence topics, and distribution; b) understand the principles and application of informatics, and the goals of enterprise intelligence; and c) utilize technical/engineering skills coupled with informatics capabilities to provide enterprise-centric solutions to stakeholders. The degree features application of knowledge and skill in hands-on type experiences, with the goal of having students leave the program having "lived in the data."
Students will understand the overall field of data analytics, the role of the analyst and/or data scientist, and the domains where informatics skills can be applied to critical organization missions. They will understand how data management, data visualization, data mining, and artificial intelligence techniques (specifically machine learning) are critical to the analysis process, and how these can be applied to real world challenges. Through an extensive elective track, they can find the specializations that will help them better prepare themselves for the area(s) of analytics in which they hope to contribute.
*Whichever course (INF 554 or INF 555) is not taken as a required course may be taken as an elective.
Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Spatial
Sciences Institute
spatial.usc.edu
Program Director: John P. Wilson, Ph.D.
Program Associate Director: Susan H. Kamei, Ph.D.
The Master of Science in Spatial Informatics is a cross-disciplinary joint degree program offered by the Viterbi School of Engineering and the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Students must be admitted by both the Viterbi School of Engineering and the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
Geospatial data accessibility, spatial decision support systems and geospatial problem solving environments are revolutionizing most industries and disciplines, including health care, marketing, social services, human security, education, environmental sustainability and transportation. Spatial informatics professionals draw upon engineering, computer science and spatial sciences principles to solve data-intensive, large-scale, location-based problems.
The USC Master of Science in Spatial Informatics provides students with the knowledge and skills to:
Students complete a core set of courses to provide a foundation in information engineering, analysis and spatial thinking with their choice of electives to optimize preparation for their preferred career path and unique professional opportunities.
Students will understand the overall field of data analytics, the role of the analyst and/or data scientist and the domains where spatial informatics skills can be applied to critical organization missions. They will understand how data management, data visualization and artificial intelligence techniques (specifically data mining and machine learning) are critical to the spatial analysis process and how these can be applied to real world challenges. Throughout their coursework, students will assemble a digital portfolio of work product which is intended to help them demonstrate their capabilities and skills for the job market.
Applicants to this program are expected to have a previous degree in science, technology, engineering, math or a related social science with at least a 3.0 overall GPA and satisfactory GRE Test results. Programming experience and at least a year of calculus are required for admission.
A minimum of 31-32 units with an overall cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 is required for the M.S. in Spatial Informatics. Students should consult with an academic adviser prior to registering for any classes.
SSCI 596 and ENGR 596 are optional.
*SSCI 582 meets the CSCI 585 prerequisite for CSCI
587 and must be taken before it.
**SSCI 596 may be taken in addition to one of the 4-unit SSCI
elective courses, but SSCI 596 by itself does not fulfill the
Spatial Sciences elective requirement.
***ENGR 596 may be taken in addition to one of the INF or CSCI
elective courses, but ENGR 596 by itself does not fulfill the
Informatics elective requirement.
Return to: USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Olin Hall 412
(213) 740-4542
Email: itp@usc.edu
itp.usc.edu
Director: Michael Crowley, PhD
Associate Professors of Engineering Practice: Nitin Kale, MS; Ashish Soni, MS
Senior Lecturers: Patrick Dent, MS; Joseph Greenfield, MS; Trina Gregory, BA; Sanjay Madhav, BS; Tom Sloper, BA; Richard Vawter, MS, MBA
Lecturers: Nathan Greenfield, MS; Mike Lee, MS; Rob Parke, MS; Chi So, MS; Kendra Walther, MS; Lance Winkel, MFA
Adviser: Alexandra Garabedian, BA
ITP courses are open to all USC students.
ITP minors are open to undergraduate students in all majors.
To apply for a minor, students should meet the regular admissions standards and have a declared USC major. Students will complete an application for the minor with the Viterbi School of Engineering. For specific information on admission and application procedures, contact the Information Technology Program at (213) 740-4542.
ITP Minors:
3-D Animation
Applied Computer Security
Computer and Digital Forensics
Computer Programming
Enterprise Information Systems
Innovation: The Digital Entrepreneur
Mobile App Development
Video Game Design and Management
Video Game Programming
Web Technologies and Applications
The "x" designation indicates that engineering students require prior departmental approval to count 100-level and above ITP courses for major credit.
The 3D animation minor is a cross-disciplinary program merging theoretical concepts and state of the art techniques to prepare students to apply 3D animation across a wide range of industry applications. The courses integrate three major disciplines — cinematic arts, fine arts and information technology.
Minimum units: 22
The Minor in Applied Analytics prepares undergraduate students in the field of data analytics as applied to real world situations. Applications vary from business to health care, social media to sports. The goal is to educate students to become data analysts, not data scientists.
Students in the minor will learn all aspects of analytics: technology infrastructure to stage data, techniques to analyze data, tools to visualize data, and systems to publish and share the results.
Requirements for minor completion: Minimum 18 units
* Prerequisite required
The minor in applied computer security combines both theoretical concepts and technical skills to prepare students for a career in information security while incorporating their major field of work. Students will study various areas of computer security, including hacking, ethics, forensics, networking and security management. Electives are available depending on the students' academic and professional goals.
Minimum units: 18
The computer and digital forensics minor combines both theoretical concepts and practical skills to prepare students for a career as a digital forensics investigator. Students will study various areas of cyber-forensics, including forensic methodologies and processes, digital evidence-gathering and preservation, investigations and examinations, and court presentation. Electives are available depending on the students' academic and professional goals.
Minimum units: 18
*Prerequisite required
The minor in computer programming focuses on the practical programming skills necessary to solve problems in a variety of domains including on desktops, laptops, mobile devices, the Web, the cloud and for video games. Upon completion of the minor, students will have strong experience with the application of programming languages in several different contexts.
Students with a declared major in computer science, computer science and computer engineering, computer science (games), or computer science and business administration are not eligible for this minor. Students with a declared minor in computer science are likewise not eligible.
Minimum units: 17
*ITP 109 or ITP 115 can be substituted for ITP 165, though ITP 165 is recommended.
**ITP 404 has additional prerequisites outside the minor, though these prerequisites can be waived for students in the minor (subject to faculty approval).
The 21st century has seen tremendous growth in global enterprises, which has required robust and integrated information systems to support streamlined business processes. These Enterprise Information Systems, also known as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, have continued to mature and dominate the information systems of corporations. Most Fortune 500 companies have adopted ERP systems. This minor combines business process management and information technology to prepare students for technical careers as well as business consulting in the ERP domain. Students will study various areas of ERP implementation, configuration, business intelligence, security and supply chain management. Electives are available depending on the students' academic and professional goals.
Minimum units: 16
The Minor in Innovation: The Digital Entrepreneur is jointly sponsored by the Information Technology Program in the Viterbi School of Engineering and the Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies in the USC Marshall School of Business. The minor is designed for students from a range of backgrounds who are interested in starting their own digital ventures, working for start-up companies, or pursuing traditional jobs with large corporations and consulting firms that may involve launching new digital business units. Students will learn all major elements of launching a digital venture including ideation, feasibility analysis, high-tech product management, online customer acquisition, technology implementation, online business models and monetization. Students will work on launching a digital venture in a team-based environment in the capstone class.
The Information Technology Program in the Viterbi School of Engineering handles advising and admissions relating to the minor, consulting as needed with the Grief Center for Entrepreneurial Studies in the Marshall School of Business.
Minimum units: 26
*Prerequisite required
+ITP 496 and BAEP 496 must be taken in the same semester.
Students will study and gain experience with the technologies, tools, frameworks and languages that are most commonly used in developing apps for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. They will learn the basics of the programming languages, how to design mobile interfaces, how to use the libraries to build apps that have the proper look and feel, how to design and handle user input, and other aspects. Students will go through the process of building a mobile app from idea to product. Students will learn the fundamental principles of mobile apps, so that they will be prepared for the new technologies and frameworks that are constantly being developed.
Students should meet the regular admissions standards and have a declared USC major. Students will complete an application for the minor with the Viterbi School of Engineering. For specific information on admission and application procedures, contact the Information Technology Program at (213) 740-4542.
Minimum units: 20
*ITP 165 and ITP 365 can be waived for students who have taken CSCI 103 and CSCI 104. However, these students must take an additional elective course in order to have the appropriate number of upper-division units.
The video game design minor integrates theoretical concepts and practical skills to prepare students for a career in interactive entertainment, specifically the video game industry. Students will be exposed to a variety of design concepts related to creating video games including: level design, game-play control, user interface, multiplayer, game mechanics, and storytelling. As opposed to the video game programming minor where students will be writing code and programming game engines, students in the video game design and management minor will apply design concepts to different game genres and use game design software tools to create a working demo of a video game during the course of the minor program.
Minimum units: 22
*It is recommended to take an introductory programming course before taking CTIN 483. Suggested courses: ITP 109, ITP 115, ITP 165.
**CTIN 483 and CTIN 488 are prerequisites; enrollment in CTIN 484 and CTIN 489 is concurrent.
The video game programming minor integrates the theoretical concepts and practical skills to prepare students for a career in interactive entertainment, specifically the video game industry. Through integration of two major disciplines (computer science and information technology), students will be exposed to a variety of programming concepts related to creating video games including: 3-D graphics, artificial intelligence, particle systems, rendering, collision detection, game algorithms, physics concepts, and math formulas. In contrast to the video game design minor where the focus is applying design concepts and using software design tools, students in the video game programming minor will evaluate, write and debug code, in addition to creating a game engine during the course of the minor.
This minor features an optional capstone that is a team-based, year-long game development project. Students are only eligible for the capstone after having completed all the required courses as well as the required three ITP elective units. The capstone must be taken in both the fall and spring semesters of a single academic year.
Minimum units: 19
*ITP 165 and ITP 365 can be waived for students who have taken CSCI 103 and CSCI 104. However, these students must take an additional elective course in order to have the appropriate number of upper-division units.
**Optional capstone. See details above for requirements.
The Web technologies and application minor is designed to introduce students to the Web publishing and development fields. Upon completion of the minor, students will be able to design and develop Websites using major Web technologies, standards and applications. Students can use the theoretical concepts and practical applications of Web technologies not only in the Web industry, but also within a different major field of study. The broad areas of study include Web publishing, Web programming, databases and multimedia. Electives will be chosen based on the students' academic and professional goals.
Students should meet the regular admissions standards and have a declared USC major.
Minimum units: 18
Return to: USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Ethel Percy Andrus
Gerontology Center 240
(213) 740-4893
FAX: (213) 740-1120
Email: isedept@usc.edu
Program Director: B. Khoshnevis, PhD
Manufacturing engineering at USC is a multidisciplinary program that confers the degree of Master of Science and is designed to produce graduates capable of responding to the needs of modern, up-to-date manufacturing. These graduates should be able to design, install and operate complex manufacturing systems made up of people, materials, automated machines and information systems. The Departments of Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Entrepreneurship participate in the Manufacturing Engineering Program.
Course work in the program will train students in traditional manufacturing engineering topics, such as materials selection and process design. Additional courses will include modern technologies such as 3D printing and system-level concepts of integrated product and process design, applications of modern information technology to design and manufacturing, hands-on laboratories using advanced manufacturing equipment and commercial software, and innovation and entrepreneurship.
A total of 30 units is required beyond the BS degree. A minimum of 21 units must be at the 500 level or above. A maximum of 6 units of electives may be taken from non-engineering departments. At least three courses must be taken in the student's selected area of specialization.
*A list of approved electives in specialization areas is available from the department. Departmental approval is required for courses not listed.
Return to: USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Olin Hall of Engineering, 430-H
(213) 740-9616
FAX: (213) 740-8071
Email: mspde@usc.edu
Program Director: Stephen C-Y Lu, PhD
Interim Director: Ang Liu, PhD
The Master of Science in product development engineering (MS PDE) is an interdisciplinary graduate degree program at USC jointly offered by the Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering and the Daniel J. Epstein Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) departments. The Daniel J. Epstein Industrial and Systems department manages this joint degree program. Students can enter this program in either the fall or spring semesters, and it is available to full-time and part-time students.
The program has the following admission requirements:
The MS PDE program requires a minimum of 27 units to complete. Although it is mainly a course work-based program, students can choose to complete the program with or without a thesis requirement. For the thesis option, 4 of the 27 units are to be thesis. At least 16 units, not including thesis, must be at the 500 level or higher, and at least 18 units must be from the AME and ISE departments. For the non-thesis option, 18 of the 27 units must be at the 500 level or higher from the AME and ISE departments, and/or closely related departments. As well, students can choose to take up to 6 units of directed research (e.g., AME 590 or ISE 590). Students must maintain a minimal cumulative GPA of 3.0 in USC course work to graduate.
The program's prerequisite is a minimum of one 400 level course in either engineering design or engineering economy. Admitted students who do not meet this prerequisite will be assigned appropriate USC course(s) to complete the deficiencies. Deficiency courses, if taken at the 400 level, may be counted toward 27 units as general electives with adviser approval.
Depending on the academic background and career interests of students, the program offers two areas of specialization, product development technology and product development systems. The product development technology specialization will prepare students for a career as future product development engineers, while the product development systems specialization will prepare students as future product development managers. Students entering this program must declare their choice of an area of specialization and follow the requirements of each area of specialization to graduate.
The required 27 units are grouped into four categories of courses for each area of specialization as follows:
AME 506-Design of Low Cost Space Missions Units: 3
Return to: USC Viterbi School of Engineering
The Sustainable Infrastructure Systems program prepares students for immediate and effective participation in the modern infrastructure workforce through a common core that includes smart-system design for sustainable infrastructures, the societal and regulatory context of infrastructure engineering decisions, and construction management. Five plans of study for the Master of Science degree allow for specialization based on background and interest.
The Sustainable Infrastructure Systems program prepares students for immediate and effective participation in the modern infrastructure workforce through a common core that includes smart-system design for sustainable infrastructures, the societal and regulatory context of infrastructure engineering decisions, and construction management. Five plans of study for the Master of Science degree allow for specialization based on background and interest.
*Students electing the Master of Science in Civil Engineering (Transportation Systems) degree option are expected to have a background in statistics and uncertainty equivalent to ISE 225 or CE 408, and engineering economy equivalent to ISE 460. Admitted students who do not meet these prerequisites can satisfy the requirements by taking appropriate, adviser-approved electives.
Students with MS degrees in engineering or science disciplines can be accepted in these programs. Students must satisfy all other departmental degree requirements.
The Sustainable Infrastructure Systems program prepares students for immediate and effective participation in the modern infrastructure workforce through a common core that includes smart-system design for sustainable infrastructures, the societal and regulatory context of infrastructure engineering decisions, and construction management. Five plans of study for the Master of Science degree allow for specialization based on background and interest.
*Students electing the Master of Science in Civil Engineering (Water and Waste Management) degree option are expected to have a background in fluid mechanics equivalent to CE 309 or ENE 410. Admitted students who do not meet this prerequisite will be assigned a course to complete the deficiency.
Students with MS degrees in engineering or science disciplines can be accepted in these programs. Students must satisfy all other departmental degree requirements.
The Sustainable Infrastructure Systems program prepares students for immediate and effective participation in the modern infrastructure workforce through a common core that includes smart-system design for sustainable infrastructures, the societal and regulatory context of infrastructure engineering decisions, and construction management. Five plans of study for the Master of Science degree allow for specialization based on background and interest.
Students with MS degrees in engineering or science disciplines can be accepted in these programs. Students must satisfy all other departmental degree requirements.
The Sustainable Infrastructure Systems program prepares students for immediate and effective participation in the modern infrastructure workforce through a common core that includes smart-system design for sustainable infrastructures, the societal and regulatory context of infrastructure engineering decisions, and construction management. Five plans of study for the Master of Science degree allow for specialization based on background and interest.
*Students are encouraged to consider electives from other Sustainable Infrastructure Systems programs
Students with MS degrees in engineering or science disciplines can be accepted in these programs. Students must satisfy all other departmental degree requirements.
Return to: USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Ethel Percy Andrus
Gerontology Center 240
(213) 740-4893
FAX: (213) 740-1120
Email: saeadmit@vsoe.usc.edu
viterbi.usc.edu/sae
Technical Director: Azad M. Madni, PhD
Email: azad.madni@usc.edu;
(213) 740-9211
Associate Director: Elliot Axelband, PhD
Email: axelband@rand.org
Student Services Adviser: Mary Ordaz
Email: mordaz@usc.edu
David Packard Chair in Manufacturing Engineering: Stephen C-Y Lu, PhD (Computer Science, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering)
Gordon S. Marshall Professor of Engineering Technology: Roger Ghanem, PhD (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering)
TRW Professor of Software Engineering: Barry Boehm, PhD (Computer Science, Industrial and Systems Engineering)
Professors: Barry Boehm, PhD (Computer Science, Industrial and Systems Engineering); Daniel Erwin, PhD (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Astronautical Engineering)*; Roger Ghanem, PhD (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering); Mike Gruntman, PhD (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Astronautical Engineering); Petros Ioannou, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Yan Jin, PhD (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering); Behrokh Khoshnevis, PhD (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering); Stephen C-Y Lu, PhD (Computer Science, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering); James E. Moore, II, PhD (Industrial and Systems Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Public Policy); Cyrus Shahabi, PhD (Computer Science); Firdaus E. Udwadia, PhD (Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Data Science and Operations, Mathematics)
Assistant Professor: Ketan Savla, PhD (Civil and Environmental Engineering)
Professors of Engineering Practice: George Friedman, PhD (Astronautical Engineering); Azad M. Madni, PhD (Astronautical Engineering)
Research Professor: Elliot Axelband, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching
award.
**Recipient of university-wide or school research award.
Omega Alpha Association is the systems engineering honor society. The adviser is Professor Elliot Axelband, axelband@rand.org.
This program is recommended to graduate engineers and engineering managers responsible for the conception and implementation of complex systems. Emphasis is on the creative processes and methods by which complex systems are conceived, planned, designed, built, tested and certified. The architecture experience can be applied to defense, space, aircraft, communications, navigation, sensors, computer software, computer hardware, and other aerospace and commercial systems and activities.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be earned on all course work applied toward the master's degree in systems architecting and engineering. This average must also be achieved on all 400-level and above course work attempted at USC beyond the bachelor's degree. Transfer units count as credit (CR) toward the master's degree and are not computed in the grade point average.
In addition to the general requirements of the Viterbi School of Engineering, the Master of Science in Systems Architecting and Engineering is also subject to the following requirements:
*USC Marshall School of Business course. DSO 525 and DSO 527 are offered irregularly.
*USC Marshall School of Business course.
Nine units are required, usually in the student's present or intended technical specialty. Courses are intended to complement the student's prior education and experience toward becoming a well-rounded systems architect-engineer or architect-manager. With a few exceptions, the courses should come from the recommended list, and usually all from a single specialization.
The student may choose from a large variety of technical specializations spanning all departments in the Viterbi School of Engineering. Flexibility is emphasized in this choice; the program director is expected to work closely with the student in choosing the best set of courses to meet the student's need.
Several sample specializations are listed below but are not intended to be complete.
This 15-19 unit graduate certificate is jointly sponsored by the Epstein Industrial and Systems Engineering, Hsieh Electrical Engineering and Computer Science departments, and administered by the Epstein ISE Department. The computer science emphasis requires at least 16 units to complete, and may require more depending on the combination of courses students select.
This certificate is designed for practicing engineers engaged in the creation and design of complex innovative network centric systems in aerospace and commercial fields. Entering students are expected to have a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field from an accredited institution. Three years of industry experience are recommended. Students are required to earn a cumulative B average or higher in courses taken for the certificate. The courses taken for the certificate may be applied later to the Master of Science in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or Systems Architecting Engineering with departmental approval.
The graduate certificate in systems architecting and engineering is designed for practicing engineers engaged in the creation and design of complex innovative systems, in aerospace and commercial fields. Entering students are expected to have a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field from an accredited institution. Three years of industry experience are recommended. Students are required to earn a cumulative B average or higher in courses taken for the certificate. The courses taken for the certificate may be applied later to the Master of Science in Systems Architecting and Engineering.
All programs of study will be approved by the technical director of the Systems Architecting and Engineering program.
At the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, students study the human lifespan by exploring all dimensions of adult life. Here, Michael Zuletta and Saemy Son discuss aspects of gerontology. Photo by John Skalicky.
The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology explores all aspects of human development and aging. Course work and research opportunities in biology, psychology, sociology, policy and aging services make up its multidisciplinary curriculum.
Founded in 1975, USC Davis is not only the nation's premier school of gerontology, it is also the first. Named in honor of Leonard Davis, a philanthropist and businessman who pioneered insurance plans for the elderly through his involvement in AARP and his own company Colonial Penn Life Insurance, the school provides ground-breaking solutions to issues facing an aging population.
USC Leonard Davis School is committed to providing students with a broad theoretical understanding of lifespan development as well as dynamic post-graduate career placement. Students on all levels often enroll in semester-long internship programs. Working with our internship director, students can apply their gerontological knowledge to an array of industries such as health, medicine, business, finance, policy, direct services, program development, counseling and many other fields.
USC Leonard Davis School's Bachelor of Science degrees can be pursued with a health science, a social science or a global emphasis. The school also offers five master's degrees, seven dual master's programs, a graduate certificate, and PhD programs in gerontology as well as in the biology of aging.
The School is located in the Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center and is home to the Center for Digital Aging, the Center for Global Aging, the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence, the Long Beach Longitudinal Study, the Longevity Institute, the USC/UCLA Center on Biodemography and Population Health and the Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center.
USC Davis School of Gerontology
(213) 740-5156
FAX: (213) 740-0792
Email: ldsgero@usc.edu
gero.usc.edu
Pinchas Cohen, MD, Dean and Executive Director of the Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center
Kelvin JA Davies, PhD, DSc, Vice Dean and Director of the Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center
Maria Henke, MA, Associate Dean, USC Davis School of Gerontology
William and Sylvia Kugel Dean's Chair in Gerontology: Pinchas Cohen, MD
AARP University Chair in Gerontology: Eileen Crimmins, PhD*
ARCO/William F. Kieschnick Chair in the Neurobiology of Aging: Caleb E. Finch, PhD*
James E. Birren Chair in Gerontology: Kelvin J.A. Davies, PhD, DSc*
The Golden Age Association/Frances Wu Chair in Chinese Elderly: Iris Chi, PhD (Social Work)
Edna M. Jones Chair in Gerontology: Valter D. Longo, PhD
Rita and Edward Polusky Chair in Education and Aging: Elizabeth M. Zelinski, PhD*
UPS Foundation Chair in Gerontology: Jon Pynoos, PhD*
Mary Pickford Foundation Professor of Gerontology: Kathleen H. Wilber, PhD*
Professors: Margaret Gatz, PhD (Psychology); Bob Knight, PhD; Martin Levine, PhD (Law, Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences); Mara Mather, PhD; John J. McArdle, PhD (Psychology); Michal Mor-Barak, DSW (Social Work); Roseann Mulligan, DDS (Dentistry); Mike Nichol, PhD (Pharmacy and Public Policy); Christian Pike, PhD; Victor Regnier, MArch (Architecture); Edward L. Schneider, MD; Lon Schneider, MD (Psychiatry and Neurology); John Tower, PhD (Biological Sciences); Bradley R. Williams, PharmD (Clinical Pharmacy)
Associate Professors: Maria Aranda, PhD (Social Work); Susan H. Enguidanos, PhD*; Jeffrey McCombs, PhD (Pharmacy); John P. Walsh, PhD*
Assistant Professors: Cleopatra Abdou, PhD; Sean Curran, PhD*; Tara Lynn Gruenewald, PhD; Natalie Leland, PhD (Occupational Therapy); Ana Marie Yamada, PhD (Social Work)
Research Professors: Todd Morgan, PhD; Albert Rizzo III, PhD
Research Associate Professors: Roseann Giarrusso, PhD; Jung Ki Kim, PhD
Research Assistant Professors: Donna Benton, PhD; Thomas Parsons, PhD
Adjunct Professors: Neal Cutler, PhD; Fernando Torres-Gil, PhD*
Adjunct Associate Professors: Joanna Davies, PhD; Janet Frank, PhD; Monika White, PhD
Adjunct Research Professor: Larry Rubenstein, PhD
Adjunct Research Assistant Professor: Tracy Armstrong, PhD
Adjunct Clinical Professor: Robert M. Tager, MD
Clinical Associate Professor: Raquel D. Arias, MD
Instructional Assistant Professors: Aaron Hagedorn, PhD; Carin B. Kreutzer, EdD; Freddi Segal-Gidan, PhD; George Shannon, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Vern Bengtson, PhD; James E. Birren, PhD
Emeritus Associate Professor: Phoebe Liebig, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award.
The Davis School of Gerontology offers a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Aging, a Bachelor of Science in Lifespan Health, undergraduate classes through the health and humanity major in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, two minors in gerontology and a progressive Master of Science in Gerontology open to all undergraduate students.
The School of Gerontology offers several graduate degrees including a Master of Science in Gerontology; a Master of Aging Services Management; a Master of Arts in Gerontology; a Master of Long Term Care Administration (with the Marshall School of Business and the Price School of Public Policy) and a Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity. All master's degrees are offered online and onsite. The School of Gerontology offers the premier PhD in Gerontology program in the nation. The program is not offered online. The school also offers a PhD in the Biology of Aging. Non-degree graduate students may complete 16 units of gerontology and be awarded a graduate level certificate in gerontology (also available online).
Master's degree students may pursue one of several dual degrees, which are jointly offered with other professional schools. These are the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Master of Business Administration (MS/MBA) with the Marshall School of Business; the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Juris Doctor (MS/JD) with the Gould School of Law; the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Master of Public Administration (MS/MPA), the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Master of Health Administration (MS/MHA), and the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Master of Planning (MS/MPl) with the Price School of Public Policy; the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Master of Social Work (MS/MSW) with the School of Social Work; and the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Doctor of Pharmacy (MS/PharmD) with the School of Pharmacy.
In addition to the degree and minor programs, overview courses in aging are offered for undergraduates enrolled in other units of the university. Many gerontology courses can be credited as elective units.
The student honor society is Sigma Phi Omega, the national honor society formed in 1980 to recognize the excellence of those who study gerontology. The organization seeks to promote scholarship and professionalism, and to recognize exemplary attainment in the field of aging. Undergraduates must have a GPA of at least 3.3 and graduate students a GPA of at least 3.5. Sigma Phi Omega is administered by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education, an educational unit of the Gerontological Society of America.
The USC Davis School of Gerontology offers undergraduate classes through the Health and Humanity major in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences (see the Health and Humanity page).
The progressive degree program allows high performing students to integrate their current undergraduate major with a Master of Science in Gerontology. Students with at least a 3.0 overall GPA may apply for admission to the degree program in their junior year.
Students will meet with the gerontology student adviser to develop a course plan that must be approved by the School of Gerontology and the student's home department. Students admitted into the progressive degree program begin taking master's level courses in their senior year and will complete the master's degree in year five. For more information on the admission process, see the gerontology student adviser. For further details on progressive degree programs, see the Requirements for Graduation page.
The undergraduate minor program gives students the option of combining their major with an emphasis in gerontology. The minors provide students with the opportunity to supplement their education with a life course perspective of aging processes.
The minor programs, which are multidisciplinary in nature, allow the student to survey the sociological, political, psychological and biological aspects of aging; to gain an understanding of the current services available to older persons; and to examine the contemporary policy issues facing the field.
A progressive degree program allows qualified undergraduate students the opportunity to complete an integrated program of study joining a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in the same or different departments.
The progressive degree program in gerontology allows students in their junior year to apply for the Master of Science in Gerontology program and complete both degrees in five years. Students must fulfill all the requirements for both the bachelor's degree and the master's degree. The total number of units for the master's degree, however, may be reduced by a maximum of one third. Students must obtain permission from both the bachelor's degree granting program and the USC Davis School of Gerontology. This program may be particularly attractive to students majoring in biology, psychology, policy and sociology. For more information on progressive degrees, see the entry under Undergraduate Programs or Graduate and Professional Education.
The USC Davis School of Gerontology cooperates with six other professional schools at USC in offering programs in which the student receives two master's degrees. These degrees provide the student with the knowledge and skills of gerontology as well as those of the other professional field. The dual degrees require more course work than the MS alone, but offer the graduate greater breadth of education and employment options.
Dual degrees currently available are the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Master of Business Administration (MS/MBA) with the Marshall School of Business; the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Juris Doctor (MS/JD) with the Gould School of Law; the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Master of Public Administration (MS/MPA), the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Master of Health Administration (MS/MHA), and the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Master of Planning (MS/MPl) with the Price School of Public Policy; the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Master of Social Work (MS/MSW) with the School of Social Work; and the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Doctor of Pharmacy (MS/PharmD) with the School of Pharmacy. Students must apply to both schools simultaneously and, if accepted to both, participate in specially designed programs combining the courses of each school.
Applicants to any of the dual degree programs must submit two application forms to the Office of Admissions; one indicating gerontology as the major and one indicating the other degree as the major. Each of the schools must accept the student for admission. Acceptance into one school's degree program does not imply acceptance into the dual degree program.
See USC Marshall School of Business for requirements.
The MS/MPA dual degree offers the student interested in management of agencies and institutions the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of the administrative and organizational processes and management skills necessary for the effective delivery of services to older persons. See the USC Price School of Public Policy, for course requirements.
Students can specialize in health care administration (profit and non-profit) through the dual degree with the Price School of Public Policy's Health Administration Program. See the USC Price School of Public Policy, for course requirements.
The MS/MPl dual degree is one of few in the nation which combines the knowledge of the older population with the skills needed to plan services for older people. The MPl prepares the graduate for the responsibilities involved in development of public and private institutions and programs. The MS indicates a special focus on the older person and the skills to analyze and design programs for this growing population. See the USC Price School of Public Policy for course requirement.
The MS/JD dual degree combines the knowledge of the older population with understanding of the legal system. The program prepares graduates for a number of roles in both public and private sector organizations. Students are required to complete 110 units of course work, 74 from the Gould School of Law and 36 from the Davis School of Gerontology. The first year is devoted to required law courses, and the second, third and fourth years combine gerontology and law courses. To earn the JD, all students (including dual degree students) must complete 35 numerically graded law units at USC after the first year. The associate dean may make exceptions to the rule for students enrolled in the law school honors program. See the USC Gould School of Law for course requirements.
The Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Aging is an undergraduate degree offered at the USC Davis School of Gerontology in the social sciences. Students in this program often pursue careers related to older adults in business, law, the nonprofit sector or government agencies.
Students may also specialize in a health science track. The health science track combines the core gerontology curriculum with the prerequisites for admission to medical school and other health-related fields including: dentistry, pharmacy, occupational/physical therapy, physician assistant programs and others. In addition, students will participate in a supervised practicum experience in which they will become directly involved with aging clients in a health care setting.
Students planning to pursue a BS are urged to notify the school of this intent as early as possible during their undergraduate study. This will help ensure that the student receives proper advisement and that the student is alerted to any special requirements or program modifications.
During the freshman and sophomore years, students enroll primarily in general education required courses as specified by the university and the Human Development and Aging course (GERO 200).
During their junior and senior years, students enroll in required and elective courses in the School of Gerontology as well as other courses throughout the university. These courses are selected in consultation with an adviser and reflect the personal and professional interests of the students.
The honors program is available to juniors who maintain a GPA of 3.5 in gerontology and a GPA of 3.3 in other USC course work. The honors program includes mentored training in research and course work relevant to research methodology and statistics.
A grade point average of at least C (2.0) on all units attempted at USC is required for undergraduate degrees. The School of Gerontology requires a minimum 2.0 grade point average in upper division courses applied toward the major.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies). See http://dornsife.usc.edu/2015ge for more information.
Students must satisfy the skill level requirement in one language or complete ITP 101 and additional ITP 100-level programming courses to total 12 units. Students in the health science track are required to complete only ITP 101 and ITP 102.
*Prerequisite required.
The listed requirements for admission to the health science track in human development and aging will not differ from existing requirements for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Aging. However, because health professional schools are very competitive, USC students interested in this program will be expected to have achieved at least a 3.0 grade point average (A = 4.0). Students entering the program from high schools or transferring from community colleges will also be expected to meet the minimum admission standards.
*Prerequisite required.
USC Davis offers an honors program to outstanding students already pursuing studies for the BS in Human Development and Aging degree. This program offers students an opportunity to participate in mentored undergraduate research, taking course work in research methods and statistics in aging, and experience in writing an honors thesis that summarizes the research project. Honors students are required to complete GERO 497a, GERO 497b, GERO 497c for a total of 6–8 units, beginning in the fall or spring of the junior year. In the senior year, they must complete GERO 593 Research Methods with a minimum grade of B. GERO 593 is offered only in the fall semester. Completion of the program requires a minimum GPA of 3.5 in gerontology and 3.3 in other courses. The program leads to the designation on the transcript of Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Aging with Honors.
The student takes 2 units of GERO 497a in the fall or spring of the junior year as a mentored research course to begin the process of developing an honors thesis. This would be in lieu of elective units. In the fall of the junior or senior year the student would complete GERO 593 for 4 units and 2 units of GERO 497b, both in lieu of elective units. Also during the fall semester, the research design and methods for the honors thesis are finalized and the research project begun. In the spring, the student would register for 2–4 units of GERO 497c in lieu of elective units. The goal for that semester is to complete the research and write the honors thesis.
*Prerequisite required.
*Prerequisite required.
The Bachelor of Science in Lifespan Health prepares students for admission to a graduate or professional school with an emphasis on the biomedical aspects of health including disease prevention, detection and treatment. This program is designed for students wishing to pursue graduate studies in a health field such as medicine, pharmacy, occupational/physical therapy, psychology and other related fields.
Admission to this program is granted through USC's admission process, described in the admission section of this catalogue. The same foreign language requirement for the BS in Human Development and Aging is required as well as the USC Core (see The USC Core and the General Education Program for more information). Students must enroll in the following courses:
*Prerequisite required.
**GERO 437 must be taken for 4 units of credit
This minor is a fit for students in business, engineering, communication, cinematic arts, or arts and sciences interested in developing a broad knowledge of issues in aging. Based largely on disciplines in the behavioral and social sciences, students learn how aging will impact their lives, families and careers. Upon completion of 20 units and graduation, the minor is noted on the student's transcript.
The science, health and aging minor is appropriate for students working toward careers in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, biological sciences, public health or other health related fields. Admission to the minor is only available to students who have completed 4 units of prerequisites (BISC 220 or BISC 221) as part of their major requirements. Upon completion of 20 units and graduation, the minor is noted on the student's transcript.
The Advanced Placement MS program allows the outstanding student who has completed a Bachelor of Science in Gerontology to waive several courses in order to complete the master's degree in 36 units rather than the 44 units for the regular program.
Three of the following courses, GERO 510, GERO 520, GERO 530 and GERO 540, will be waived for students in the advanced placement track. Advanced placement students admitted to dual degree programs must meet curriculum requirements for the respective programs.
The Master of Aging Services Management provides an opportunity for those seeking careers in the aging services industries to acquire skills and knowledge related to management of services, products and programs for older persons. The program requires a minimum of 12 units of core courses (three courses) and 20 units of electives (five courses). All graduate level courses are offered on campus and via the Internet. Continuous registration in the program is required. Leaves of absence are available for limited times and are excluded from the total time.
In order to participate in online courses, students will be required to have access to a computer with multimedia capability including a modem, printer and CD-ROM drive; an Internet provider with email and an Internet browser; and word processing software. Specific details regarding the computer requirements will be provided by the department. This program is available as a progressive degree (see Progressive Degree in Gerontology).
Students applying to the Master of Aging Services Management must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a GPA of 3.0. If the applicant's GPA falls below 3.0 the GRE will be required.
Students must choose a minimum of 12 units of core courses from the following:
Students must select up to five courses (for a total of 20 units) from the following courses or any other adviser approved elective:
The MA in Gerontology provides an opportunity to acquire skills and formal training in gerontology. The online program requires 28 units of course work. Most courses are offered online and on campus.
Continuous registration in the program is required. Leaves of absence are available for limited times and are excluded from the total time limit.
In order to participate in the online courses, students will be required to have access to a multimedia computer with modem, printer and CD-ROM drive; an Internet provider with email and an Internet browser; and word processing software. Specific details regarding the computer requirements will be provided by the department.
Admission standards and prerequisites are the same as listed for the Master of Science in Gerontology with the exception that students in the online MA program are expected to have a significant amount of experience working in human services, health care, business or similar settings. Students are not required to have taken an approved additional course.
Students must select two courses (for a total of 8 units) from the following courses:
The Master of Science in Gerontology prepares graduates to assume major leadership roles in the field of aging, primarily in the planning, administration and evaluation of programs in the private and public sectors, as well as executive positions in the delivery of direct services to older people and their families and in the instruction of older adults and service providers. The Master of Science in Gerontology requires 44 units of course work. This includes 32 units of required courses and 12 units of electives. As part of this curriculum, a field practicum assures that these skills can be applied in agencies and institutional settings.
All students take core courses in physiological, psychological, sociological, social policy and professional issues relating to aging, as well as research methods and the capstone course.
The course work includes instruction on the processes of aging and professional courses designed to develop the skills needed for practice. The field practicum includes one or two semesters of practical experience working in an organizational setting.
Continuous registration in the program is required. There is a five year completion time limit for the degree. Leaves of absence are available for limited times and are excluded from the total time limit. A maximum of two absences (one year each) is allowed. Most courses are offered on campus and online.
Students applying for admission to the Master of Science in Gerontology program must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. In selecting applicants for admission, the School of Gerontology considers both academic potential (as reflected in undergraduate study or scores on the Graduate Record Examinations) and professional potential (as reflected in experience, references and career goals). The school requests information from applicants to supplement that supplied by the USC Application for Graduate Admission. Such supplemental information usually includes a resume, statement of interest in gerontology and letters of reference. Interviews may be required.
Probation and Warning: Any graduate student whose cumulative or semester grade point average in the university falls below B (3.0) will be placed on academic probation. A graduate student whose semester average falls below B (3.0) but whose cumulative grade point average in the university is 3.0 (A = 4.0) or higher will be placed on academic warning.
Disqualification: A graduate student on academic probation will be disqualified if his or her cumulative record accumulates more than 12 units of C work. A graduate student, whether on probation or not, will be subject to disqualification if the Student Affairs Committee of the USC Davis School at any time determines deficiency in academic achievement.
All candidates for the Master of Science degree must complete the following common requirements:
Common requirements for all programs include the 28 required units and GERO 555, totaling 32 units. In addition, each candidate must complete the 12 units of electives chosen from the complete list of electives approved by the student's adviser.
The field practicum provides the opportunity for the student to gain valuable experience and develop needed skills by working in a community agency or institution. It involves a minimum of 240 hours of involvement. Students may elect to take an additional 4 units of GERO 591 Field Practicum as an elective.
Field placement assignments are made by the internship coordinator of the school in consultation with the student and in accordance with the resources available in the community. Every effort is made to secure placement which will reflect the student's capacity to assume the responsibilities of a professional in gerontology. Evaluations of the student's performance are sent to the school by the community agency; the student receives a grade of credit/no credit in GERO 591 Field Practicum.
The Master of Long Term Care Administration provides an opportunity for professionals who are currently working in a long term care profession to acquire skills and formal training in long term care administration. The online program requires 28 units of course work.
The required courses are in sequential order and are restricted by availability. Continuous registration in the program is required. Leaves of absence are available for limited times and are excluded from the total time limit.
In order to participate in the online courses, students will be required to have access to a multimedia computer with modem, printer and CD-ROM drive; an Internet provider with email and an Internet browser; and word processing software. Specific details regarding the computer requirements will be provided by the department.
Admission standards are the same as for the Master of Science in Gerontology.
An admission credit evaluation is prepared for graduate students with previous graduate level course work. This review indicates which courses the university will approve but it is the relevant school (Gerontology, Business, or Public Policy) that determines if any of these courses are appropriate for this degree. A maximum of 4 units may be used toward the master's degree.
Graduate transfer credit will not be granted for life experience, credit by examination, non-credit extension courses, correspondence courses or thesis supervision. Graduate transfer credit will not be granted for any course work taken elsewhere after the student has been admitted and enrolled at USC unless the student receives prior written approval from the department.
Students must select one course (for a total of 28 units) from the following courses.
The Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity, a Coordinated Program (CP) in Nutrition and Dietetics, prepares graduates for roles in the field of nutrition and dietetics promoting personalized nutrition through work in hospitals and health care facilities, long-term care or school food service programs, business, teaching, research or private practice. The program has been granted candidacy for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and integrates academic study with professional practice experience. Fifteen students are admitted each year in the fall. Students can complete the full-time degree program in two years, on-campus or online (for those living more than 100 miles from USC). Online students will be required to find and utilize facilities in their community to complete the required course laboratory activities and supervised practice (verification of facilities will be required after acceptance, and before enrollment, for first-year rotations). Successful completion of 46 units of course work is required for graduation and includes 28 units of required courses, 12 units of supervised practice and 6 units of research. The program summative experience will be an electronic portfolio, including research completed throughout the program. Students will be required to present their work at a local, state or national dietetics conference as a requirement of graduation.
Continuous registration in the program is required. Leaves of absence are available for limited times and may require the student to wait until the next year to re-enroll as some courses are offered annually, and must be taken sequentially. A maximum of two leaves of absence is allowed. Upon completion of the Master of Science degree, students are eligible to write for the Credentialing Examination for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.
In order to participate online, students will be required to have access to a computer with multimedia capability including high-speed Internet access, audio and a digital video camera. Specific details regarding computer requirements will be provided by the program.
The field practicum provides the opportunity for students to gain valuable experience and develop needed skills by working in an institutional or community environment where nutrition services are provided by registered dietitians or food services professionals. Field placement assignments begin in the second semester of the program and continue every semester until graduation. Students attending the program on campus are placed by the program coordinator in consultation with the student as resources are available in the community. Evaluations of students are sent to the school by the community agency; the student receives a grade of credit/no credit in GERO 591 Field Practicum.
Students applying for admission to the Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity program must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. In addition, the following prerequisites must be complete before starting the program: cellular biology with lab, microbiology with lab, general chemistry with lab, organic chemistry with lab, biochemistry with lab, human physiology with lab, general psychology or sociology, algebra or pre-calculus or calculus or statistics, speech or communications, introductory food science and human nutrition. All prerequisite courses cannot be more than 10 years old at the time of application. The exceptions are the general psychology course and the math course; there is no time limit on these two courses.
In selecting applicants for admission, the Davis School of Gerontology considers both academic potential (as reflected in undergraduate study with a GPA greater than 3.0) and professional potential (as reflected in experience, references and career goals). The school requests information from applicants to supplement that supplied by the USC Application for Graduate Admission. Supplemental information includes a résumé, statement of interest in nutrition and longevity and two letters of reference. Applicants are required to document at least 40 hours of paid or volunteer work experience with a registered dietitian. Interviews may be required for highest ranking applicants.
Probation and Warning: Any graduate student with a cumulative or semester grade point average in the university falling below B (3.0) will be placed on academic probation. A graduate student whose semester average falls below B (3.0) but whose cumulative grade point average in the university is 3.0 (A = 4.0) or higher will be placed on academic warning. Students will not be allowed to begin supervised field practice in the second semester if any first semester grades fall below a B (3.0).
Disqualification: A graduate student on academic probation will be disqualified if his or her cumulative record accumulates more than 12 units of C work. A graduate student, whether on probation or not, will be subject to disqualification if the Student Affairs Committee of the USC Davis School at any time determines deficiency in academic achievement.
All candidates for the Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity degree must complete the following required courses.
The residential graduate certificate in gerontology program provides an opportunity for those who have completed a bachelor's degree in another profession or discipline and are employed in the field of aging to acquire a greater understanding of gerontology theory and research. The program consists of 16 units of gerontology content designed to familiarize the student with several areas of the field which relate to professional practice.
In addition to three of the four required core course areas for the certificate program (GERO 510, GERO 520 or GERO 522, GERO 530 or GERO 585, GERO 540), each student will have the option to choose one elective course which meets his or her particular area of interest.
Certificate students do not take a field practicum. Students admitted to the non-degree certificate program are expected to enroll each semester until the program is completed.
The online graduate certificate in gerontology program provides an opportunity for those with a bachelor's degree in another profession or discipline who are employed in the field of aging to acquire a greater understanding of gerontology theory and research. The program consists of 16 units of gerontology courses designed to familiarize the student with several areas of the field which relate to professional practice.
Students complete the introductory course, GERO 500, two of the four required core course areas (GERO 508 or GERO 510 or, GERO 520 or GERO 522, GERO 530 or GERO 585, and GERO 540), and one elective course in a particular area of interest.
The required courses are delivered via the Internet. The courses are offered in sequential order and are restricted by availability. Continuous registration in the non-degree program is required. Leaves of absence are available for limited times and are excluded from the total time limit. Entering students are encouraged to begin their course of study by taking GERO 500.
In order to participate in the online courses, students will be required to have access to a multimedia computer with modem, printer and CD-ROM drive; an Internet provider with email and an Internet browser; and word processing software. The department will provide specific details regarding the computer requirements.
The MS/MBA dual degree combines knowledge of the older population with the skills of business management. The program prepares graduates for a number of roles in both public and private sector organizations including the marketing of products or services to seniors, human resource development with older workers and retirement benefits.
The Master of Science in Gerontology requires 30 units of course and fieldwork which covers the core content of the MS program.
The Master of Business Administration will require 48 units of credit. Required courses include: all required courses in an MBA program; MOR 548 Competitive Advantage Through People 3; one marketing elective chosen from among MKT 512 Marketing and Consumer Research 3, MKT 525 Consumer Behavior 3 and MKT 560 Marketing Strategy and Policy 3; and additional graduate business electives sufficient to bring the total units completed in the Marshall School of Business to at least 48. Dual degree students may not count courses taken outside the School of Business toward the 48 units.
The USC Davis School of Gerontology will waive 18 units of electives, plus GERO 593 Research Methods (4 units) and GERO 589 Case Studies in Leadership and Change Management (4 units), which are required in the regular MS program. Students will be exposed to research and professional issues in business administration course work.
The emerging impact of the elderly on the health care system has created a need for health care providers who understand the unique needs of the elderly. As drug therapy remains the primary therapeutic option for chronic disease, the demand for prescription drugs will continue to rise. There is a demand for pharmacists who are equipped to meet the pharmaceutical care needs of this population. Geriatric pharmacy is recognized as a specialty, with board certification through the Commission for Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy. The PharmD/MS, Gerontology program will provide extensive education and training in the unique health care needs of older adults. It will allow student pharmacists with a career interest in geriatrics or gerontology to work with health care planning or delivery organizations to develop and implement progressive pharmaceutical care programs for the elderly.
Students who intend to pursue the dual PharmD/MSG degree must be accepted by both programs. This includes having completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 and a minimum equivalent GRE score of 1000. Students will not be given special consideration for admission to either program because they are applying for the dual degree. Students may apply to the dual PharmD/MS degree program in two ways. First, they may apply at the time they submit their PharmD application by concurrently submitting applications to both programs. Students, who elect this approach, must identify themselves on both applications as potential dual degree students. Students who are admitted to both programs will be offered admission to the PharmD and will be offered admission to the dual degree program. Second, students can apply to the dual degree by submitting an application to the MS in Gerontology program during their first year of enrollment in the PharmD prior to the MS, Gerontology published application deadline. Students, who elect this approach, must apply through the School of Pharmacy. Students admitted to the MS program using this approach will be offered admission to the dual degree contingent on passing all courses in their first year of the PharmD with a minimum 3.0 G.P.A. Students accepted to the dual degree program must maintain a minimum 3.0 G.P.A. in their gerontology and PharmD courses.
Students must complete all requirements for the PharmD and MS degrees as listed in the catalogue with a minimum cumulative 3.0 G.P.A. Students must complete 32 Gerontology units as indicated. The PharmD degree course requirements are listed in the School of Pharmacy section.
The MS/MSW dual degree offers the student interested in direct service or community organization the credentials most valued in clinical and therapeutic practice. Taken in connection with the social work degree, the MS focuses course and fieldwork on the older person and prepares the student for social work with older persons and their families.
In the MS/MSW dual degree program, the student enrolls primarily in the first year program of the USC School of Social Work. During the summer session, courses are taken in the USC Davis School of Gerontology. Second year courses are taken in both schools and fieldwork during the second year is taken in the School of Gerontology. The research course is taken through the School of Social Work in the student's concentration area. The School of Gerontology will waive GERO 589 Case Studies in Leadership and Change Management (4 units) and GERO 555 Integrating Gerontology: A Multidisciplinary Approach (4 units) because students enrolled in this program have a primary professional focus on social work.
In the second half of the social work program, students may enroll in one of four concentrations: Health; World of Work; Mental Health; or Community Organization, Planning and Administration (COPA). All students are required to take SOWK 611 Leadership in the Social Work Profession and Organizations: Theory and Practice. Required courses are selected based on the chosen concentration as follows:
Course selection is done only with an academic adviser's approval.
The School of Gerontology waives 12 units. The research course is taken through the School of Social Work in the student's concentration area, and GERO 593, the research course, and GERO 555 are waived as well as one elective. The School of Social Work waives 12 units.
Application deadline: December 1
The purpose of the PhD in the Biology of Aging is to provide interdisciplinary research training in an age-centric environment. Students will focus on basic mechanisms of aging as well as translational research related to medical applications. Students will approach aging as a major risk factor for disease.
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university preferably in one of the biological sciences. Applicants are evaluated by their transcripts and GPA; scores on the GRE General Test, three letters of recommendation and a statement of interest.
The PhD in the Biology of Aging will provide each student with detailed knowledge and expertise in the biology of aging. The PhD in the Biology of Aging requires the following courses (GERO 600, GERO 601, GERO 602a, GERO 602b, GERO 603, plus 8-10 units from the list of suggested electives or other department approved courses). A minimum of 60 units is required, consisting of formal courses, seminars and research credit. At least 24 of the minimum 60 total units required are to be formal graduate course work (lecture or seminar courses).
After completion of the core Biology of Aging course work (GERO 600, GERO 601, GERO 602a GERO 602b and GERO 603) during the first year, the student's degree progress is discussed and evaluated by a screening committee composed of members of the gerontology faculty and the Buck Institute as well as the student's faculty adviser. The purpose of this written and oral evaluation is to determine competence to continue graduate study and identify areas to be strengthened prior to the qualifying examination.
By the end of the third semester, students should choose a guidance committee consistent with the requirements of the graduate school composed of gerontology faculty, Buck Institute faculty and one outside member. This committee will conduct the qualifying exam and provide guidance during dissertation research. The chair of the committee will serve as the principal adviser. Students should consult extensively with each committee member regarding subjects to be covered in the exam.
The qualifying exam consists of written and oral parts. Both parts must be finished before the end of the fifth semester. For the written exam, the adviser will consult with each of the members of the qualifying exam committee. The written part will incorporate evaluation and synthesis of existing knowledge related to the topic areas, creation of a set of experiments to test a relevant hypothesis, and interpretation of anticipated results. The oral exam consists of an oral defense of the written part and will be conducted with a month of the written part of the qualifying exam.
The dissertation is based on original, publishable and significant research conducted independently by the student under the guidance of the dissertation committee. Upon admission to candidacy, a dissertation committee is established which consists of three members of the faculty, some of whom may be from the guidance committee, one of whom must hold his or her primary appointment outside of the Davis School of Gerontology.
The dissertation committee is responsible for providing guidance and consultation during the research process, approving the dissertation, conducting the final oral examination, and recommending the candidate for the PhD degree.
There are no foreign language requirements for the PhD in the Biology of Aging program.
Students with a master's degree of prior graduate course work in biology can petition to apply the credit toward required courses. Petition for credit will be based on the Graduate School's policies and requirements for transfer of credit and on approval by the doctoral advisory committee. Transfer credits toward the PhD requirements will be limited to 20 units and must be taken within 10 years of entering the program.
The purpose of the PhD in Gerontology is to provide research training in the multidisciplinary field of aging. The program is designed to enhance the potential of able students to make scholarly and professional contributions to the field of gerontology through research and teaching. To obtain this goal, the PhD in Gerontology provides (1) high level rigorous research training, (2) the acquisition and application of scientific knowledge in the field of aging and (3) the development of leadership skills.
Applicants for admission to the doctoral program must meet the following requirements:
Students must complete a minimum of 60 units of course work (with at least 24 of these units being completed in residency at USC), as well as additional dissertation units (at least 4 units) as required. All students will take courses in three areas: a set of required core courses, research courses and elective courses.
There are two tracks in the gerontology PhD program: the social, behavioral, and policy track and the biology of aging track.
Students will be advised about course selection during the first year by the PhD committee. As soon as a student has selected a specialization (e.g., biology, psychology, sociology/demography, policy), an advisory committee of appropriate faculty will be appointed. The purpose of the advisory committee is to help the student in the selection of courses and a research agenda; to monitor the student's progress; and to insure preparation for the qualifying examination.
Each track has a basic scientific core. The core for the social, behavioral and policy track stresses the physiological, psychological, sociological and policy dimensions of individual and population aging. The scientific core for the biology of aging track emphasizes the understanding in the molecular, cellular and physiological mechanisms of aging and age-related disease. Special emphases include mechanisms associated with chronic disease such as cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and the interplay between genetic and environmental influences.
A second core area focuses on development of research skills. For social scientists this includes research design, methods and statistics. Biologists will learn methods appropriate to biological sciences as well as research design and statistics. Students in the social, behavioral and policy track are required to take GERO 593 and GERO 640 and at least one additional statistics course — generally from another department — on the student's research focus. Students in the biology of aging track are required to take GERO 593 and GERO 590 (2 semesters of 4 units).
Students in both tracks are also required to take two semesters of GERO 592, a research seminar in which participants will develop and carry out their own research. This course is generally taken after the first year.
A third core involves electives that allow students to create a concentration in a particular area of focus or analytic field of inquiry. Students should select courses in consultation with their adviser. Courses should be selected to provide in depth knowledge in the specialized area or general knowledge in the field of gerontology. A number of gerontology courses can be taken as electives.
Students should note that Gerontology courses at the 600 level are usually offered only every second year. Students are encouraged to review the course schedule to determine how to best complete these courses in a timely manner. Successful completion of the required course work does not complete the educational experience of the student. Students are expected to enhance their exposure to research by attending the colloquium lecture series, working on research with a faculty member and presenting original research at the annual meeting of the Gerontological Society of America and other professional meetings.
There are no foreign language requirements for the PhD program.
Students with master's degrees or prior graduate course work in gerontology can petition to apply the credit toward required courses. Petition for credit will be based on the Graduate School's policies and requirements for "transfer of credit" and on approval by the doctoral advisory committee. Transfer credits toward the PhD requirements will be limited to 20 units and must be credits taken within 10 years of entering the program.
The normal time for completing the PhD is four to five years (without a prior master's degree). The first two years will consist of required and elective courses. The third year will consist of electives, the PhD qualifying exams and completion of the dissertation proposal. The final year(s) will involve the completion of the dissertation. The maximum time to complete all requirements for the PhD degree is eight years from the first course at USC applied toward the degree.
Students who have completed an applicable master's degree at USC or elsewhere within five years of the proposed enrollment in the PhD program must complete the PhD in six years.
When students have completed a minimum of 16 but not more than 24 units of doctoral course work, the doctoral advisory committee assesses their performance through a screening process and makes a decision regarding their ability to continue in the program. If the student is granted permission to continue, a guidance committee is established.
The qualifying exam committee is composed of five faculty members, at least three from the School of Gerontology. The function of the qualifying exam committee is to oversee the development of the student's academic progress through the qualifying examination, including the preliminary dissertation proposal.
As a prerequisite for candidacy for the PhD, students must pass a qualifying examination, which is multidisciplinary and comprehensive in nature and that necessitates independent study beyond course requirements. Students must have completed at least 28 units of course work in the doctoral program with a GPA of at least 3.25 before attempting the qualifying exam. The exam is designed to test mastery of knowledge and scholarly skills and to test readiness to undertake independent research. If the student fails this exam, it may be repeated one time. When the exam is successfully completed, the student then must develop and have a dissertation proposal approved before the student is officially admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree.
Upon admission to candidacy, a dissertation committee is established which consists of three members of the faculty, some of whom may be from the qualifying committee.
The dissertation committee has responsibility for providing guidance and consultation during the research process, approving the dissertation, conducting the final oral examination, and recommending the candidate for the PhD degree. The doctoral dissertation should make an original contribution to the development of knowledge and theory in gerontology.
Upon approval of the final draft of the dissertation by all members of the dissertation committee, the candidate must pass a final oral examination. Upon successful completion of this final examination, the committee recommends the candidate to the Graduate School for award of the PhD degree.
Return to: USC Davis School of Gerontology
At the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, students study the human lifespan by exploring all dimensions of adult life. Here, Michael Zuletta and Saemy Son discuss aspects of gerontology. Photo by John Skalicky.
The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology explores all aspects of human development and aging. Course work and research opportunities in biology, psychology, sociology, policy and aging services make up its multidisciplinary curriculum.
Founded in 1975, USC Davis is not only the nation's premier school of gerontology, it is also the first. Named in honor of Leonard Davis, a philanthropist and businessman who pioneered insurance plans for the elderly through his involvement in AARP and his own company Colonial Penn Life Insurance, the school provides ground-breaking solutions to issues facing an aging population.
USC Leonard Davis School is committed to providing students with a broad theoretical understanding of lifespan development as well as dynamic post-graduate career placement. Students on all levels often enroll in semester-long internship programs. Working with our internship director, students can apply their gerontological knowledge to an array of industries such as health, medicine, business, finance, policy, direct services, program development, counseling and many other fields.
USC Leonard Davis School's Bachelor of Science degrees can be pursued with a health science, a social science or a global emphasis. The school also offers five master's degrees, seven dual master's programs, a graduate certificate, and PhD programs in gerontology as well as in the biology of aging.
The School is located in the Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center and is home to the Center for Digital Aging, the Center for Global Aging, the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence, the Long Beach Longitudinal Study, the Longevity Institute, the USC/UCLA Center on Biodemography and Population Health and the Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center.
USC Davis School of Gerontology
(213) 740-5156
FAX: (213) 740-0792
Email: ldsgero@usc.edu
gero.usc.edu
Pinchas Cohen, MD, Dean and Executive Director of the Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center
Kelvin JA Davies, PhD, DSc, Vice Dean and Director of the Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center
Maria Henke, MA, Associate Dean, USC Davis School of Gerontology
William and Sylvia Kugel Dean's Chair in Gerontology: Pinchas Cohen, MD
AARP University Chair in Gerontology: Eileen Crimmins, PhD*
ARCO/William F. Kieschnick Chair in the Neurobiology of Aging: Caleb E. Finch, PhD*
James E. Birren Chair in Gerontology: Kelvin J.A. Davies, PhD, DSc*
The Golden Age Association/Frances Wu Chair in Chinese Elderly: Iris Chi, PhD (Social Work)
Edna M. Jones Chair in Gerontology: Valter D. Longo, PhD
Rita and Edward Polusky Chair in Education and Aging: Elizabeth M. Zelinski, PhD*
UPS Foundation Chair in Gerontology: Jon Pynoos, PhD*
Mary Pickford Foundation Professor of Gerontology: Kathleen H. Wilber, PhD*
Professors: Margaret Gatz, PhD (Psychology); Bob Knight, PhD; Martin Levine, PhD (Law, Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences); Mara Mather, PhD; John J. McArdle, PhD (Psychology); Michal Mor-Barak, DSW (Social Work); Roseann Mulligan, DDS (Dentistry); Mike Nichol, PhD (Pharmacy and Public Policy); Christian Pike, PhD; Victor Regnier, MArch (Architecture); Edward L. Schneider, MD; Lon Schneider, MD (Psychiatry and Neurology); John Tower, PhD (Biological Sciences); Bradley R. Williams, PharmD (Clinical Pharmacy)
Associate Professors: Maria Aranda, PhD (Social Work); Susan H. Enguidanos, PhD*; Jeffrey McCombs, PhD (Pharmacy); John P. Walsh, PhD*
Assistant Professors: Cleopatra Abdou, PhD; Sean Curran, PhD*; Tara Lynn Gruenewald, PhD; Natalie Leland, PhD (Occupational Therapy); Ana Marie Yamada, PhD (Social Work)
Research Professors: Todd Morgan, PhD; Albert Rizzo III, PhD
Research Associate Professors: Roseann Giarrusso, PhD; Jung Ki Kim, PhD
Research Assistant Professors: Donna Benton, PhD; Thomas Parsons, PhD
Adjunct Professors: Neal Cutler, PhD; Fernando Torres-Gil, PhD*
Adjunct Associate Professors: Joanna Davies, PhD; Janet Frank, PhD; Monika White, PhD
Adjunct Research Professor: Larry Rubenstein, PhD
Adjunct Research Assistant Professor: Tracy Armstrong, PhD
Adjunct Clinical Professor: Robert M. Tager, MD
Clinical Associate Professor: Raquel D. Arias, MD
Instructional Assistant Professors: Aaron Hagedorn, PhD; Carin B. Kreutzer, EdD; Freddi Segal-Gidan, PhD; George Shannon, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Vern Bengtson, PhD; James E. Birren, PhD
Emeritus Associate Professor: Phoebe Liebig, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award.
The Davis School of Gerontology offers a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Aging, a Bachelor of Science in Lifespan Health, undergraduate classes through the health and humanity major in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, two minors in gerontology and a progressive Master of Science in Gerontology open to all undergraduate students.
The School of Gerontology offers several graduate degrees including a Master of Science in Gerontology; a Master of Aging Services Management; a Master of Arts in Gerontology; a Master of Long Term Care Administration (with the Marshall School of Business and the Price School of Public Policy) and a Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity. All master's degrees are offered online and onsite. The School of Gerontology offers the premier PhD in Gerontology program in the nation. The program is not offered online. The school also offers a PhD in the Biology of Aging. Non-degree graduate students may complete 16 units of gerontology and be awarded a graduate level certificate in gerontology (also available online).
Master's degree students may pursue one of several dual degrees, which are jointly offered with other professional schools. These are the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Master of Business Administration (MS/MBA) with the Marshall School of Business; the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Juris Doctor (MS/JD) with the Gould School of Law; the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Master of Public Administration (MS/MPA), the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Master of Health Administration (MS/MHA), and the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Master of Planning (MS/MPl) with the Price School of Public Policy; the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Master of Social Work (MS/MSW) with the School of Social Work; and the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Doctor of Pharmacy (MS/PharmD) with the School of Pharmacy.
In addition to the degree and minor programs, overview courses in aging are offered for undergraduates enrolled in other units of the university. Many gerontology courses can be credited as elective units.
The student honor society is Sigma Phi Omega, the national honor society formed in 1980 to recognize the excellence of those who study gerontology. The organization seeks to promote scholarship and professionalism, and to recognize exemplary attainment in the field of aging. Undergraduates must have a GPA of at least 3.3 and graduate students a GPA of at least 3.5. Sigma Phi Omega is administered by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education, an educational unit of the Gerontological Society of America.
The USC Davis School of Gerontology offers undergraduate classes through the Health and Humanity major in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences (see the Health and Humanity page).
The progressive degree program allows high performing students to integrate their current undergraduate major with a Master of Science in Gerontology. Students with at least a 3.0 overall GPA may apply for admission to the degree program in their junior year.
Students will meet with the gerontology student adviser to develop a course plan that must be approved by the School of Gerontology and the student's home department. Students admitted into the progressive degree program begin taking master's level courses in their senior year and will complete the master's degree in year five. For more information on the admission process, see the gerontology student adviser. For further details on progressive degree programs, see the Requirements for Graduation page.
The undergraduate minor program gives students the option of combining their major with an emphasis in gerontology. The minors provide students with the opportunity to supplement their education with a life course perspective of aging processes.
The minor programs, which are multidisciplinary in nature, allow the student to survey the sociological, political, psychological and biological aspects of aging; to gain an understanding of the current services available to older persons; and to examine the contemporary policy issues facing the field.
A progressive degree program allows qualified undergraduate students the opportunity to complete an integrated program of study joining a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in the same or different departments.
The progressive degree program in gerontology allows students in their junior year to apply for the Master of Science in Gerontology program and complete both degrees in five years. Students must fulfill all the requirements for both the bachelor's degree and the master's degree. The total number of units for the master's degree, however, may be reduced by a maximum of one third. Students must obtain permission from both the bachelor's degree granting program and the USC Davis School of Gerontology. This program may be particularly attractive to students majoring in biology, psychology, policy and sociology. For more information on progressive degrees, see the entry under Undergraduate Programs or Graduate and Professional Education.
The USC Davis School of Gerontology cooperates with six other professional schools at USC in offering programs in which the student receives two master's degrees. These degrees provide the student with the knowledge and skills of gerontology as well as those of the other professional field. The dual degrees require more course work than the MS alone, but offer the graduate greater breadth of education and employment options.
Dual degrees currently available are the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Master of Business Administration (MS/MBA) with the Marshall School of Business; the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Juris Doctor (MS/JD) with the Gould School of Law; the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Master of Public Administration (MS/MPA), the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Master of Health Administration (MS/MHA), and the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Master of Planning (MS/MPl) with the Price School of Public Policy; the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Master of Social Work (MS/MSW) with the School of Social Work; and the Master of Science in Gerontology and the Doctor of Pharmacy (MS/PharmD) with the School of Pharmacy. Students must apply to both schools simultaneously and, if accepted to both, participate in specially designed programs combining the courses of each school.
Applicants to any of the dual degree programs must submit two application forms to the Office of Admissions; one indicating gerontology as the major and one indicating the other degree as the major. Each of the schools must accept the student for admission. Acceptance into one school's degree program does not imply acceptance into the dual degree program.
See USC Marshall School of Business for requirements.
The MS/MPA dual degree offers the student interested in management of agencies and institutions the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of the administrative and organizational processes and management skills necessary for the effective delivery of services to older persons. See the USC Price School of Public Policy, for course requirements.
Students can specialize in health care administration (profit and non-profit) through the dual degree with the Price School of Public Policy's Health Administration Program. See the USC Price School of Public Policy, for course requirements.
The MS/MPl dual degree is one of few in the nation which combines the knowledge of the older population with the skills needed to plan services for older people. The MPl prepares the graduate for the responsibilities involved in development of public and private institutions and programs. The MS indicates a special focus on the older person and the skills to analyze and design programs for this growing population. See the USC Price School of Public Policy for course requirement.
The MS/JD dual degree combines the knowledge of the older population with understanding of the legal system. The program prepares graduates for a number of roles in both public and private sector organizations. Students are required to complete 110 units of course work, 74 from the Gould School of Law and 36 from the Davis School of Gerontology. The first year is devoted to required law courses, and the second, third and fourth years combine gerontology and law courses. To earn the JD, all students (including dual degree students) must complete 35 numerically graded law units at USC after the first year. The associate dean may make exceptions to the rule for students enrolled in the law school honors program. See the USC Gould School of Law for course requirements.
The USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy and the USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy are administered by the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. Both of these divisions offer outstanding education at the graduate level and the Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy offers an undergraduate program.
The USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy was established in 1944. For those entering the physical therapy profession, the division offers the Doctor of Physical Therapy, the top-ranked DPT program in the country. For practicing physical therapists, the division offers a Master of Science degree as well as clinical residency programs in neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics and sports. In addition, the division offers the nation's longest-standing PhD degree program in Physical Therapy, now a PhD in Biokinesiology. Experienced clinicians with a master's degree in physical therapy may be eligible for the Doctor of Physical Therapy in an Advanced Standing program. The division is headquartered on the Health Sciences Campus.
The USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy opened in 1942 and is headquartered on the Health Sciences Campus. More than 50 percent of the recipients of the American Occupational Therapy Association's highest awards have been USC alumni. The division offers a professional degree program allowing students to earn a BS degree and, in one additional year, an MA in occupational therapy. These graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy® examination. The division offers three graduate degrees: the Master of Arts, the world's first PhD in Occupational Science and the professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD). The USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy master's-level professional degree program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education®, c/o Accreditation Department, American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc., 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, Maryland 20814-3449, (301) 652-6611 x2914, acoteonline.org.
Return to: USC Independent Health Professions at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
Dr. Jason Cozby, adjunct assistant professor in biokinesiology and physical therapy, instructs a doctor of physical therapy student on clinical examination testing of the knee and ankle. Photo by John Skalicky.
Health Sciences Campus
Center for the Health Professions
1540 E. Alcazar Street, CHP 155
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9006
(323) 442-2900
FAX: (323) 442-1515
pt.usc.edu
Associate Dean and Chair: James Gordon, EdD, PT, FAPTA
Associate Chair: Cheryl Resnik, PT, DPT, FNAP
Professors: James Gordon, EdD, PT, FAPTA; Christopher Powers, PhD, PT, FAPTA; Carolee J. Winstein, PhD, PT, FAPTA; Francisco Valero-Cuevas, PhD
Professors (Clinical Scholars): Linda Fetters, PhD, PT, FAPTA; Kornelia Kulig, PhD, PT, FAPTA
Professors of Clinical Physical Therapy: Beth Fisher, PT, PhD, FAPTA; Rob F. Landel, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, FAPTA; Lori Michener, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Associate Professors: Lucinda L. Baker, PhD, PT; Nina S. Bradley, PhD, PT; George J. Salem, PhD; Nicolas Schweighofer, PhD
Assistant Professors: Jason Kutch, PhD; James Finley, PhD; Sook-Lei Liew, PhD, OTR/L
Associate Professors of Clinical Physical Therapy: Beth Fisher, PhD, PT; Cheryl Resnik, PT, DPT, FNAP; E. Todd Schroeder, PhD; Julie Tilson, PT, DPT, MS, NCS
Assistant Professors of Clinical Physical Therapy: Jesus Dominguez, PhD, PT; Jacquelyn Dylla, PT, DPT, OCS; Rose Hamm, DPT, CWS; Robbin Howard, PT, DPT, NCS; Yogi Matharu, PT, DPT, OCS; Michael O'Donnell, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT; Marisa Perdomo, PT, DPT; Amy Pomrantz, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC; Barbara Sargent, PhD, PT, PCS; Susan Sigward, PhD, PT, ATC; Michael S. Simpson, PT, DPT, CCS; Jonathan Sum, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS; Kimiko Yamada, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC, CSCS
Assistant Professors of Research: Christina Dieli-Conwright, PhD, CSCS, CET; Beth Smith, PT, DPT, PhD
Instructors of Clinical Physical Therapy: Elizabeth Acreman, PT, DPT; Geoffrey Cariker, PT, DPT, GCS; Jessica Curran, PT, DPT, OCS; Lauren Davis, PT, DPT; Aimee M. Diaz, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC; Ryan Frendewey, PT, DPT; Lori Ginoza, PT, DPT, NCS; Janelle Gilmer PT, DPT, GCS; Erin Hayden, PT, DPT, OCS; Lydia In, MPT; Nicole Irizarry, PT, DPT, CCS; Eileen V. Johnson, PT, DPT; Sean Johnson, DPT, OCS; Yasuyuki Kasayama, DPT, MHA, OCS; Kenneth Kim, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS; Daniel Kirages, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT; Angela Kwan, MPT; Cherise Lathan, PT, DPT, NCS; Valerie Matthews, PT, DPT; Brian McNeill, PT, DPT; Jennifer Okuno, MPT; Andrew Piraino, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, PES; David Richards, PT, DPT, NCS; Terry Richardson, PT, DPT; Scott Russell, PT, DPT; Don Shimabukuro, MPT; Jennifer Tanaka, PT, DPT, NCS; Jeff Thompson, PT, DPT; Erica Sigman, DPT, OCS; Stephanie Woelfel-Dyess, PT, MPT, CWS, FACCWS; Noriko Yamaguchi, PT, DPT, CSCS, GCS; Maria Zibell, PT, DPT
Adjunct Professor: Robert Gregor, PhD, FEACSM, FEASB, FNAK, EISB
Adjunct Associate Professors: Joseph Godges, DPT; Larry Ho, PT, DPT, OCS; Jing-Ching (Sally) Ho, PT, DPT, OCS; Ning Lan, PhD; Stephen Reischl, PT, DPT, OCS; Rizkalla Zakhary, PhD
Adjunct Assistant Professors of Clinical Physical Therapy: Michael Andersen, PT, DPT, OCS; Kyle F. Baldwin, PT, DPT; Julia Burlette Itamura, PT, DPT, OCS; Jason Cozby, PT, DPT, OCS; Sean Flanagan, PhD, ATC, CSCS; Kathryn L. Havens, PhD; John Jankoski, MPT, NCS, OCS; Rebecca Lewthwaite, PhD; Ndidiamaka Matthews, PT, DPT, NCS; John Meyer, PT, DPT, OCS, FAFS; Elizabeth Poppert, PT, DPT, MS, OCS; Gary Souza, PT, DPT, OCS
Adjunct Instructors of Clinical Physical Therapy: Ginelle Amormino, PT, DPT; Andrea Austin, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC; Liz Bottrell, MPT, FAAOMPT; Melissa Brose, PT, DPT; Erin Caudill, PT, DPT, NCS; Manjiri Dahdaul, DPT; Oscar Gallardo, MS, PT; Julie A. Guthrie, PT, DPT, OCS; Julie Hershberg, PT, DPT, NCS; Mils Hillman, PT, DPT, OCS; Becky Kern, PT, DPT, OCS; Covey Lazouras, PT, DPT, NCS; Andrew Myler, PT, DPT, NCS; Lisa Meyer, PT, DPT, OCS; Jill Ordorica, PT, DPT, PCS; Pamela Ressler, PT, DPT, NCS; Joseph Robinson, PT, DPT; Cassandra Sanders-Holly, DPT, PCS; Jo Armour Smith, PhD; Rachel Tabak Tran, PT; Jared Vagy, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS; Jena Van Loo, MPT; Cynthia Wederich, PT, DPT; Jeremy Wong, PT, DPT, PCS; Jennifer Yue, PT, DPT, NCS
The Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy offers multiple degrees, certificates and clinical residency programs allowing graduates the opportunity to choose educational programs that will expose them to cuttingedge research and scientific advancements, in turn creating innovators in the physical therapy profession. The largest degree program is the top-ranked three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). Post-professional programs include the clinical residency programs in neurologic, orthopedic, pediatric and sports physical therapy.The division also offers a PhD in Biokinesiology, one of the nation's first PhD degrees in physical therapy education, as well as a PhD in Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy. The graduate curricula for the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are open to all qualified students who are or are not physical therapists.
Graduate study for the Master of Science in Biokinesiology is open to individuals who have a bachelor's degree and who have a strong interest in movement science.
Admission requirements include a superior grade point average in cumulative undergraduate and graduate course work (if applicable). Applicants should score at least 150 in each area of the Graduate Record Examinations. Applicants are to provide the department with three letters of recommendation. The faculty may request a personal interview before making a decision on admission. Admission will be considered for the fall semester only. The application deadline is November 1. All applicants should contact the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy for advisement.
The prerequisite for applicants to the Master of Science program in biokinesiology is either: (a) a bachelor's degree or higher with a science major or equivalent; or (b) a bachelor's or master's degree in physical therapy with appropriate basic science content. Courses completed at the time of application must include work (with appropriate laboratory study) in chemistry, physics, calculus and biology. Highly recommended is course work in anatomy, physiology, histology, kinesiology, trigonometry, neuroscience, analytical geometry, exercise physiology, biochemistry and computer programming. Applicants with no background in cellular or molecular biology may be required to take PT 509 in the entry-level DPT program. Candidates should have some degree of computer literacy. International applicants will be considered on a special evaluation of credentials.
Students deficient in certain prerequisites may be admitted subject to completion of requirements within two years after admission. An additional year may be granted upon review of the student's program by a faculty committee. Work in any prerequisite subjects will not be part of the required units for the Master of Science.
Completion of the degree requires satisfactory completion of a minimum of 32 credits of course work at the 500 level or above, a research project (BKN 559 and BKN 590), and a comprehensive examination.
Students must complete the three biokinesiology core courses (BKN 550, BKN 551, BKN 552) before sitting for their comprehensive examination. Substituting a course for one of the core courses may be allowed after receiving approval from the Biokinesiology Program Committee prior to the beginning of the course.
In order to fulfill the research project requirement, the following plan is suggested; however, each plan can be individualized based on the needs of the student and/or adviser:
See the Doctor of Philosophy in Biokinesiology section for a list of courses available to MS students.
This program is directed at practicing clinicians who seek post-professional clinical residency education in neurologic physical therapy and wish to obtain an academic credential for its completion.
Admission requirements such as grade point average, GRE scores and P.T. licensure are the same as those for the post-professional DPT. In addition to the above listed requirements, experience as evidenced by the years in practice and post-graduate course work taken will be assessed in the applicant's portfolio. The faculty may request a personal interview. Admission will be considered for fall semester only. Deadline for application is four months prior to the proposed starting date. All applicants should contact the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy for advisement. Completion of the certificate requires satisfactory completion of a minimum of 15 units.
The Post Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and the Master of Public (MPH) dual degree program offers the opportunity for physical therapy clinicians to pursue a doctoral-level education in combination with an integrated approach to health care. The program spans four years. Students begin the first one to two years completing MPH core and elective course work in the Department of Preventive Medicine. The remaining years are devoted to program requirements in physical therapy.
The graduate program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy in Biokinesiology is designed to prepare candidates for research and teaching at the university level. Actual programs of study will be designed with a degree of flexibility directed toward individual students who seek to become independent scholars.
Applicants must meet all general admission requirements of the university. Admission requirements include a superior grade point average in cumulative undergraduate and graduate course work (if applicable). In addition, applicants should score at least 150 in each area of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and have some research experience. Students admitted for the Master of Science degree are not automatically admitted to the Doctor of Philosophy program. The Master of Science is not required as a prerequisite to the PhD but may be advised.
Applicants must have a personal interview with the program faculty. A student can be considered for admission only when a member of the full-time PhD faculty has agreed to serve as the student's PhD adviser. Three letters of recommendation and duplicate transcripts must be sent to the division for preliminary evaluation, although final acceptance is based upon the official USC application procedure.
The prerequisite for applicants to the PhD program in biokinesiology is either: (a) a bachelor's degree or higher with a science major or equivalent; or (b) a bachelor's or master's degree in physical therapy with appropriate basic science content. Courses completed at the time of application must include work (with appropriate laboratory study) in chemistry, calculus, physics and biology. Highly recommended is course work in anatomy, physiology, histology, cell biology, exercise physiology, kinesiology, biochemistry, neuroscience, trigonometry, analytical geometry and computer programming.
Candidates should be computer literate. International applicants will be considered upon evaluation of credentials by the USC Office of Admission.
Students deficient in certain prerequisites may be admitted subject to completion of requirements within two years after admission. An additional year may be granted upon review of the student's program by a faculty committee. Work in any prerequisite subject will not be part of the required 60 units for the Doctor of Philosophy.
A screening procedure will be offered twice each year for qualified students. It must be taken prior to the completion of 24 units at the 500-level or higher. The purpose of the screening procedure is to assess the progress of the PhD student and to determine whether that progress is sufficient to continue in the PhD program. Passing the procedure is a prerequisite for continuation in the PhD program.
A minimum of 60 units is required for the Doctor of Philosophy degree.
*Or equivalent graduate ethics course.
**Or equivalent graduate level statistics.
PhD students must complete three core courses (BKN 550, BKN 551, BKN 552) before participating in the screening procedure. Substituting a course for one of the core courses may be allowed after receiving approval from the Biokinesiology Program Committee prior to the beginning of the course.
Other course requirements (to complete 60 units) will vary according to the specific needs of each student. Course work other than departmental offerings is encouraged and may be required by the student's qualifying exam committee.
There is no foreign language requirement.
Upon successful completion of the screening examination the student and the research adviser will select a qualifying exam committee for continuing course work and independent study. The qualifying exam committee comprises five full-time faculty members.
The qualifying exam committee will recommend course work, independent study and readings in the major and cognate areas.
The PhD qualifying examination is offered during the fall or spring semesters. The qualifying examination concentrates on the student's ability to demonstrate knowledge in the major academic area chosen and its relation to other areas of study offered in the department. The qualifying examination has both written and oral components. A student failing any part of the examination may be allowed one additional opportunity to pass that portion at the discretion of the qualifying exam committee, within the regulations of the Graduate School governing the repetition of qualifying examinations.
After the qualifying examination has been passed and a dissertation topic approved, the qualifying exam committee shall be known as the dissertation committee and may be reduced to three members upon unanimous recommendation to the dean of graduate studies. One of the three members must be from outside the major division. The chair of the dissertation committee will be the principal research adviser.
An acceptable dissertation based on original investigation is required. The dissertation must show technical mastery of a special field, capacity for independent research and scholarly ability.
The dissertation and the defense or final oral must have the unanimous approval of the dissertation committee. The dissertation should be complete within three years of the date the proposal is approved.
The graduate program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy in Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy offers an opportunity for highly qualified students to prepare for careers in academic health care. The curriculum is designed for individuals who envision a career that combines training for physical therapy practice and scholarly research.
Applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree with a superior grade point average as well as Graduate Record Examinations scores. A personal interview with program faculty is required. Prerequisite course work must include: four courses in the biological sciences with labs (including human anatomy, human physiology and cell or molecular biology); one year of college physics with lab; one year of college chemistry with lab; one semester of college mathematics; two courses in psychology; one course in composition and writing; one course in literature or history. Courses that are highly recommended include: biochemistry, calculus, kinesiology, exercise physiology, neuroscience, genetics and a cross-cultural course in sociology.
Application for admission to the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy requires submission of two sets of materials: special division application and university application forms. Students are admitted for study in the PhD in Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy program beginning in the fall semester of each academic year. Both sets of applications must be submitted by December 1 of the previous year. At the time of admission to the program, the student must identify a faculty member who will serve as an adviser throughout every phase of study.
This degree is under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and the Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations.
A minimum of 116 units is required for completion of this program.
The student will enroll in all required course work and clinical experiences excluding BKN 790, BKN 794a, BKN 794b, BKN 794c, BKN 794d, BKN 794z, PT 630, PT 631, PT 632, PT 660 and PT 665.
The student will select a qualifying exam committee and begin preparing a research proposal (register for BKN 790). During this time, the student is encouraged to enroll in key elective courses, both inside and outside the division, which will enhance research proposal development. The expectation is that the student will sit for the qualifying exam and achieve doctoral candidacy at the end of year three.
The student will complete the research project and prepare a dissertation (register for BKN 790 and BKN 794a, BKN 794b, BKN 794c, BKN 794d, BKN 794z). The expectation is that the student will successfully defend the dissertation by the end of year five.
The student will complete the required internships to achieve clinical competency (register for PT 630, PT 631, PT 632, PT 660 and PT 665).
Applicants must be experienced physical therapy clinicians licensed to practice in the United States. Alternatively, foreign trained therapists must be graduates of institutions recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association. Applicants must also hold a master's degree in physical therapy or a field related to physical therapy practice. Generally, a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale as well as a minimum score of 500 on each of the three components of the Graduate Record Examinations are required. The degree requirement includes successful completion of 30–31 units as described in the following three sections:
or
This required project provides the student with the opportunity to synthesize the learning experiences of the DPT program. It can take the form of a case study, a learning module for students or patients, a business plan for a unique form of health care delivery or some other innovative concept. Work toward the completion of the project is done under the guidance of a single faculty member or a committee, depending on the magnitude and scope of the project. The primary faculty adviser will determine the unit value of the project.
A clinical residency is also available as part of the post-professional DPT program.
This program comprises six semesters and two summer sessions for completion of the required 115 units. Clinical experience (clerkship) is part of the curriculum during all three years. The Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy awards the DPT to enrolled students who have satisfactorily completed the three-year curriculum. For successful completion, students must pass all course work with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, meet all professional standards and pass all clinical clerkships.
Applicants are required to complete the equivalent of a U.S. baccalaureate degree at an accredited college or university prior to matriculation. Prerequisite course work must include: a minimum of four semesters/six quarters of course work in the mammalian biological sciences (and must include one course in human anatomy with laboratory and one course in human physiology with laboratory), two semesters/three quarters of chemistry course work with laboratory (which may include general chemistry, organic chemistry or biochemistry), two semesters/three quarters of physics course work with laboratory, a minimum of two courses in psychology (which may include general psychology or abnormal psychology), and one college-level statistics course (generally from the biology, mathematics and psychology departments). A minimum of 150 hours of clinical experience in a variety of physical therapy settings is required. This can be in a volunteer or paid capacity. Applicants should be computer literate.
Students from foreign countries must have completed one year of study in the United States prior to application. Credits from foreign institutions must be approved by the USC Office of Admission.
The Admissions Committee reviews all information submitted. Applicants may be requested to appear for a personal interview. It is highly recommended that all applicants make an appointment to visit the division's office located on the Health Sciences Campus and talk with students and members of the faculty.
Candidates should reply to an offer of acceptance within three weeks enclosing a $1,000 deposit (nonrefundable), which is credited to tuition at the time of registration. A second nonrefundable $500 deposit is required by mid-May of the program start year (also to be applied in its entirety as a tuition credit). A letter of withdrawal is required if applicants wish to relinquish their place in the class; release is granted automatically upon receipt of the letter.
The DPT is awarded to enrolled students who have satisfactorily completed the three-year curriculum of 115 credits (depending on electives chosen). The minimum number of credits required for graduation is 115. The minimum GPA required for graduation is 2.75. Clinical experience (clerkship) is part of the curriculum during all three years.
The Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy uses a system of student evaluation and grading that is designed to encourage self-reliance, to stimulate the student's independent quest for knowledge and to promote excellence in clinical and academic achievement.
Faculty of the program are responsible for establishing evaluation criteria appropriate to the objectives of each course and for specifying the manner in which evaluative information is to be gathered. For clinical evaluation, descriptive comments based on the student's performance are submitted by faculty and clinical instructors to the student's permanent file.
Return to: USC Independent Health Professions at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
Professor Julie McLaughlin Gray shows students Jonathan
Rodil and Sharon Kim in the Occupations Lab how to help a patient
in a rehabilitation setting learn to use an assistive walking
device.
Photo by Phil Channing
Health Sciences Campus
Center for the Health Professions
1540 Alcazar St., CHP 133
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9003
(323) 442-2850
Toll Free: (866) 385-4250
FAX: (323) 442-1540
Email: info@chan.usc.edu
chan.usc.edu
Mrs. T.H. Chan Professorship in Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Associate Dean and Chair: Florence A. Clark, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Associate Chairs: Linda Fazio, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA; Julie McLaughlin Gray, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA; Katie Jordan, OTD, OTR/L; Mary Lawlor, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Professors: Sharon Cermak, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA; Florence A. Clark, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA; Gelya Frank, PhD; Mary Lawlor, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA; Cheryl Mattingly, PhD; William Morgan, PhD
Associate Professor: Lisa Aziz-Zadeh, PhD
Assistant Professors: Natalie Leland, PhD, OTR/L, BCG (Gerontology), FAOTA; Sook-Lei Liew, PhD, OTR/L; Elizabeth Pyatak, PhD, OTR/L; Shawn C. Roll, PhD, OTR/L, RMSKS (Sonography), FAOTA; Olga Solomon, PhD; Barbara Thompson, PhD
Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy: Linda Fazio, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Associate Professors of Clinical Occupational Therapy: Erna Blanche, PhD, OTR/L; Katie Jordan, OTD, OTR/L; Linda Liang, MOT, OTR/L; Julie McLaughlin Gray, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Assistant Professors of Clinical Occupational Therapy: Michael Ang, OTD, OTR/L; Amber Bennett, OTD, OTR/L; Sarah Bream, OTD, OTR/L; Elizabeth Carley, OTD, OTR/L; Adley Chan, OTD, OTR/L; Karen Crum, OTD, OTR/L; Carlin Daley, MAEd, OTD, OTR/L; Celso Delgado Jr., OTD, OTR/L; Camille Dieterle, OTD, OTR/L; Don Gordon, PhD, OTR/L; Ashley Halle, OTD, OTR/L; Marisa Hernandez, OTD, OTR/L; Jess Holguin, OTD, OTR/L; Michelle Hsai, OTD, OTR/L; Tracy Jalaba, OTD, OTR/L; Karrie Kingsley, OTD, OTR/L; Kimberly Perring Lenington, OTD, OTR/L; John Margetis, OTD, OTR/L; Jenny Martinez, OTD, OTR/L; Michael McNulty, OTD, OTR/L; Jaynee Meyer, OTD, OTR/L; Helen Mirsaeidi, OTD, OTR/L; Stacey Morikawa, OTD, OTR/L; Phuong Nguyen, OTD, OTR/L; Kristin Nxumalo, OTD, OTR/L; Emily Ochi, OTD, OTR/L; Jazminne Orozco, OTD, OTR/L; Daniel Park, OTD, OTR/L; Joanne Park, OTD, OTR/L; Tara Perry, OTD, OTR/L; Elyse Peterson, OTD, OTR/L; Deborah Pitts, PhD, MBA, OTR/L, BCMH (Mental Health); Samia Rafeedie, OTD, OTR/L, BCPR (Physical Rehabilitation), CBIS (Brain Injury); Lindsey Reeves, OTD, OTR/L; Chantelle Rice, OTD, OTR/L; Kimberly Rice, OTD, OTR/L; Clarissa Saunders-Newton, PhD, OTR/L; Shelby Surfas, OTD, OTR/L; Bari Turetzky, OTD, OTR/L; Ashley Uyeshiro, OTD, OTR/L; Jamie Wilcox, OTD, OTR/L; Myka Winder, OTD, OTR/L
Instructors of Clinical Occupational Therapy: Mahjabeen Aftab, OTR/L; Aimee Aguillon, OTR/L; Catherine Crowley, OTD, OTR/L; Kim Eggleston, OTD, OTR/L; Stephanie Mielke, OTD, OTR/L; Tessa Milman, OTD, OTR/L; Scott Orr, OTD, OTR/L; Karen Park, OTD, OTR/L; Whitney Pike, BS, OTR/L; Janice Rocker, OTD, OTR/L; Carey Sokol, MA, OTR/L; Joan Vartanian, BS, OTR/L
Research Professor: Michael Carlson, PhD
Research Adjunct Professor: Barbara Gage, PhD
Research Associate Professor: Sarah Jeanne Salvy, PhD
Research Assistant Professors: Stefanie Bodison, OTD, OTR/L; Jesus Diaz, OTD, OTR/L; Stacey Schepens Niemiec, PhD, OTR/L; Cheryl Vigen, PhD
Research Adjunct Assistant Professor: Nora Kashani, JD, OTR/L
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy: Shawn Phipps, PhD, OTR/L
Adjunct Instructors of Clinical Occupational Therapy: Susan Bowles, OTD, OTR/L; Cynthia Burt, MA, OTR/L; Remy Chu, MHA, OTR/L; Lisa Deshaies, MA, OTR/L; Heidi Dombish, MS, OTR/L; Janet Gunter, OTD, OTR/L; Dawn Hironaka, BS, OTR/L; Pamela Roberts, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA; Joan Surfus, MA, OTR/L
Distinguished Emeritus Professor: Elizabeth J. Yerxa, EdD, LHD (Hon.), ScD (Hon.), DMed (Hon.), FAOTA
Emeritus Professor: Ruth Zemke, PhD, FAOTA
The USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy offers a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, a minor in Occupational Science, and a Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy. The Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy is offered for students continuing their education following their undergraduate degree in occupational therapy, for students whose first degree is in another field and also for certified occupational therapists seeking a post-professional degree. The division also offers the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) and the PhD in Occupational Science. The USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy master's-level professional degree program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education®, c/o Accreditation Department, American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc., 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, Maryland 20814-3449, (301) 652-6611 x2914, acoteonline.org.
Entry into occupational therapy practice is at the graduate degree level only. In order to practice, students in the bachelor's program must earn an MA degree in Occupational Therapy, successfully complete a minimum of 24 full-time weeks of clinical fieldwork, sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy® (NBCOT) exam and apply for a license (in most states including California).
Pi Theta Epsilon is the national honor society for occupational therapy students and alumni. This society recognizes and encourages superior scholarship among students enrolled in entry-level graduate programs of occupational therapy across the United States.
The Alpha Eta Chapter of Pi Theta Epsilon (PTE) at the University of Southern California selects candidates early in the spring semester of each year based on National PTE guidelines related to academic standing and students' potential for leadership in the profession.
The undergraduate curriculum leads to the Bachelor of Science with a major in Occupational Therapy. Beginning fall 2015, students must apply to the major as incoming freshmen and will begin professional study during their junior year. Students enrolled at USC prior to fall 2015 may apply for junior entry to the program any time prior to May 15 of their sophomore year. Students majoring in occupational therapy can earn a USC master's degree in occupational therapy with just one additional year instead of the traditional two years, substantially reducing their overall cost of education and preparing them sooner for the National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy® (NBCOT) examination. Successful completion of the Master of Arts degree and successful completion of a minimum of 24 full-time weeks of clinical fieldwork are required for eligibility to sit for the NBCOT examination. Certification from the board and licensure (most states) are required to practice as an occupational therapist. (See here for a description of the MA degree program.)
See the Undergraduate Admission section of this catalogue for admission criteria and application procedures for the university.
If enrolled at USC prior to fall 2015, sophomores may apply by May 15 for admission to begin the program in the fall of their junior year. The junior year entry option has very limited admissions availability each year and available spaces are not guaranteed.
Students admitted to USC after fall 2015 will not be eligible to apply for junior entry to the program.
A total of 128 units is required for the Bachelor of Science degree. An occupational therapy major cannot count any 300-level OT course toward the BS degree.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge needed to become a well-educated person. This program requires six courses in different categories, plus writing, diversity and foreign language requirements, which together comprise the USC Core. See The USC Core and the General Education Program for more information.
We recommend that you meet with an admissions counselor within the division in order to determine course work that can be taken at USC or could be transferred and substituted for required course work. Before taking the advanced professional courses you must have completed the pre-professional required courses:
Required Pre-Professional Courses (USC course numbers are noted)
Four-week intensive courses are offered by the division in human anatomy (OT 260) and human physiology (OT 261) from mid-May to mid-June (just prior to the start of summer professional courses) for students unable to complete those courses earlier. These courses are also offered fall and spring semesters.
Students may take OT 405, OT 406, OT 440 and OT 441 in the junior year, after having completed Human Anatomy and Lifespan Development. Human Physiology must be completed by fall of the junior year. The remaining pre-professional courses must be completed by the start of the senior year.
Enrollment in professional occupational therapy courses is limited to junior and senior occupational therapy majors only.
Undergraduate occupational therapy students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0) in all required OT courses and successfully complete the Graduate Record Examinations in order to continue into the master's (MA) program. If an undergraduate student's OT grade point average (GPA) falls below 3.0, or if the cumulative undergraduate GPA falls below 3.0 at the end of the fall semester of the senior year, continuance is not assured.
Advisement is available through the division.
The division offers a minor in the discipline of occupational science. It is one of a select few programs in the world that offers undergraduates the opportunity to explore the fields of occupational science and occupational therapy.
Unlike other creatures, humans are innately driven to fill their time with interesting, meaningful activities, which scholars call "occupations." That is, humans need to be occupied. These occupations have a profound impact on physical and mental health, one's sense of well-being and the experience of quality of life. Occupational Science seeks to understand the precise nature and function of occupations and the critical effect of daily activity on human beings. Scientists working in the field examine questions such as: what is the relationship between childhood occupations and adult competency and achievement; what constitutes a healthy balance of work, rest and leisure; and what factors contribute to a good fit between a particular individual and his or her occupations.
The minor in occupational science requires a total of 20 units: a gateway course (OT 250) for 4 units plus 16 units selected from 11 upper division courses. It is open to all majors at USC. An occupational therapy major cannot count any 300-level OT course toward the BS degree.
The Master of Arts program is open to students with or without an undergraduate degree in occupational therapy. Students without a prior degree in occupational therapy take both the foundation courses and the advanced courses listed below. Students with a degree in occupational therapy may apply for Advanced Standing, reducing the units required for the degree from 80 units to 32 units (or 76 units to 28 units for the thesis option). Students who have earned a BS, Occupational Therapy, from USC may apply for Advanced Standing, and follow the prescribed courses under Advanced Core Courses for the Bachelor to Master Program, reducing total units required for the degree from 80 units to 36 units (or 76 units to 32 units for the thesis option). All students must complete either the Thesis or Comprehensive Exam Option.
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0); a minimum score of 153 on the verbal section, 144 on the quantitative section and a 3.5 on the analytical writing section of the Graduate Record Examinations taken within five years of application; three letters of recommendation and an autobiographical statement of purpose. A satisfactory score on the TOEFL or IELTS within two years of enrollment is a requirement for most international students.
Those with a baccalaureate degree who also have graduated from a World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT) approved program in occupational therapy may apply for Advanced Standing.
Those with a baccalaureate degree in a field other than occupational therapy also must have completed all of the following prerequisites:
*If anatomy and physiology are combined, students must take two sequential semesters with a laboratory each semester (6–8 units).
Four-week intensive courses are offered by the division in human anatomy (OT 260) and human physiology (OT 261) from mid-May to mid-June (just prior to the start of summer professional courses) for students unable to complete those courses earlier. These courses are also offered fall and spring semesters.
For those with a baccalaureate degree in occupational therapy: applications are accepted at any time, preferably by February 15 for fall admission.
For those with a baccalaureate degree in a field other than occupational therapy: applications for early decision are due by November 30; all other applications are due February 15 for summer admission.
Applications received after the February 15 deadline are considered on a space-available basis.
Application materials include: 1) USC Online Graduate Application with Division Supplemental Application; 2) OTCAS online application; 3) three letters of recommendation; 4) transcripts from all colleges/universities attended; 5) results of the aptitude test of the Graduate Record Examinations; and 6) TOEFL or IELTS scores if required. A personal interview may be requested. Please see the division Website for the most up-to-date application procedures.
Students educated outside the United States must have their credentials evaluated by the Office of Admission before their application to the division can be reviewed. See the Admission section of this catalogue. International students must demonstrate competency in English, as measured by the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
The MA degree is under the jurisdiction of the USC Graduate School. Students should also refer to the Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degree must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
Requirements include: GPA of 3.0 in all course work attempted and all course work applied to the degree; at least two-thirds of units applied to the degree must be at the 500 level or higher.
Students without a prior degree in occupational therapy take both the foundation courses and the advanced courses listed below. OT 405 , OT 406L, OT 440L and OT 441L are foundational courses that students are required to pass before they may advance to the advanced courses in the professional program. Students must complete all subsequent courses in the professional program on a full-time basis and in sequence, except for students requiring disability accommodations.
Students with a degree in occupational therapy outside of USC may apply for Advanced Standing, reducing the units required for the degree from 80 units to 32 units (or from 76 units to 28 units for the thesis option). Students who have earned a BS, Occupational Therapy, from USC may apply for Advanced Standing, and follow the prescribed courses under Advanced Core Courses for the Bachelor to Master Program, reducing total units required for the degree from 80 units to 36 units (or 76 units to 32 units for the thesis option). All students must complete either the thesis or comprehensive exam option.
In addition to the required courses, 4 units of electives at 500 level or above, and 4 units of OT 594a and OT 594b are required. Acceptance of the thesis by the master's committee and the university completes the degree.
In addition to the required courses, 4 units of electives and 8 units of occupational therapy electives are required. All electives must be 500 level or above. Successful performance on a written comprehensive examination administered on campus each fall and spring semester completes the degree.
*Students are expected to take two 2-unit sections of this course.
In addition to the required courses, 12 units of elective are required, 4 units of electives may be taken from outside the Chan Division. All electives must be 500 level or above. Successful performance on a written comprehensive examination administered on campus each fall and spring semester completes the degree.
In addition to the required courses, 4 units of electives at 500 level or above, and 4 units of OT 594a and OT 594b Master's Thesis are required. Acceptance of the thesis by the master's committee and the university completes the degree.
In addition to the required courses, 12 units of elective are required, 4 units of electives may be taken from outside the Chan Division. All electives must be 500 level or above. Successful performance on a written comprehensive examination administered on campus each fall and spring semester completes the degree.
In addition to the required courses, 4 units of electives at 500 level or above, and 4 units of OT 594a and OT 594b Master's Thesis are required. Acceptance of the thesis by the master's committee and the university completes the degree.
Complete Immersion Series (8 units):
*Students are expected to take one 2-unit section of this course.
In addition to the required courses, 12 units of elective are required, 4 units of electives may be taken from outside the Chan Division. All electives must be 500 level or above. Successful performance on a written comprehensive examination administered on campus each fall and spring semester completes the degree.
In addition to the required courses, 4 units of electives at 500 level or above, and 4 units of OT 594a and OT 594b Master's Thesis are required. Acceptance of the thesis by the master's committee and the university completes the degree.
The PhD in Occupational Science educates individuals to engage in the scientific study of human occupation, the purposeful activities that constitute our life experiences. This important new science is chiefly concerned with the unique capacity of humans to develop adaptive skills, such as tool use and related occupational behaviors, and to choose and orchestrate daily occupations. It also seeks to understand the function, structure and interrelationship of these occupations and their impact on individuals and institutions.
The focus on occupation distinguishes this program from closely-related disciplines such as psychology, sociology and anthropology. The program emphasizes the development of research skills and encourages students to organize and synthesize knowledge to contribute to occupational science theory, as opposed to therapeutic application.
Applicants for admission to the PhD program are expected to have a baccalaureate degree in an appropriate field, such as one of the biological or social sciences or occupational therapy, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (A = 4.0) and a minimum score of 156 on the Verbal section, a minimum score of 146 on the Quantitative section and a minimum score of 3.5 on the Analytical Writing section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) within 5 years of application. At least three academic letters of reference must also be submitted. Other considerations include evidence of academic potential based on master's level study (if relevant), research skills and interest, and a statement of purpose. International students must demonstrate competency in English, as measured by the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination.
This degree is awarded under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and the Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degree must be courses accepted by the USC Graduate School.
Satisfactory completion of 60 units beyond the baccalaureate degree is required, including the following courses:
40 units of OT core courses must be completed. Twenty of those units include the required courses OT 640 (4 units), OT 641 (4 units) and OT 660 (2 units). The remaining 20 units are to be selected from the other OT 600-level classes.
Those students who also wish to participate in clinical practice in occupational therapy may opt to complete a master's degree in occupational therapy. Such students are required to complete the requirements for that degree, as well as the occupational therapy undergraduate major courses if they are not registered occupational therapists or eligible for registration prior to study.
Completion of a minimum of 12 units in a topic area such as one of the following is required: quantitative research approaches, qualitative research approaches, neuroscience, social development, life span development or gerontology.
Each student will enroll in 2 units of OT 660 Research Practicum per semester for six consecutive semesters, for a total of 12 units. Students are required to begin enrolling in OT 660 in their first semester of doctoral study. In this practicum the student will develop research skills by working as part of a research team under the direction of a faculty member.
Passing the screening is prerequisite to continuation in the doctoral program. Directions for obtaining and filing the Report on PhD Screening Procedures are found in the The Graduate School section of this catalogue.
Doctoral students must submit a dissertation according to the policies and procedures described in The Graduate School section of this catalogue. Registration in OT 794a Doctoral Dissertation, OT 794b Doctoral Dissertation, OT 794c Doctoral Dissertation, OT 794d Doctoral Dissertation, OT 794z Doctoral Dissertation for a minimum of 4 units (2 units in each of two consecutive semesters) is required.
Required core courses are OT 640 4, OT 641 4, OT 660 2 for a total of 20 units.
Required electives are five 600-level OT courses for a total of 20 units.
Cognate courses are a minimum total of 12 units.
Dissertation requires 2 units per semester for at least two semesters for a minimum total of 4 units.
Additional 4 units can include 4 further units of dissertation or cognate.
Total: 60 units
The PhD in Occupational Science does not require the demonstration of competence in a foreign language. However, each student is expected to achieve expertise, as defined by the student's qualifying exam committee, in either qualitative or quantitative research methods through participation in course work and the research practicum.
The qualifying exam committee is composed of five faculty members. Three members of the committee must be regular faculty from the USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. One member must be from outside the division. Complete regulations for establishing a qualifying exam committee are found in The Graduate School section of this catalogue.
The qualifying examination is comprehensive in nature and requires the student to demonstrate a grasp of content from the core courses and the cognate area. The examination is both written and oral and is set and administered by the student's qualifying exam committee. Refer to The Graduate School section of the catalogue for additional information about the qualifying exam.
The dissertation committee is composed of at least three faculty members. The chair of the committee and at least one additional member of the committee must be regular faculty from the USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. One member must be from outside the division. Complete regulations for establishing a dissertation committee are found in The Graduate School section of this catalogue.
Doctoral students must submit a dissertation based on students' original research according to the policies and procedures of The Graduate School section of this catalogue. Upon approval of the preliminary copy of the dissertation by all members of the dissertation committee, the candidate must pass an oral defense of the dissertation. Upon successful completion of the oral defense and revisions, the manuscript is approved and the committee recommends the candidate to the Graduate School for the PhD
To prepare students for anticipated roles as faculty members, a teaching component is incorporated into the program. Students who receive teaching assistantships will be required to assist in relevant teaching assignments for a minimum of one academic year. Those who do not receive teaching assistantships are required to present a minimum of six lectures or laboratory sessions.
Further information about the baccalaureate, master's and doctoral programs can be obtained by writing or calling the USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, 1540 Alcazar Street (CHP 133), Los Angeles, CA 90089-9003; (323) 442-2850, toll free (866) 385-4250, or by sending email to info@chan.usc.edu. Information regarding the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy is available at chan.usc.edu.
The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) is a post-professional degree program that provides graduates with advanced knowledge and skills in one of four leadership concentrations: 1) advanced clinical practice; 2) policy and administrative leadership; 3) educational leadership; and (4) research expertise. OTD students graduate from the program with a strong foundation in occupational science as well as in-depth mentored residency experience. The OTD prepares graduates to secure positions as expert clinicians in specialty or emerging practice areas, as administrative leaders within health care organizations, as non-tenure track faculty in institutions of higher education, and as contributors to clinical research teams.
Applicants for admission to the OTD program are expected to have at least a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and must be certified or licensed as an occupational therapist or be eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy® (NBCOT) examination at time of matriculation. Domestic students not certified upon matriculation must pass the NBCOT examination by the end of the first semester of the program to maintain enrollment. At the discretion of the OTD Program Director, some international students may not be required to obtain NBCOT certification. A minimum GPA of 3.0 (A = 4.0) and a minimum score of 153 on the Verbal section, a minimum score of 144 on the Quantitative section, and a minimum of 3.5 on the Analytical Writing section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) must be achieved within 5 years of application. Applicants must have earned a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA in the 400- and 500-level required courses. At least three letters of reference, an autobiographical statement of purpose and a current resume are required. Applicants' leadership potential, previous academic record, clinical experiences and professional accomplishments will also be considered.
Students educated outside the United States must have graduated from a program approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). USC maintains additional admissions requirements for international students (see the Admission section of this catalogue), including English language competence as measured by the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination.
Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. For consideration for fall semester admission, applications must be received by October 15 for maximum funding consideration. Applications received after October 15 will be considered on a space-available basis. Application requirements include: 1) USC Online Graduate Application; 2) USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy online supplemental application for graduate admission; 3) three letters of reference; 4) autobiographical statement of purpose; 5) transcripts from all colleges/universities attended; and 6) GRE General Test scores.
Satisfactory completion of 60 units beyond the baccalaureate degree is required. Students with a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy may apply for Advanced Standing, which requires 36 units beyond the first graduate degree. These students do not take the 24 units of foundation courses listed below. If not admitted with advanced standing, a student may receive partial credit for course work taken for a previous graduate degree.
The degree is awarded under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and the Graduate School section of this catalogue, for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degree must be accepted by the USC Graduate School.
500-level course within the Division Units: 4
500-level course within or outside the Division
Units: 4
Students will complete a minimum of 4 course units at the 500-level or higher selected from courses within or outside the USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.
Students will complete 24 units of OT 686 residency. The residency ensures that graduates of the OTD program demonstrate competence in one of the following leadership concentrations: 1) advanced clinical practice; 2) clinical research; 3) policy and administration; and 4) pedagogy.
At least 20 units applied toward the OTD must be successfully completed before enrolling in OT 686 unless advanced standing has been granted. Students may complete their residency over three consecutive semesters (6 units, 6 units and 12 units) or over four consecutive semesters. It is highly recommended that one semester of OT 686 be enrolled full-time (12 units without any other simultaneous course enrollment). Full-time residency ensures the opportunity for full immersion in residency. Faculty must approve each student's residency plan prior to enrollment. OTD residency provides students the opportunity for mentorship by experts in their OTD leadership concentration (e.g., a master clinician, a world-class occupational science researcher, a leader in professional policy or administration, or a faculty member with at least three years of academic experience).
In the final semester of enrollment, each student will submit a portfolio demonstrating competence in his or her chosen leadership concentration. The final portfolio will include documentation of both written and oral presentation skills and expertise as designated in the residency plan.
If the student has less than three years of clinical experience as a registered and/or licensed occupational therapist at time of admission, he or she may be required to complete at least 8 units of clinical occupational therapy courses, which may include:
500-level course within or outside the division Units: 4
Harper Gernet-Girard, a third-year law student, Donald Scotten, professor, and Michael Figgers, second-year law student discuss legal matters. At the USC Gould School of Law, which has been in the practice of legal education for more than 100 years, students take law courses designed to challenge them to pursue transformative solutions. Photo by Steve Cohn.
The USC Gould School of Law provides a forward-looking, interdisciplinary and inter-professional legal education guided by nationally renowned professors and energized by an engaged and collegial student body. As one of the most diverse of the nation's top law schools, USC Gould is made up of students from throughout the country and around the world whose ideas and experiences enrich the learning process and provide new perspectives on the law. Through close collaboration, interdisciplinary academic training and hands-on application of skills, students acquire the experiences and knowledge necessary to succeed as leaders in a global environment.
USC Gould alumni are partners in the world's largest law firms, CEOs and presidents of multimillion-dollar companies, and leaders in government and public service organizations. Since its founding in 1900, the school has produced hundreds of judges on state and federal courts and elected officials ranging from mayor of cities large and small to a United States senator.
USC Gould School of Law
(213) 740-7331
Email: admissions@law.usc.edu
law.usc.edu
Andrew T. Guzman, JD, PhD, Dean*
Scott A. Altman, JD, Vice Dean
Gregory C. Keating, JD, PhD, Vice Dean
Pauline M. Aranas, JD, MLIS, Associate Dean, Chief Information Officer, and Director of the Law Library
Deborah A. Call, MBA, Associate Dean
Raymond Flores, MBA, Associate Dean
Alice R. Galstian, MBA, CPA, Associate Dean and Chief Financial Officer
Chloe T. Reid, JD, Associate Dean
Elizabeth Armour, AB, Assistant Dean
Leeanna Izuel, JD, LLM, Assistant Dean
Kyle W. Jones, JD, Assistant Dean
Sandy Y. Shin, MBA, Assistant Dean
Priya Sridharan, JD, Assistant Dean
Suzanne Huntley Levy, JD, Interim Assistant Dean
Dean and Carl Mason Franklin Dean's Chair in Law: Andrew T. Guzman, JD, PhD,*
University Professor and Scott H. Bice Chair in Healthcare Law, Policy and Ethics: Alexander Morgan Capron, LLB
University Professor, Emeritus: Marshall Cohen, MA, MA (Oxon) (Philosophy)
University Professor of Journalism, Communication and Law: Geoffrey Cowan, LLB (Journalism)
Carolyn Craig Franklin Chair in Law: Ronald R. Garet, JD, PhD*
Judge Edward J. and Ruey L. Guirado Chair in Law: Thomas D. Lyon, JD, PhD*
J. Thomas McCarthy Trustee Chair in Law and Political Science: Robert K. Rasmussen, JD
J. Thomas McCarthy Trustee Chair in Law, Emeritus: Christopher D. Stone, JD, LLD (Hon.)
Robert C. Packard Trustee Chair in Law: Edward J. McCaffery, MA, JD*
George T. and Harriet E. Pfleger Chair in Law: Daria Roithmayr, JD
Nathan and Lilly Shapell Chair in Law: Nomi M. Stolzenberg, JD
UPS Foundation Chair in Law and Gerontology: Martin L. Levine, JD, LLD*
Rader Family Trustee Chair in Law: Rebecca L. Brown, JD*
Ervin and Florine Yoder Chair in Real Estate Law: George Lefcoe, LLB
Leon Benwell Professor of Law: Edwin M. Smith, JD*
Virginia S. and Fred H. Bice Professor of Law: Scott A. Altman, JD*
Roy P. Crocker Professor of Law: Jody David Armour, JD
Richard L. and Maria B. Crutcher Professor of Law: Dan Simon, LLB, MBA, LLM, SJD
William T. Dalessi Professor of Law: Gregory C. Keating, JD, PhD
Frances R. and John J. Duggan Professor of Law: Elizabeth Garrett, JD
Orrin B. Evans Professor of Law: Elyn R. Saks, M.Litt., JD, PhD, LLD (Hon.)
Charles L. and Ramona I. Hilliard Professor of Law: Daniel M. Klerman, JD, PhD
Ivadelle and Theodore Johnson Professor of Law and Business: Edward D. Kleinbard, MA, JD
Maurice Jones, Jr. — Class of 1925 Professor of Law: Andrei Marmor, LL.B, PhD*
Robert Kingsley Professor of Law: Susan R. Estrich, JD
Richard L. and Antoinette Schamoi Kirtland Professor of Law: Gillian K. Hadfield, JD, PhD
John B. Milliken Professor of Taxation: Thomas D. Griffith, MAT, JD*
Dorothy W. Nelson Professor of Law: Michael H. Shapiro, MA, JD
Robert C. and Nanette T. Packard Professor of Law: Scott H. Bice, JD*
John B. and Alice R. Sharp Professor of Law: Ariela J. Gross, JD, PhD*
John Stauffer Charitable Trust Chief Information Officer: Pauline M. Aranas, JD, MLIS
Provost Professor of Philosophy and Law: Gary Watson, PhD (Philosophy)
Professors: Jonathan M. Barnett, M.Phil., JD; David B. Cruz, MS, JD*; Sofia Mary Gruskin, JD, MIA (Preventive Medicine); Bart A. Kosko, JD, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Sharon A. Lloyd, PhD (Philosophy); John G. Matsusaka, PhD (Finance and Business Economics); Claudia Moatti, PhD, HDR (Classics); Kevin J. Murphy, PhD (Finance and Business Economics); Alison Dundes Renteln, JD, PhD (Political Science); Camille Gear Rich, JD; Wayne Sandholtz, PhD (International Relations); Hilary M. Schor, PhD (English); Simon J. Wilkie, PhD (Economics)
Associate Professors: Kim Shayo Buchanan, LLB/JD, LLM, JSD; Stephen Rich, MA, JD*; Mark I. Weinstein, MSIA, MBA, PhD (Finance and Business Economics)
Assistant Professors: Sam Erman, JD, PhD; Yoon-Ho Alex Lee, JD, PhD; Emily Ryo, JD, PhD; Diana I. Williams, PhD (History); Abby K. Wood, MADL, JD, PhD
Adjunct Professor: Pauline M. Aranas, JD, MLIS
Adjunct Assistant Professors: Judy K. Davis, MLIS, JD; Leeanna Izuel, JD, LLM; Diana C. Jaque, MLIS, JD; Paul Moorman, MLIS, JD; Cynthia Prado-Guyer, MLIS, JD; Brian Raphael, MLS, JD; Donald Scotten, JD; Karen Skinner, MS, MLS, JD
Clinical Professors: Michael J. Brennan, LLB; Michael Chasalow, JD, MBA; Niels W. Frenzen, JD; Heidi L. Rummel, JD
Clinical Associate Professors: Hannah R. Garry, MA, JD; Lisa Klerman, JD
Professor of Lawyering Skills: Robert M. Saltzman, JD
Associate Professors of Lawyering Skills: Elizabeth A. Carroll, JD; Catherine Coleman, JD; Rebecca S. Lonergan, JD; Julie A. Ryan, JD; Susan C. Wright, JD
Professor of the Practice of Law: Clare Pastore, JD
Emeritus Professors: Marshall Cohen, MA, MA (Oxon.) (Philosophy); Edward J. Finegan, PhD (Linguistics); Larry G. Simon, LLB (Herbert W. Armstrong Professor of Constitutional Law, Emeritus); W. David Slawson, MA, LLB* (Torrey H. Webb Professor of Law, Emeritus); Christopher D. Stone, JD, LLD (Hon.)* (J. Thomas McCarthy Trustee Chair in Law, Emeritus)
Clinical Emeritus Professors: Lee W. Campbell, JD; Noel M. Ragsdale, JD*
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
The Juris Doctor (JD) is the basic law degree. To obtain the degree, full-time attendance for six semesters is required. During the first year, the student takes a required curriculum of basic courses that examines fundamental legal institutions and addresses legal problems relevant to today's society and the modern practice of law. During the second and third years the student must complete a writing requirement and at least one course that provides substantial instruction in professional skills generally regarded as necessary in the practice of law. The remainder of the courses taken in the last two years are primarily elective.
USC Gould maintains dual degree programs with the graduate programs in accounting, business administration, economics, gerontology, pharmacy, philosophy, public administration, public policy, social work, politics and international relations, real estate development and communication. These programs enable qualified students to earn a law degree (JD) and the appropriate master's degree. If the master's degree normally requires one year of study, a student in a dual degree program earns both degrees in only three years. If the master's normally requires two years of post-baccalaureate courses, a total of four years is required. To earn the JD, all students (including dual degree students) must complete 35 numerically graded law units at USC beyond the first year curriculum.
The goal of these programs is to encourage law students to gain a recognized competence in another discipline that has a direct relevance to the roles lawyers play in society. The dual degree programs are based on the premise that some topics covered in the law school are also covered in the programs of the cooperating departments, so that some credit toward the law degree may appropriately be given for specified graduate work taken in the cooperating department. Similarly, the cooperating departments have recognized that some credit toward the master's degree may appropriately be awarded for certain work completed in the law school.
The residential LLM program is a master's degree program for foreign graduate students trained in law. This two-semester, full-time program introduces foreign lawyers to American law and the U.S. legal system and prepares them for leadership roles in the global market. After successfully completing the program, students will be awarded the Master of Laws degree.
The online LLM program is a master's degree program for foreign graduate students trained in law. This program is offered on a part-time or full-time basis in an online modality and introduces foreign lawyers to American law and the U.S. legal system and prepares them for leadership roles in the global market. After successfully completing the program, students will be awarded the Master of Laws degree.
The MCL program is a master's degree program for foreign graduate students trained in law who have already earned their LLM degree. This two-semester, full-time program is focused on the study of comparative law. Students are provided with the opportunity to study the differences, similarities and interrelationships of different systems of law around the world. After successfully completing the program, students will be awarded the Master of Comparative Law degree.
Order of the Coif: Order of the Coif is a national honorary scholastic society that encourages excellence in legal education.
Qualifications: Membership will be extended to a graduating law student whose cumulative grade point average ranks in the top 10 percent of all graduating students, provided that he or she has completed at least 75 percent (66 units) of law studies in graded courses.
Adviser: Scott Altman, Vice Dean, Gould School of Law, (213) 740-2544, saltman@law.usc.edu
Applications: Students are nominated by the law school.
USC Gould is a national leader in continuing education, presenting six annual programs designed for sophisticated attendees from the bar, judiciary, accounting, business, and law student communities and supported by both law firm and corporate sponsors.
USC Gould has been approved as a provider of Minimum Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit by the State Bar of California and offers general CLE and Legal Specialization Credit for lawyers, as well as continuing education credits for accountants, real estate professionals, and certified financial planners.
CLE programs in 2014–2015 include the Institute on Entertainment Law and Business, Trust and Estate Conference, Tax Institute, Institute for Corporate Counsel, Real Estate Law and Business Forum, and Intellectual Property Institute.
For detailed program and registration information, visit law.usc.edu/cle. For additional questions, call (213) 821-3580 or email cle@law.usc.edu.
Students in the law school's JD program pay tuition of $55,084 per year (two semesters) (26–34 units). For less than 13 units the tuition is $2,129 per unit, and tuition is an additional $2,129 for each unit over 17.
Students in the law school's residential LLM and MCL programs pay tuition of $55,084 per year (two semesters). Students in the law school's online LLM program pay tuition on a per unit basis.
The university reserves the right to assess new fees or charges as it may determine. The rates listed are subject to change without notice by action of the Board of Trustees.
These fees are based upon current information available at the time of publication and are subject to possible later change.
In addition to the mandatory fees charged to all USC students, law students must also join the Student Bar Association. In 2014–2015, this membership fee was $25 per semester.
First-year students must have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and be able to provide an official transcript denoting the degree conferred by the beginning of their law school classes. USC Gould does not require applicants to take any specific college courses, and discourages pre-law students from enrolling in college courses that duplicate the law school curriculum. The faculty recommends college courses that are intellectually challenging and require disciplined study. Training in careful reading and skilled writing is most valuable, as are courses involving seminar discussion and sustained research. The student will find that a broad exposure to such fields as economics, philosophy, history, political science, anthropology, mathematics and psychology is more useful than narrow exposure to vocationally oriented courses.
All applicants are required to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) administered by the Law School Admissions Council. Applicants must take the test no later than February if they seek to start law school the following August.
Like most law schools, the USC Gould School of Law requires students to apply online through the Law School Admission Council and register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). The CAS assembles an applicant's transcripts, LSAT scores and letters of recommendation and forwards copies of them to law schools of the applicant's choosing. Further information about the LSAT and the CAS may be obtained from the Law School Admission Council, 662 Penn St., Box 40, Newtown, PA 18940 and online at lsac.org.
Detailed information regarding admission application procedures is available from the Dean of Admissions, University of Southern California Gould School of Law, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0074 and on the school's Website (law.usc.edu).
The program is open only to USC undergraduate students who can complete their required bachelor's major course work by the end of their junior year. Admitted students complete their undergraduate and law school studies in a total of six years. After year one of law school (at the latest), students must have all necessary course work completed to earn their bachelor's degree and after year three, their law degree. However, the preference is that the bachelor's degree requirements be completed prior to beginning law school course work.
Students are not required to take the LSAT for admittance. Students are required to have taken either the SAT or ACT test and earned a score at or above the 85th percentile in the SAT Critical Reading or ACT Reading portion of the test. Students must have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.80. Additionally, strong faculty letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and an interview are required components of the application. The program is open to all participating majors.
A student in good standing at a law school that is approved by the American Bar Association may apply for admission with advanced standing either as a transfer student or as a visiting student. Transfer students enter USC Gould after one year at another law school; they then spend two years at the law school and earn the JD degree from USC. Visiting students spend one or two semesters at the law school during their third year of law school; they are not eligible for a USC degree. For further information, please request Transfer/Visitor Information from the Admissions Office at USC Gould.
Law students who are enrolled in USC Gould's residential and online LLM programs for foreign lawyers may apply to the JD program as transfer LLM students during the transfer application period. Only USC Gould LLM students may apply in this manner. Those who have already been awarded an LLM at another U.S. law school may apply as international JD applicants.
For further information, request LLM transfer information from the Graduate and International Programs Office at USC Gould.
Students submitting an application must have earned a basic law degree, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or the foreign equivalent. Some experience following the completion of the first professional degree is preferred. For further information, contact the law school at (213) 821-5916 or visit the school's Website (law.usc.edu).
Students submitting an application must have earned a basic law degree, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or the foreign equivalent and will have previously earned their LLM degree. Some experience following the completion of the first professional degree is preferred. For further information, contact the law school at (213) 821-5916 or visit the school's Website (law.usc.edu).
Registration is handled by the USC Gould School of Law Office of the Registrar. First-year students will automatically be registered in their fall semester courses approximately two to three weeks prior to the beginning of the school year and for their spring semester courses approximately two to three weeks prior to the dates listed in the law school calendar for upper-division student registration.
The grading system uses both numbers and letters in a range from 1.9 to 4.4 with letter-grade equivalents ranging from F to A+. The grade equivalents are: A+ (4.1–4.4); A (3.8–4.0); A- (3.5–3.7); B+ (3.3–3.4); B (3.0–3.2); B- (2.7–2.9); C+ (2.5–2.6); C (2.4); C- (2.1–2.3); D (2.0); and F (1.9). Students receiving a grade of 1.9 will not be given credit for the course toward graduation. A student who fails a first-year course must repeat the course, but both grades will be included in computing that student's general average. Other courses may not be repeated except on petition to the associate dean. A student with a weighted cumulative average of less than 3.0 at the end of the year will be placed on restricted enrollment. A student with a weighted cumulative average of less than 2.7 at the end of any year will not be permitted to continue.
After the first year, a student may take up to a total of 8 units on an elected CR/D/F basis, chosen from among courses otherwise graded in a normal manner. No more than 4 such units may be taken in a semester. The student must elect to take a course CR/D/F during the first two weeks of the semester. Courses or seminars may, at the instructor's option, be designated prior to registration as not available for CR/D/F grading. To earn the JD, all students (including dual degree students) must complete 35 numerically graded law units at USC beyond the first year curriculum.
Students may also take such courses regularly offered only on a CR/D/F basis, in addition to courses taken under this rule.
A student may not withdraw from a course later than two weeks after the first day of classes of any semester without permission of both the associate dean and the instructor.
Class attendance is an important part of law school education. It assists both the individual and fellow students in making the most of the educational opportunity offered. Students should, therefore, attend class regularly and participate in the discussion. Professors may require attendance and may take attendance into account in evaluating student performance.
Students may be accepted for a dual degree program when they are accepted to the law school, although most students do not apply until near the end of the first year. All programs require that students successfully complete the required first year of law school before beginning work toward the master's degree. Credit toward the law degree may not be given for graduate work completed prior to the completion of the first year of law school, although some credit toward the master's degree may be allowed by the faculty of the cooperating department of approved work completed prior to the first year of law school. Students are not eligible for either of their dual degrees until they complete the requirements for both degrees. All students (including dual degree students) must complete at least 35 numerically graded USC Gould units beyond the first year curriculum.
Following are general descriptions of the dual degree programs. Students interested in further information should consult the USC Gould Admissions Office.
In addition to the LSAT, applicants to this dual degree program are required to take the Graduate Management Aptitude Test. Requirements for the dual degree program are listed in the USC Marshall School of Business section of this catalogue.
The Leventhal School of Accounting offers a specialized program in taxation leading to the Master in Business Taxation (MBT). Requirements for this dual degree program are listed in the USC Leventhal School of Accounting section of this catalogue.
Students are required to complete 97 units of course work. Candidates for the dual degree must fulfill the statistics requirement of the MPA degree. See the Master of Public Administration section. Requirements for this dual degree program are listed in the USC Price School of Public Policy section of this catalogue.
The USC Price School of Public Policy and the law school offer a dual degree that enables qualified students to earn both a Juris Doctor and a Master of Public Policy in approximately four years of study.
The dual degree allows students to acquire a blend of the analytic skills of public policy and an understanding of legal institutions and processes. This combination of knowledge is well suited for law students who want to affect the policy-making process and craft legislation to aid in achievement of public policy goals. It is equally appropriate for prospective policy analysts who are interested in law and public policy.
Students must apply to, and be accepted by, both schools. They may be accepted to the dual degree at the time of their acceptance to the law school or at the beginning of their second year of law school. Dual degree students spend the first year of the program completing the required first year of law school. The remaining units of law school courses and the required 36 units of core MPP courses are taken by students in the second through fourth years.
Students are required to complete 114 units of course work, including 78 units in the Gould School of Law and 36 units in the USC Price School of Public Policy. The MPP program has a statistics prerequisite. See Public Policy (MPP). Requirements for this dual degree are listed in the USC Price School of Public Policy section.
Students interested in combining an expertise in another discipline with the law degree may arrange individually to take approved graduate courses for limited credit toward the law degree.
Students may receive up to 12 units for graduate work taken outside the law school with the prior permission of the administration. These units may be concentrated in a single appropriate discipline; they may not, however, be applied to another graduate degree in progress unless it is a certificate program offered by another department.
USC Gould offers five study abroad programs for JD students that provide opportunities to learn about foreign legal systems and to experience different cultures. Qualified second- and third-year JD candidates are exposed to international law as they take part in exchange programs with leading partner institutions worldwide.
University of Hong Kong: The semester exchange program at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) allows USC Gould JD students to experience Hong Kong and its legal culture and business in the Pacific Rim.
HKU was established in 1911 and is a leading university in Asia. It is linked with over 80 partner institutions in 15 countries and has exchange programs with prominent universities worldwide. The language of teaching at HKU for its law courses is English.
Bocconi University: USC Gould JD students have the opportunity to learn about law and business in Milan, Italy, in this semester exchange program with Bocconi University. An Italian course is available to interested exchange students who wish to study the language before the law program begins.
Bocconi University, a private institution in Milan, Italy, has a global reputation as a research university in business, economics and law. Bocconi offers its exchange students law courses in English. These include courses in international and European law, international trade law, and comparative business and corporate law.
University Jean Moulin Lyon 3: The semester abroad program at the University Jean Moulin Lyon 3 allows USC Gould JD students the chance to study in English at a leading law school in Lyon, France. After earning the JD degree, graduates may elect to return to Lyon for a semester to complete an LLM in international and European law.
The University Jean Moulin Lyon 3 is a public university ranked among the top in France. Lyon 3 is one of three universities in Lyon with a combined population of 100,000 students. Lyon is the second-largest city in France with a great selection of cultural and professional opportunities.
Bond University: USC Gould JD students have the opportunity to live in Queensland, on the Gold Coast of Australia, for a semester while studying at Bond University.
Bond University has a distinctly global perspective, aspiring to a 50:50 ratio of Australian to international students, who come from 80 countries worldwide. Under the guidance of Australia's most eminent legal professionals, internationally renowned criminologists and specialists, students benefit from the mentoring relationship fostered at Bond where professors take an active role in charting student success.
Fundação Getulio Vargas University: The semester exchange with Direito GV, the law school of FGV, allows JD students to study at their campus in São Paulo, Brazil. Direito GV has one of the top law faculties in Brazil. They offer law courses in English for their exchange students.
Fundação Getulio Vargas has developed a highly innovative curriculum. The Brazilian Ministry of Education and Culture and the Brazilian Bar Association have granted FGV their highest classification of academic rigor. This exchange introduces JD students to the Brazilian legal system and promotes a broad debate on the issues of global relevance within a South American perspective.
USC Gould's graduate degree programs include an LLM program and an MCL program for foreign law graduates. Through the graduate degree programs, students have opportunities to meet and interact with faculty and JD students and also with practicing lawyers from around the world.
The LLM for foreign lawyers and MCL programs are intended for individuals who are trained in law abroad and wish to gain a basic knowledge of U.S. law and our legal system and/or who wish to engage in comparative legal study.
This interdisciplinary program consists of nine courses chosen from philosophy, political science, law and anthropology courses. See Philosophy for degree requirements.
The minor in law and public policy draws upon four fields of study: public policy and management, law, economics and political science. It provides students with an understanding of the political and economic contexts in which laws are made, as well as how legal institutions shape policy formulation. Students learn to analyze the consequences of policy and alternatives; the roles played by government, business and nonprofit organizations in public decision-making; and the legal bases for various areas of public policy. See USC Price School of Public Policy for requirements.
This interdisciplinary program focuses on the effect of law on society and the way in which social forces influence the legal system. The idea is that students will understand the law if they look beyond "law in books" to "law in action." See Political Science for requirements.
This interdisciplinary minor brings together courses in psychology that focus on the social, ethical, cognitive and societal aspects of psychology and how it relates to law. This knowledge is augmented with law courses that identify the relationship between mental health, social psychology and law. See Psychology for requirements.
JD students must complete at least 14 units of arbitration and mediation-related classes to receive this certificate. Interested JD students must submit their applications for this certificate program after completing the first year of law school. JD students complete the certificate requirements during their second and third years of law school, and courses may count both toward the JD degree and the certificate.
LLM students must complete at least 14 units of arbitration and mediation-related classes to receive this certificate. LLM students complete the certificate requirements during the year they are taking their LLM course work, and courses may count both toward the LLM degree and the certificate.
All students are required to take both mandatory courses (Survey of ADR Law and Policy And Domestic Ethics in ADR) and a selection of elective courses (such as ADR Clause Drafting and Business Mediation).
JD students must complete at least 27 units of business-related classes to receive this certificate. Interested JD students must submit their applications for this certificate program after completing the first year of law school. JD students complete the certificate requirements during their second and third years of law school, and courses may count both toward the JD degree and the certificate.
LLM students must complete at least 14 units of business-related classes to receive this certificate. LLM students complete the certificate requirements during the year they are taking their LLM course work, and courses may count both toward the LLM degree and the certificate.
All students are required to take both mandatory business law courses (such as business organizations) and a selection of elective business law courses (such as mergers and acquisitions, advanced contracts and bankruptcy).
USC Gould School of Law Online LLM and Business Law Certificate students will enroll in the Online Business Law Certificate program and will take each of their courses in the online modality.
USC Gould School of Law JD and LLM residential students will enroll in the residential Business Law Certificate program and will take each of their courses in residence.
The Online Business Law Certificate program requires Business Organizations (4 units) as a core, mandatory course. Students are required to complete an additional 10 business law units online to earn the certificate. Electives include Securities Regulation (3 units), Business for Lawyers (2 units), Contract Drafting and Strategy (2 units) and Mergers and Acquisitions (3 units and for which Business Organizations is a prerequisite). Students must complete a minimum of 14 units to receive this online certificate.
The program is structured especially for working professionals who wish to take one or two courses per term in an online format. Students are expected to enroll each semester until the program is completed.
JD students must complete at least 21 units of entertainment-related classes to receive this certificate. JD students must submit their applications for this certificate program after completing the first year of law school. JD students complete the certificate requirements during their second and third years of law school, and courses may count both toward the JD degree and the certificate.
LLM students must complete at least 14 units of entertainment-related classes to receive this certificate. LLM students complete the certificate requirements during the year they are taking their LLM course work, and courses may count both toward the LLM degree and the certificate.
All students are required to take both mandatory entertainment law courses (such as intellectual property) and a selection of elective entertainment law courses (such as copyright, legal issues in music and sports law).
The Department of Political Science and the Gould School of Law offer a dual degree program leading to the JD and PhD degrees. Applicants must apply to the Department of Political Science, the School of International Relations and the law school, and meet requirements for admission to all. In addition to the LSAT, students interested in this program are required to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE).
In the first year, students take their course work in the law school exclusively. To earn the JD, all students (including dual degree students) must complete 35 numerically graded law units at USC after the first year. The associate dean may make exceptions to this rule for students enrolled in the law school honors programs. The second and third years include 40 units of courses in political science and 40 units of law. Students must take two methodology courses, POSC 500 and POSC 600, and three core courses to be selected from POSC 510, POSC 512, POSC 520, POSC 530 and POSC 540.
To obtain a PhD in Political Science and International Relations, students must pass the screening process. After the completion of additional course work, students must take a PhD qualifying examination in three fields. Students will be examined in two of their three fields of concentration. The third ("write-off") field will be completed by taking at least three courses and passing them with a grade of B or better. The final requirement, following successful completion of the qualifying examination, is a doctoral dissertation.
Students are required to complete 92 units of law and economics course work, 4 units of which must constitute a thesis acceptable to the faculties of the law school and the Department of Economics. Before enrolling in economics courses, students must have completed an undergraduate course in probability and statistical inference (e.g., BUAD 310). Students with undergraduate degrees in such disciplines as business, economics, mathematics and psychology will usually have taken such a course as part of their undergraduate program.
Required law school courses.
Two Additional Graduate Level Courses in Economics (8 units): ECON 680 Industrial Organization and ECON 681 Economics of Regulated Industries are recommended, but the student is free to choose any graduate level courses other than ECON 590 or ECON 790 in consultation with the program adviser. ECON 401 Mathematical Methods in Economics may be substituted for one of these courses, and ECON 419 Advanced Econometrics may be substituted for the other. (These three courses are applicable toward graduate credit.)
Four Units of Thesis: The thesis must be acceptable to both the faculty of the law school and the faculty of the Department of Economics.
Thirty-nine Units of Law Courses: including one course in a subject matter related to economics (including but not necessarily limited to Taxation, International Business Transactions, Antitrust Law I, Regulated Industries, Labor Law, Administrative Law and Regulatory Policy, Corporate Taxation or Land Use). In addition to the LSAT, students interested in this dual degree program are required to take the aptitude and advanced economic portions of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE).
The USC Gould School of Law and the USC School of International Relations jointly offer a three-year program leading to the JD and MA degrees. (Students may extend the dual degree program to four years.) Applicants must apply to both the law school and the School of International Relations and meet requirements for admission to both. In addition to the LSAT, students interested in this program are required to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Law students may apply to the School of International Relations during their first year at the law school.
In the first year, students take their course work in the law school exclusively. The second and third years include 24 units of courses in international relations and 40 units in law. Students pursuing the dual degree must complete LAW 662 or LAW 764 and one additional international law course.
Students pursuing the dual degree must complete 24 units within the School of International Relations at the 500 level or above. These students are required to successfully complete IR 500 International Relations Theory, either IR 513 Social Science and Historical Research Methods: Introduction to Research Design or IR 517 International Policy Analysis, and two domain courses selected from among IR 502 Conflict and Cooperation, IR 509 Culture, Gender, and Global Society, IR 521 Introduction to Foreign Policy Analysis, and IR 541 Politics of the World Economy. Like all other master's students, students in the dual degree program must complete a substantive paper or alternative project. The requirements, standards and evaluation procedure for the substantive paper are identical to those listed for all MA students except that one member of the examining committee must come from the law school.
Students must complete 24 units in the USC School of Philosophy and 69 units in the Gould School of Law.
First Year: Required law school curriculum.
Second and Third Years: The School of Philosophy prefers that students take at least one philosophy course each semester. During the four semesters, students must take at least 16 units at the 500 level, including PHIL 450 Intermediate Symbolic Logic and PHIL 500 Introduction to Contemporary Philosophical Literature; one 400- or 500-level course in ethics or social/political philosophy or aesthetics or philosophy of law; one 400- or 500-level course in metaphysics or epistemology or philosophy of language or philosophy of science or philosophy of mind; one 400- or 500-level course in the history of ancient or early modern philosophy; passage of the second year review, which shall include a research paper based on a completed seminar paper and completion of a publishable research paper. Students must also complete 36 additional law units.
The Department of Political Science and the Gould School of Law jointly offer a dual degree program leading to the JD and MA degrees. Applicants must apply to both the Department of Political Science and the law school and meet the requirements for admission to both. In addition to the LSAT, students interested in this program are required to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE).
In the first year, students take their course work in the law school exclusively. The second and third years include 24 units in political science and 40 units in law.
Like all other students in the political science MA program, students pursuing the dual degree must pass a master's screening examination in their field of choice. If they wish to write a master's thesis, they may do so in lieu of two courses.
Students must complete 20 units (five courses) of communication courses at the School of Communication: one core class from the student's preferred track; one method course; CMGT 597a, CMGT 597b; and the remaining two courses may be from either core or elective offerings.
First Year: Required law school courses.
Second and Third Years: 20 units of communications courses and 38 units of law courses, of which 8 units must be approved as appropriate for acceptance by the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism toward its degree. All students take CMGT 597a, CMGT 597b in the third year.
Application to pursue the dual degree should be made before completion of 15 units of work on law or 8 units toward the MA Admission by the law school to its JD degree will be evaluated as a substitute for GRE scores.
The Price School of Public Policy and the USC Gould School of Law offer a dual degree that enables qualified students to earn both a Juris Doctor and a Master of Public Policy in approximately four years of study.
The dual degree allows students to acquire a blend of the analytic skills of public policy and an understanding of legal institutions and processes. This combination of knowledge is well suited for law students who want to affect the policy-making process and craft legislation to aid in the achievement of public policy goals. It is equally appropriate for prospective policy analysts who are interested in law and public policy.
Students must apply to, and be accepted by, both schools. They may be accepted to the dual degree at the time of their acceptance to the law school or at the beginning of their second year of law school. Dual degree students spend the first year of the program completing the required first year of law school. The remaining units of law school courses and the required 36 units of core MPP courses are taken by students in the second through fourth years.
Students are required to complete 114 units of course work, 78 units in the law school and 36 units in the Price School of Public Policy. To earn the JD, all students (including dual degree students) must complete 35 numerically graded law units at USC after the first year. The associate dean may make exceptions to this rule for students enrolled in law school honor programs. In addition, the MPP program has a statistics prerequisite. Please see the MPP degree in the Price School of Public Policy section of the catalogue for the requirements.
The required MPP courses are
4 units of a management elective
and 8 units of an analytic elective
The Juris Doctor/Master of Real Estate Development dual degree program provides the opportunity for in-depth study of legal issues and real estate development. The increasingly regulatory environment developers work within demands that professionals in the real estate industry have a strong understanding of the legal system. Lawyers who plan to specialize in real estate law will benefit from a thorough understanding of the development process, including financial, planning, marketing and design issues.
Application must be made to both the Gould School of Law and the USC Price School of Public Policy. This program normally requires three years (including one summer) of full-time study in residence to complete.
Students must have use of an approved laptop computer as required by instructors and must demonstrate calculator and spreadsheet skills; a calculator and/or spreadsheet class is offered online via the Internet.
Requirements for completion of the dual degree program are 112 units, including 78 units in law and 34 units in planning. For a complete listing, see USC Price School of Public Policy.
The JD/MS dual degree combines the knowledge of the older population with understanding of the legal system. The program prepares graduates for a number of roles in both public and private sector organizations. Students are required to complete 110 units of course work, 74 from the law school and 36 from the Davis School of Gerontology. The first year is devoted to required law courses, and the second, third and fourth years combine gerontology and law courses.
The Master of Science in Gerontology will require 36 units of course and fieldwork that cover the core content of the MS program.
The Davis School of Gerontology will waive 16 units of electives, which are required in the regular MS program, as well as GERO 589 Case Studies in Leadership and Change Management because students enrolled in this program have a primary professional focus in law.
The law school requires 74 units of credit.
The second and third year of law study are primarily elective with one requirement. Students must satisfy the upper division writing requirement, either by completing a major, faculty-supervised writing project such as a dissertation, or by taking a course with a substantial writing component.
The law school will waive 14 units of electives which are required in the regular JD program.
Students are required to complete 121 units of course work, including 76 units in the Gould School of Law and 45 units in the USC School of Social Work.
First and Second Years: Complete both the first year JD program of study and MSW course work in foundation, field and core courses specific to the AHA, COBI or CYF departments.
Third Year: Complete the second year JD program.
Fourth Year: Complete the the remaining required core department and field courses and one semester of field instruction and the final semester of the J.D. program in the spring.
The law school gives credit for the third semester in the School of Social Work, while the latter recognizes law courses as substitutions for a one-semester practice course, special topics courses, a third semester of social policy and one semester of field instruction (for which a clinical law semester is substituted).
Admission to the dual PharmD/JD program is competitive, and involves meeting admission requirements and gaining acceptance to both the School of Pharmacy and the law school. Students will not be given special consideration for admission to either program because they are applying for the dual degree. Students that have a baccalaureate degree may apply to the dual PharmD/JD degree program in two ways. First, they may apply at the time they submit their PharmD application by concurrently submitting applications to both schools. Students who elect this approach must identify themselves on their PharmD applications as potential dual PharmD/JD degree students. Students who are admitted to both schools will be offered admission to the dual degree contingent on passing all courses in their first year of the PharmD with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Students pursuing the dual PharmD/JD degree must notify the law school in a timely fashion that they will be enrolling in the dual PharmD/JD degree program and will not matriculate at the law school until the following year. Students who are accepted only by one school may choose to attend that school but will not be eligible for the dual degree. Second, students can apply to the dual degree by submitting an application to the law school during their first year of enrollment in the PharmD program prior to the law school's published application deadline. Students who elect this approach must apply through the School of Pharmacy. Students admitted to the law school using this approach would be offered admission to the dual degree contingent on passing all courses in their first year of the PharmD with a minimum 3.0 GPA. See the admissions section of the School of Pharmacy and the law school for specific requirements.
The professions of pharmacy and law are distinctly different, yet pharmacists are often involved in legal issues and lawyers frequently deal with pharmacy, drug, health care, product development and toxin-related matters. This dual degree program provides qualified students with an efficient mechanism for obtaining the expertise and professional credentials that will enable them to develop professional practices that bring together expertise in both areas.
A student is required to complete all work for both degrees within six years of the date of matriculation at the School of Pharmacy (PharmD) and five years of matriculation at the law school (JD). The entire dual degree program will take six years to complete. Dual degree students will be allowed to use 12 units of approved JD course work (elective or required) to meet 12 units of PharmD electives and 12 units of approved PharmD course work (elective or required) to meet 12 units of JD electives. A faculty qualifying exam committee will determine the exact program for each student, including the appropriateness of courses in one program used to meet elective requirements for the other program. A total of 208 units is required for the dual degree.
Dual degree students must successfully complete 144 units of PharmD and acceptable JD units to receive the PharmD degree. The 144 units must include 132 units of required and elective pharmacy course work plus 12 units of JD course work deemed acceptable to meet PharmD elective requirements. Dual degree students should graduate with their PharmD degrees at the completion of the first semester of the sixth academic year of the dual degree program. Students will be eligible to sit for the Pharmacy Board Exams after completion of the PharmD degree requirements. However, dual degree students will not actually be awarded their PharmD degrees until they complete requirements for both degrees.
Dual degree students must successfully complete 88 units of JD and acceptable PharmD course work during the second to sixth years of the dual degree program to receive the JD degree. The 88 units must be composed of 76 units of JD course work, including satisfaction of the upper-division writing requirement and any other substantive requirements, plus 12 units of PharmD course work deemed acceptable to meet JD elective requirements. No JD credit will be awarded for PharmD course work completed prior to matriculation in the law school. Students cannot receive the JD degree under requirements for the dual degree program without prior or simultaneous completion of the PharmD degree.
Both professions require passing a state board or bar exam to practice the respective professions. Neither of these degrees requires a thesis or comprehensive final exam.
PharmD/JD dual degree students will begin with the first year of
the PharmD curriculum (36 units). During the second year, students
will take the first year law core (33 units), plus 3–5 PharmD
units. Due to the rigor of the law school core, pharmacy courses
during the first year of law school are limited to non-science
courses. The third through fifth years of the program focus on
PharmD courses with sufficient law courses to maintain students'
educational momentum in law. Students should complete their PharmD
requirements during the fall of their sixth year of the program and
their law course work also during the sixth year. Students must
complete both degree requirements by the end of the sixth year of
the program.
The Juris Doctor is the basic law degree. To obtain the degree, a student must satisfactorily complete 88 units, be in full-time attendance for six semesters and complete all required courses. Several options are available through which students may, with appropriate permission, take courses outside the law school. Except with special permission, however, each student (including a dual degree student) must successfully complete at least 35 units beyond the first year curriculum, in law courses, taken at this law school, and graded in the normal manner. Each student must also complete a minimum of 65 of the required 88 units by attendance in regularly scheduled class sessions at the law school. A law student is expected to devote the major portion of his or her time to law studies; any outside employment must therefore be restricted. First-year students are not permitted to hold jobs, and second- and third-year students may not hold outside employment requiring more than 20 hours of work per week.
First-year students are required to carry the full load of courses prescribed for that year, and second- and third year students are required to carry between 13 and 17 units each semester, unless special permission to carry a reduced or enlarged schedule is granted by the dean of students. All students must complete six full-time semesters.
Requirements for degrees, as well as the courses offered, may be changed by the faculty at any time. The dean of students may waive some requirements for individual students.
During the first year, the student takes a required curriculum of basic courses that examines fundamental legal institutions and addresses legal problems relevant to today's society and the modern practice of law.
In the fall semester, Law, Language, and Values introduces students to foundational concepts in legal reasoning, including theories of interpretation, the rule of law and normative reasoning.
Torts I explores the individual's obligation to refrain from harming others and studies the bases for compensating persons who suffer injuries — either by holding responsible whomever is at fault for the harm, or by invoking other principles of liability including the efficiency of resource allocation and spreading of losses. Procedure introduces students to the issues of what constitutes fair, adequate and efficient procedures in resolving legal disputes. Study focuses on the procedures outlined in Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
Contracts studies the law regulating consensual arrangements entered into for commercial purposes. It concerns such questions as what promises do and should the state enforce and what remedies are available when enforceable promises are breached.
In the spring semester, students take Criminal Law, which studies issues relating to the decision, by legislature or court, to designate behavior as a "crime." Significant attention is given to the moral, psychological and philosophical issues involved in ascribing criminal responsibility.
Constitutional Law focuses on fundamental structure provisions and relationships under the U.S. Constitution with an emphasis on separation of powers and federalism.
Property analyzes the development of rules dealing with land, water and other natural resources, frequently from historical and economic perspectives.
In addition to these required spring courses, first-year students will be able to choose an elective course. Elective topics may include (among other topics) a Business Basics course, a course on constitutional rights, and a course in Legal Profession with an orientation toward public interest.
All students take a year-long course, Legal Research, Writing and Advocacy. The course is coordinated with other first-year courses, and provides students an opportunity to draft pleadings and to prepare legal memoranda and briefs. Toward the end of the second semester, each student participates in a moot court argument based on work previously prepared for the course.
Students study basic sources of the law — case reports, constitutions, statutes and interdisciplinary materials. There is no uniform method of teaching, but Socratic dialogue and class discussion are primarily employed to help the students analyze issues, reasons and arguments. Moreover, law school faculty have traditionally employed interdisciplinary approaches in analyzing legal problems. First-year classes meet in sections of 60 to 100 students, about half the class size of many law schools.
The upper two years of law study are primarily elective, with only four requirements. First, students must satisfy the upper division writing requirement, either by completing a major faculty-supervised writing project or by taking a course with a substantial writing component.
Second, students must enroll in course work that offers substantial instruction in professional skills generally regarded as necessary for the effective and responsible participation in the legal profession. Such course work includes simulation courses (including Trial Advocacy and Pretrial Advocacy), live-client clinical offerings and courses involving the drafting of legal documents (including Contract Drafting and Negotiation).
Third, students who did not take the Constitutional Rights class as a first-year elective must take it during the second or third year of law school.
Finally, students who did not take the Legal Profession class as a first-year elective must take it during the second or third year of law school.
The basic courses that most students elect to take — for example: Business Organizations, Evidence, Taxation, and Gifts, Wills and Trusts — are offered every year and usually twice a year. Other courses listed are offered once a year, or in some cases, once every several years. Each year the law school attempts to provide upper-division students with a wide variety of optional specialized courses. Often these reflect the research interests of the faculty. Some examples in recent years have been Biotechnology and the Law, Global Warming, Counterterrorism and Homeland Security, Wrongful Convictions, Reproductive Rights, Special Education and Disability Law, and a seminar on Corporate Fraud. Because there are specialty courses in nearly every major area of the law, upper-division students are able to concentrate in a particular area, or, if they prefer, pursue a broad, basic legal education.
The upper-division curriculum includes a variety of opportunities for clinical legal education. "Clinical" courses are of two kinds. First, clinical refers to courses in which the learning of legal principles occurs through actual work on cases in particular subject matter areas. For example, the law of prisoners' rights and post-conviction remedies is taught in the Post-Conviction Justice Project, a course in which students represent inmates in the California Institution for Women. This representation is under the direct supervision of full-time law school faculty members. About 20 students participate each semester, traveling to the prison to meet with their clients on a regular basis, attending seminars at the law school, preparing briefs and papers, drafting habeas petitions, and negotiating and dealing with prosecutors and prison and court personnel. In addition, students make court appearances on behalf of clients in state and federal courts, as well as courts of appeals.
The second type of clinical course concentrates on specific lawyering skills taught in a classroom setting through the use of hypothetical case materials, with actors playing the roles of clients. The best illustration of this form of clinical teaching is the three-course sequence of Pretrial, Trial and Appellate Advocacy, which covers the stages in the litigation process suggested by the course titles. In these courses, students actually perform, in a simulated courtroom or law office environment, the multiple tasks required of lawyers. Most work is done in small groups; students are videotaped and intensively reviewed by the instructors. A student can take part or all of this sequence. The three courses together require the student to do at least the following: client interviewing and counseling, legal research, fact-finding, drafting of legal documents, negotiation with opposing counsel, arguing pretrial motions to a judge, preparing witnesses to testify, selecting a jury, conducting direct and crossexamination, proposing and opposing exhibits and testimonial evidence, arguing to a jury, and drafting and arguing an appellate brief.
The Post-Conviction Justice Project and the advocacy courses are not the only clinical courses in the curriculum, but they are useful examples of the variety of clinical teaching. A course in a specific area of law, like the Post-Conviction Justice Project, necessarily requires students to acquire basic courtroom, negotiation and client interviewing skills. The skills-oriented advocacy courses require students to be familiar with substantive areas like evidence, procedure and the law in the area of the hypothetical client's problems. These two kinds of clinical courses supplement each other, just as substantive knowledge and expert skills do in the practice of law. Considered as a whole, USC's clinical courses provide the foundation of knowledge and skill necessary to begin the practice of law.
The clinical opportunities listed previously are focused primarily within the law school. In addition, there are two categories of clinical options for students to pursue outside the law school in the actual environments of courts and law offices.
The first of these, the judicial externship program, enables students to receive credit for full- or part-time work as an extern to a judge of the state or federal court. Students are selected by the judges themselves. USC students have served as externs in the California Supreme Court, U.S. Court of Appeals, U.S. District Court, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, California Court of Appeal and Superior Court. During the externship, each student is supervised by the assistant dean and the placement supervisor.
The second program, the clinical internship option, allows USC Gould students to work part-time in government agencies, legal services programs or other nonprofit organizations under the supervision of practicing attorneys and faculty members. Students earn academic credit while providing representation to actual clients, learning important government processes or participating in large-scale impact litigation. Since the program includes more than 50 pre-approved agencies, students may choose from a wide range of clinical internships.
Neither program is considered a regularly scheduled class session for purposes of graduation requirements.
A wide variety of courses and institutes offers opportunities for upper-division students to engage in individual research under faculty supervision and often in conjunction with course offerings, as well as to participate in large research projects. Projects presently underway include the uses of ocean and sea resources, the development and regulation of geothermal energy, sentencing practices in felony cases, the effects of real estate taxation, the delivery of legal service to low- and middle-income persons, the civil commitment of elderly persons, the relationships between corporate law and actual corporate practices, and theoretical studies in law and economics. Such research projects are financed by grants from the Brookings Institution, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, the National Science Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the Energy Research and Development Administration.
Independent research completed for academic credit is not considered a regularly scheduled class session for purposes of graduation requirements.
With the concurrence of the dean of students, a student may receive up to 12 units of J.D. credit for courses taken outside the law school. These courses must be on the graduate level and may be taken only at USC. Taking graduate level courses outside the law school is an alternative to the dual degree program; a student may not pursue both approaches. With the approval of the dean of students, a student may receive a limited number of JD credits for undergraduate language courses taken at USC. For purposes of meeting the 35-graded-units rule, all non-law courses are counted as CR/D/F units.
A student may, with permission of the dean of students, enroll in and transfer the credit from a law course taken at another school that is a member of the Association of American Law Schools, if the course is equivalent to one included in the USC Gould curriculum that will not be offered here during the semester the student takes the course. Credit will be granted only for courses graded "C" or better. A maximum of 5 such units may be counted toward the JD.
Courses taken outside of the law school are not considered regularly scheduled class sessions for purposes of graduation requirements.
With such a variety of courses available, how do second- and third-year students go about selecting the program that will be best suited to their individual interests and ambitions?
There are no precise rules or proven methods for selecting second- and third-year courses. To a large extent, these choices reflect each student's personal assessment at the end of the first year — strengths and weaknesses, developing intellectual interests and first tentative career plans. For this reason, the combination of courses most desirable for one person will not necessarily be best for anyone else. Students are urged to be wary of the notion that there is a specific, recommended curriculum to follow. But reluctance to impose a model course of study does not mean that no guidance is available, for there are at least four ways of thinking about these choices that, in combination, will help each student choose the best array of courses.
One recommended approach to course selection is to choose courses taught by professors the student admires, without regard to subject matter. For each student there are teachers who are particularly able to create intellectual excitement and whose approach to analysis and teaching strikes a responsive note. Students will benefit as much from exposure to a specific professor's analytic skills and approach to legal issues as from specific course content.
A second approach is to choose courses that look exciting, without worrying about whether such courses are directly related to the student's current career plans or to some idea of traditional curriculum. If it appears that a course will be intellectually interesting, will expose students to a new area of the law, or provide needed variety, there is already more than enough reason to enroll. Courses taken because of enthusiasm for either the instructor or the subject matter often lead to the richest academic experience of law school.
The third way to make decisions about taking courses is to classify them according to clusters that emphasize similar issues or themes and then select from each area. For example, a student interested in ideas about family relationships will find them discussed in different contexts in Gifts, Wills, and Trusts; Family Law; and the Children's Legal Issues Practicum. Trial Advocacy and Pretrial Advocacy are courses that teach practical litigation skills, relating various performance tasks to the underlying skills of legal writing, advocacy, legal counseling, negotiation, and factual analysis. A further example includes courses involving close work with statutes, such as Labor Law, Securities Regulation and Taxation, any of which will provide opportunities to develop important and transferable skills.
Finally, students might think about selection as a way of building a wide substantive expertise in an area of particular interest. For example, the following courses are crucial to one anticipating a substantial wills and estate planning practice: Family Law; Community Property; Taxation; Estate Planning; Real Estate Transactions; and Gifts, Wills and Trusts. This kind of course planning requires some thought and investigation, since a casual examination might omit such courses as Community Property (which may affect one's legal ability to transfer property by will), and Real Estate Transactions (since various forms of property ownership may dictate a specific will or create planning considerations).
These approaches to course selection describe only some of the ways in which students might make reasoned choices about their academic programs. Formal and informal academic counseling are available from the associate dean, the assistant deans and other faculty. In addition, students are encouraged to follow the written recommendations available in the online Student Handbook available via the Student Portal on the USC Gould School of Law Website.
Return to: USC Gould School of Law
Harper Gernet-Girard, a third-year law student, Donald Scotten, professor, and Michael Figgers, second-year law student discuss legal matters. At the USC Gould School of Law, which has been in the practice of legal education for more than 100 years, students take law courses designed to challenge them to pursue transformative solutions. Photo by Steve Cohn.
The USC Gould School of Law provides a forward-looking, interdisciplinary and inter-professional legal education guided by nationally renowned professors and energized by an engaged and collegial student body. As one of the most diverse of the nation's top law schools, USC Gould is made up of students from throughout the country and around the world whose ideas and experiences enrich the learning process and provide new perspectives on the law. Through close collaboration, interdisciplinary academic training and hands-on application of skills, students acquire the experiences and knowledge necessary to succeed as leaders in a global environment.
USC Gould alumni are partners in the world's largest law firms, CEOs and presidents of multimillion-dollar companies, and leaders in government and public service organizations. Since its founding in 1900, the school has produced hundreds of judges on state and federal courts and elected officials ranging from mayor of cities large and small to a United States senator.
USC Gould School of Law
(213) 740-7331
Email: admissions@law.usc.edu
law.usc.edu
Andrew T. Guzman, JD, PhD, Dean*
Scott A. Altman, JD, Vice Dean
Gregory C. Keating, JD, PhD, Vice Dean
Pauline M. Aranas, JD, MLIS, Associate Dean, Chief Information Officer, and Director of the Law Library
Deborah A. Call, MBA, Associate Dean
Raymond Flores, MBA, Associate Dean
Alice R. Galstian, MBA, CPA, Associate Dean and Chief Financial Officer
Chloe T. Reid, JD, Associate Dean
Elizabeth Armour, AB, Assistant Dean
Leeanna Izuel, JD, LLM, Assistant Dean
Kyle W. Jones, JD, Assistant Dean
Sandy Y. Shin, MBA, Assistant Dean
Priya Sridharan, JD, Assistant Dean
Suzanne Huntley Levy, JD, Interim Assistant Dean
Dean and Carl Mason Franklin Dean's Chair in Law: Andrew T. Guzman, JD, PhD,*
University Professor and Scott H. Bice Chair in Healthcare Law, Policy and Ethics: Alexander Morgan Capron, LLB
University Professor, Emeritus: Marshall Cohen, MA, MA (Oxon) (Philosophy)
University Professor of Journalism, Communication and Law: Geoffrey Cowan, LLB (Journalism)
Carolyn Craig Franklin Chair in Law: Ronald R. Garet, JD, PhD*
Judge Edward J. and Ruey L. Guirado Chair in Law: Thomas D. Lyon, JD, PhD*
J. Thomas McCarthy Trustee Chair in Law and Political Science: Robert K. Rasmussen, JD
J. Thomas McCarthy Trustee Chair in Law, Emeritus: Christopher D. Stone, JD, LLD (Hon.)
Robert C. Packard Trustee Chair in Law: Edward J. McCaffery, MA, JD*
George T. and Harriet E. Pfleger Chair in Law: Daria Roithmayr, JD
Nathan and Lilly Shapell Chair in Law: Nomi M. Stolzenberg, JD
UPS Foundation Chair in Law and Gerontology: Martin L. Levine, JD, LLD*
Rader Family Trustee Chair in Law: Rebecca L. Brown, JD*
Ervin and Florine Yoder Chair in Real Estate Law: George Lefcoe, LLB
Leon Benwell Professor of Law: Edwin M. Smith, JD*
Virginia S. and Fred H. Bice Professor of Law: Scott A. Altman, JD*
Roy P. Crocker Professor of Law: Jody David Armour, JD
Richard L. and Maria B. Crutcher Professor of Law: Dan Simon, LLB, MBA, LLM, SJD
William T. Dalessi Professor of Law: Gregory C. Keating, JD, PhD
Frances R. and John J. Duggan Professor of Law: Elizabeth Garrett, JD
Orrin B. Evans Professor of Law: Elyn R. Saks, M.Litt., JD, PhD, LLD (Hon.)
Charles L. and Ramona I. Hilliard Professor of Law: Daniel M. Klerman, JD, PhD
Ivadelle and Theodore Johnson Professor of Law and Business: Edward D. Kleinbard, MA, JD
Maurice Jones, Jr. — Class of 1925 Professor of Law: Andrei Marmor, LL.B, PhD*
Robert Kingsley Professor of Law: Susan R. Estrich, JD
Richard L. and Antoinette Schamoi Kirtland Professor of Law: Gillian K. Hadfield, JD, PhD
John B. Milliken Professor of Taxation: Thomas D. Griffith, MAT, JD*
Dorothy W. Nelson Professor of Law: Michael H. Shapiro, MA, JD
Robert C. and Nanette T. Packard Professor of Law: Scott H. Bice, JD*
John B. and Alice R. Sharp Professor of Law: Ariela J. Gross, JD, PhD*
John Stauffer Charitable Trust Chief Information Officer: Pauline M. Aranas, JD, MLIS
Provost Professor of Philosophy and Law: Gary Watson, PhD (Philosophy)
Professors: Jonathan M. Barnett, M.Phil., JD; David B. Cruz, MS, JD*; Sofia Mary Gruskin, JD, MIA (Preventive Medicine); Bart A. Kosko, JD, PhD (Electrical Engineering); Sharon A. Lloyd, PhD (Philosophy); John G. Matsusaka, PhD (Finance and Business Economics); Claudia Moatti, PhD, HDR (Classics); Kevin J. Murphy, PhD (Finance and Business Economics); Alison Dundes Renteln, JD, PhD (Political Science); Camille Gear Rich, JD; Wayne Sandholtz, PhD (International Relations); Hilary M. Schor, PhD (English); Simon J. Wilkie, PhD (Economics)
Associate Professors: Kim Shayo Buchanan, LLB/JD, LLM, JSD; Stephen Rich, MA, JD*; Mark I. Weinstein, MSIA, MBA, PhD (Finance and Business Economics)
Assistant Professors: Sam Erman, JD, PhD; Yoon-Ho Alex Lee, JD, PhD; Emily Ryo, JD, PhD; Diana I. Williams, PhD (History); Abby K. Wood, MADL, JD, PhD
Adjunct Professor: Pauline M. Aranas, JD, MLIS
Adjunct Assistant Professors: Judy K. Davis, MLIS, JD; Leeanna Izuel, JD, LLM; Diana C. Jaque, MLIS, JD; Paul Moorman, MLIS, JD; Cynthia Prado-Guyer, MLIS, JD; Brian Raphael, MLS, JD; Donald Scotten, JD; Karen Skinner, MS, MLS, JD
Clinical Professors: Michael J. Brennan, LLB; Michael Chasalow, JD, MBA; Niels W. Frenzen, JD; Heidi L. Rummel, JD
Clinical Associate Professors: Hannah R. Garry, MA, JD; Lisa Klerman, JD
Professor of Lawyering Skills: Robert M. Saltzman, JD
Associate Professors of Lawyering Skills: Elizabeth A. Carroll, JD; Catherine Coleman, JD; Rebecca S. Lonergan, JD; Julie A. Ryan, JD; Susan C. Wright, JD
Professor of the Practice of Law: Clare Pastore, JD
Emeritus Professors: Marshall Cohen, MA, MA (Oxon.) (Philosophy); Edward J. Finegan, PhD (Linguistics); Larry G. Simon, LLB (Herbert W. Armstrong Professor of Constitutional Law, Emeritus); W. David Slawson, MA, LLB* (Torrey H. Webb Professor of Law, Emeritus); Christopher D. Stone, JD, LLD (Hon.)* (J. Thomas McCarthy Trustee Chair in Law, Emeritus)
Clinical Emeritus Professors: Lee W. Campbell, JD; Noel M. Ragsdale, JD*
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
The Juris Doctor (JD) is the basic law degree. To obtain the degree, full-time attendance for six semesters is required. During the first year, the student takes a required curriculum of basic courses that examines fundamental legal institutions and addresses legal problems relevant to today's society and the modern practice of law. During the second and third years the student must complete a writing requirement and at least one course that provides substantial instruction in professional skills generally regarded as necessary in the practice of law. The remainder of the courses taken in the last two years are primarily elective.
USC Gould maintains dual degree programs with the graduate programs in accounting, business administration, economics, gerontology, pharmacy, philosophy, public administration, public policy, social work, politics and international relations, real estate development and communication. These programs enable qualified students to earn a law degree (JD) and the appropriate master's degree. If the master's degree normally requires one year of study, a student in a dual degree program earns both degrees in only three years. If the master's normally requires two years of post-baccalaureate courses, a total of four years is required. To earn the JD, all students (including dual degree students) must complete 35 numerically graded law units at USC beyond the first year curriculum.
The goal of these programs is to encourage law students to gain a recognized competence in another discipline that has a direct relevance to the roles lawyers play in society. The dual degree programs are based on the premise that some topics covered in the law school are also covered in the programs of the cooperating departments, so that some credit toward the law degree may appropriately be given for specified graduate work taken in the cooperating department. Similarly, the cooperating departments have recognized that some credit toward the master's degree may appropriately be awarded for certain work completed in the law school.
The residential LLM program is a master's degree program for foreign graduate students trained in law. This two-semester, full-time program introduces foreign lawyers to American law and the U.S. legal system and prepares them for leadership roles in the global market. After successfully completing the program, students will be awarded the Master of Laws degree.
The online LLM program is a master's degree program for foreign graduate students trained in law. This program is offered on a part-time or full-time basis in an online modality and introduces foreign lawyers to American law and the U.S. legal system and prepares them for leadership roles in the global market. After successfully completing the program, students will be awarded the Master of Laws degree.
The MCL program is a master's degree program for foreign graduate students trained in law who have already earned their LLM degree. This two-semester, full-time program is focused on the study of comparative law. Students are provided with the opportunity to study the differences, similarities and interrelationships of different systems of law around the world. After successfully completing the program, students will be awarded the Master of Comparative Law degree.
Order of the Coif: Order of the Coif is a national honorary scholastic society that encourages excellence in legal education.
Qualifications: Membership will be extended to a graduating law student whose cumulative grade point average ranks in the top 10 percent of all graduating students, provided that he or she has completed at least 75 percent (66 units) of law studies in graded courses.
Adviser: Scott Altman, Vice Dean, Gould School of Law, (213) 740-2544, saltman@law.usc.edu
Applications: Students are nominated by the law school.
USC Gould is a national leader in continuing education, presenting six annual programs designed for sophisticated attendees from the bar, judiciary, accounting, business, and law student communities and supported by both law firm and corporate sponsors.
USC Gould has been approved as a provider of Minimum Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit by the State Bar of California and offers general CLE and Legal Specialization Credit for lawyers, as well as continuing education credits for accountants, real estate professionals, and certified financial planners.
CLE programs in 2014–2015 include the Institute on Entertainment Law and Business, Trust and Estate Conference, Tax Institute, Institute for Corporate Counsel, Real Estate Law and Business Forum, and Intellectual Property Institute.
For detailed program and registration information, visit law.usc.edu/cle. For additional questions, call (213) 821-3580 or email cle@law.usc.edu.
Students in the law school's JD program pay tuition of $55,084 per year (two semesters) (26–34 units). For less than 13 units the tuition is $2,129 per unit, and tuition is an additional $2,129 for each unit over 17.
Students in the law school's residential LLM and MCL programs pay tuition of $55,084 per year (two semesters). Students in the law school's online LLM program pay tuition on a per unit basis.
The university reserves the right to assess new fees or charges as it may determine. The rates listed are subject to change without notice by action of the Board of Trustees.
These fees are based upon current information available at the time of publication and are subject to possible later change.
In addition to the mandatory fees charged to all USC students, law students must also join the Student Bar Association. In 2014–2015, this membership fee was $25 per semester.
First-year students must have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and be able to provide an official transcript denoting the degree conferred by the beginning of their law school classes. USC Gould does not require applicants to take any specific college courses, and discourages pre-law students from enrolling in college courses that duplicate the law school curriculum. The faculty recommends college courses that are intellectually challenging and require disciplined study. Training in careful reading and skilled writing is most valuable, as are courses involving seminar discussion and sustained research. The student will find that a broad exposure to such fields as economics, philosophy, history, political science, anthropology, mathematics and psychology is more useful than narrow exposure to vocationally oriented courses.
All applicants are required to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) administered by the Law School Admissions Council. Applicants must take the test no later than February if they seek to start law school the following August.
Like most law schools, the USC Gould School of Law requires students to apply online through the Law School Admission Council and register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). The CAS assembles an applicant's transcripts, LSAT scores and letters of recommendation and forwards copies of them to law schools of the applicant's choosing. Further information about the LSAT and the CAS may be obtained from the Law School Admission Council, 662 Penn St., Box 40, Newtown, PA 18940 and online at lsac.org.
Detailed information regarding admission application procedures is available from the Dean of Admissions, University of Southern California Gould School of Law, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0074 and on the school's Website (law.usc.edu).
The program is open only to USC undergraduate students who can complete their required bachelor's major course work by the end of their junior year. Admitted students complete their undergraduate and law school studies in a total of six years. After year one of law school (at the latest), students must have all necessary course work completed to earn their bachelor's degree and after year three, their law degree. However, the preference is that the bachelor's degree requirements be completed prior to beginning law school course work.
Students are not required to take the LSAT for admittance. Students are required to have taken either the SAT or ACT test and earned a score at or above the 85th percentile in the SAT Critical Reading or ACT Reading portion of the test. Students must have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.80. Additionally, strong faculty letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and an interview are required components of the application. The program is open to all participating majors.
A student in good standing at a law school that is approved by the American Bar Association may apply for admission with advanced standing either as a transfer student or as a visiting student. Transfer students enter USC Gould after one year at another law school; they then spend two years at the law school and earn the JD degree from USC. Visiting students spend one or two semesters at the law school during their third year of law school; they are not eligible for a USC degree. For further information, please request Transfer/Visitor Information from the Admissions Office at USC Gould.
Law students who are enrolled in USC Gould's residential and online LLM programs for foreign lawyers may apply to the JD program as transfer LLM students during the transfer application period. Only USC Gould LLM students may apply in this manner. Those who have already been awarded an LLM at another U.S. law school may apply as international JD applicants.
For further information, request LLM transfer information from the Graduate and International Programs Office at USC Gould.
Students submitting an application must have earned a basic law degree, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or the foreign equivalent. Some experience following the completion of the first professional degree is preferred. For further information, contact the law school at (213) 821-5916 or visit the school's Website (law.usc.edu).
Students submitting an application must have earned a basic law degree, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or the foreign equivalent and will have previously earned their LLM degree. Some experience following the completion of the first professional degree is preferred. For further information, contact the law school at (213) 821-5916 or visit the school's Website (law.usc.edu).
Registration is handled by the USC Gould School of Law Office of the Registrar. First-year students will automatically be registered in their fall semester courses approximately two to three weeks prior to the beginning of the school year and for their spring semester courses approximately two to three weeks prior to the dates listed in the law school calendar for upper-division student registration.
The grading system uses both numbers and letters in a range from 1.9 to 4.4 with letter-grade equivalents ranging from F to A+. The grade equivalents are: A+ (4.1–4.4); A (3.8–4.0); A- (3.5–3.7); B+ (3.3–3.4); B (3.0–3.2); B- (2.7–2.9); C+ (2.5–2.6); C (2.4); C- (2.1–2.3); D (2.0); and F (1.9). Students receiving a grade of 1.9 will not be given credit for the course toward graduation. A student who fails a first-year course must repeat the course, but both grades will be included in computing that student's general average. Other courses may not be repeated except on petition to the associate dean. A student with a weighted cumulative average of less than 3.0 at the end of the year will be placed on restricted enrollment. A student with a weighted cumulative average of less than 2.7 at the end of any year will not be permitted to continue.
After the first year, a student may take up to a total of 8 units on an elected CR/D/F basis, chosen from among courses otherwise graded in a normal manner. No more than 4 such units may be taken in a semester. The student must elect to take a course CR/D/F during the first two weeks of the semester. Courses or seminars may, at the instructor's option, be designated prior to registration as not available for CR/D/F grading. To earn the JD, all students (including dual degree students) must complete 35 numerically graded law units at USC beyond the first year curriculum.
Students may also take such courses regularly offered only on a CR/D/F basis, in addition to courses taken under this rule.
A student may not withdraw from a course later than two weeks after the first day of classes of any semester without permission of both the associate dean and the instructor.
Class attendance is an important part of law school education. It assists both the individual and fellow students in making the most of the educational opportunity offered. Students should, therefore, attend class regularly and participate in the discussion. Professors may require attendance and may take attendance into account in evaluating student performance.
Students may be accepted for a dual degree program when they are accepted to the law school, although most students do not apply until near the end of the first year. All programs require that students successfully complete the required first year of law school before beginning work toward the master's degree. Credit toward the law degree may not be given for graduate work completed prior to the completion of the first year of law school, although some credit toward the master's degree may be allowed by the faculty of the cooperating department of approved work completed prior to the first year of law school. Students are not eligible for either of their dual degrees until they complete the requirements for both degrees. All students (including dual degree students) must complete at least 35 numerically graded USC Gould units beyond the first year curriculum.
Following are general descriptions of the dual degree programs. Students interested in further information should consult the USC Gould Admissions Office.
In addition to the LSAT, applicants to this dual degree program are required to take the Graduate Management Aptitude Test. Requirements for the dual degree program are listed in the USC Marshall School of Business section of this catalogue.
The Leventhal School of Accounting offers a specialized program in taxation leading to the Master in Business Taxation (MBT). Requirements for this dual degree program are listed in the USC Leventhal School of Accounting section of this catalogue.
Students are required to complete 97 units of course work. Candidates for the dual degree must fulfill the statistics requirement of the MPA degree. See the Master of Public Administration section. Requirements for this dual degree program are listed in the USC Price School of Public Policy section of this catalogue.
The USC Price School of Public Policy and the law school offer a dual degree that enables qualified students to earn both a Juris Doctor and a Master of Public Policy in approximately four years of study.
The dual degree allows students to acquire a blend of the analytic skills of public policy and an understanding of legal institutions and processes. This combination of knowledge is well suited for law students who want to affect the policy-making process and craft legislation to aid in achievement of public policy goals. It is equally appropriate for prospective policy analysts who are interested in law and public policy.
Students must apply to, and be accepted by, both schools. They may be accepted to the dual degree at the time of their acceptance to the law school or at the beginning of their second year of law school. Dual degree students spend the first year of the program completing the required first year of law school. The remaining units of law school courses and the required 36 units of core MPP courses are taken by students in the second through fourth years.
Students are required to complete 114 units of course work, including 78 units in the Gould School of Law and 36 units in the USC Price School of Public Policy. The MPP program has a statistics prerequisite. See Public Policy (MPP). Requirements for this dual degree are listed in the USC Price School of Public Policy section.
Students interested in combining an expertise in another discipline with the law degree may arrange individually to take approved graduate courses for limited credit toward the law degree.
Students may receive up to 12 units for graduate work taken outside the law school with the prior permission of the administration. These units may be concentrated in a single appropriate discipline; they may not, however, be applied to another graduate degree in progress unless it is a certificate program offered by another department.
USC Gould offers five study abroad programs for JD students that provide opportunities to learn about foreign legal systems and to experience different cultures. Qualified second- and third-year JD candidates are exposed to international law as they take part in exchange programs with leading partner institutions worldwide.
University of Hong Kong: The semester exchange program at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) allows USC Gould JD students to experience Hong Kong and its legal culture and business in the Pacific Rim.
HKU was established in 1911 and is a leading university in Asia. It is linked with over 80 partner institutions in 15 countries and has exchange programs with prominent universities worldwide. The language of teaching at HKU for its law courses is English.
Bocconi University: USC Gould JD students have the opportunity to learn about law and business in Milan, Italy, in this semester exchange program with Bocconi University. An Italian course is available to interested exchange students who wish to study the language before the law program begins.
Bocconi University, a private institution in Milan, Italy, has a global reputation as a research university in business, economics and law. Bocconi offers its exchange students law courses in English. These include courses in international and European law, international trade law, and comparative business and corporate law.
University Jean Moulin Lyon 3: The semester abroad program at the University Jean Moulin Lyon 3 allows USC Gould JD students the chance to study in English at a leading law school in Lyon, France. After earning the JD degree, graduates may elect to return to Lyon for a semester to complete an LLM in international and European law.
The University Jean Moulin Lyon 3 is a public university ranked among the top in France. Lyon 3 is one of three universities in Lyon with a combined population of 100,000 students. Lyon is the second-largest city in France with a great selection of cultural and professional opportunities.
Bond University: USC Gould JD students have the opportunity to live in Queensland, on the Gold Coast of Australia, for a semester while studying at Bond University.
Bond University has a distinctly global perspective, aspiring to a 50:50 ratio of Australian to international students, who come from 80 countries worldwide. Under the guidance of Australia's most eminent legal professionals, internationally renowned criminologists and specialists, students benefit from the mentoring relationship fostered at Bond where professors take an active role in charting student success.
Fundação Getulio Vargas University: The semester exchange with Direito GV, the law school of FGV, allows JD students to study at their campus in São Paulo, Brazil. Direito GV has one of the top law faculties in Brazil. They offer law courses in English for their exchange students.
Fundação Getulio Vargas has developed a highly innovative curriculum. The Brazilian Ministry of Education and Culture and the Brazilian Bar Association have granted FGV their highest classification of academic rigor. This exchange introduces JD students to the Brazilian legal system and promotes a broad debate on the issues of global relevance within a South American perspective.
USC Gould's graduate degree programs include an LLM program and an MCL program for foreign law graduates. Through the graduate degree programs, students have opportunities to meet and interact with faculty and JD students and also with practicing lawyers from around the world.
The LLM for foreign lawyers and MCL programs are intended for individuals who are trained in law abroad and wish to gain a basic knowledge of U.S. law and our legal system and/or who wish to engage in comparative legal study.
This interdisciplinary program consists of nine courses chosen from philosophy, political science, law and anthropology courses. See Philosophy for degree requirements.
The minor in law and public policy draws upon four fields of study: public policy and management, law, economics and political science. It provides students with an understanding of the political and economic contexts in which laws are made, as well as how legal institutions shape policy formulation. Students learn to analyze the consequences of policy and alternatives; the roles played by government, business and nonprofit organizations in public decision-making; and the legal bases for various areas of public policy. See USC Price School of Public Policy for requirements.
This interdisciplinary program focuses on the effect of law on society and the way in which social forces influence the legal system. The idea is that students will understand the law if they look beyond "law in books" to "law in action." See Political Science for requirements.
This interdisciplinary minor brings together courses in psychology that focus on the social, ethical, cognitive and societal aspects of psychology and how it relates to law. This knowledge is augmented with law courses that identify the relationship between mental health, social psychology and law. See Psychology for requirements.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC is adjacent to the Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center — one of the largest teaching hospitals in the United States. Keck's faculty, students and residents serve more than one million patients each year through the Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center, the USC Norris Cancer Hospital, the Keck Hospital of USC, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and a network of USC-affiliated hospitals throughout Southern California. Photo by Chris Shinn Photography.
Founded in 1885, the Keck School of Medicine of USC is part of Keck Medicine of USC, a major center of medical research, education and patient care with more than 1,500 full-time faculty members and a voluntary faculty of more than 4,000 physicians. Faculty includes national leaders in each of its 25 clinical and basic science departments. Located on the university's 30.8-acre Health Sciences Campus three miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles, the Keck School is adjacent to the Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center, one of the largest teaching hospitals in the United States.
The Keck School's faculty, students and residents serve more than one million patients each year through the Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center, the USC Norris Cancer Hospital, the Keck Hospital of USC, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, USC Verdugo Hills and a network of USC-affiliated hospitals throughout Southern California. More than 500 faculty physicians care for patients with complex medical needs as well as provide primary care.
The Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research of USC, which opened in the fall of 2010, joins the Harlyne J. Norris Cancer Research Tower and USC Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute in providing state-of-the-art facilities for important scientific discovery. With more than $248 million in total federal research support, the Keck School ranks among the top U.S. medical schools in federal funding.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC is at the forefront of medical education and was among the first medical schools to adopt Introduction to Clinical Medicine courses for first-year students, providing direct experience in patient care from the start.
Carmen A. Puliafito, MD, MBA, Dean, May S. and John Hooval Dean's Chair in Medicine
Ted J. Budge, MS, Senior Associate Dean, Chief Operating Officer
Thomas A. Buchanan, MD, Vice Dean, Research
Henri R. Ford, MD, MHA, Vice Dean, Medical Education
Judy Garner, PhD, Vice Dean, Faculty Affairs
D. Brent Polk, MD, Vice Dean, Clinical Affairs (CHLA)
Melany Duval, BA, Senior Associate Dean and Associate Vice President for Health Sciences Development
Donna D. Elliott, MD, EdD, Senior Associate Dean, Student and Educational Affairs
Lili Delcampo, JD, Associate General Counsel for Health Sciences
Raquel D. Arias, MD, Associate Dean, Admissions
Glenn Ault, MD, Associate Dean for Clinical Administration (LAC+USC Medical Center)
Ronald Ben-Ari, MD, Associate Dean, Continuing Medical Education, and Assistant Dean, Curriculum
Peggy Farnham, PhD, Associate Dean, Graduate Affairs (PhD Programs)
Inderbir Gill, MD, Associate Dean, Clinical Innovation
Stephanie Hall, MD, Associate Dean, Clinical Affairs (Keck Medical Center)
Laura Mosqueda, Associate Dean, Primary Care
Elahe Nezami, PhD, Associate Dean, Graduate Affairs (Undergraduate, Master's and Professional Degree Programs)
Lawrence M. Opas, MD, Associate Dean, Graduate Medical Education
Michele T. Pato, MD, Associate Dean, Academic Scholarship
Pamela Schaff, MD, Associate Dean, Curriculum
Uttam Sinha, MD, Associate Dean, Surgical Simulation
Maura Sullivan, EdD, Associate Dean, Stimulation Education for Health Sciences
Stuart P. Swadron, MD, Assistant Dean, Pre-health Undergraduate Studies
Paul M. Thompson, PhD, Associate Dean, Bioinformatics Research
Rohit Varma, MD, MPH, Associate Dean, Strategic Planning and Community Network Development
Althea M. Alexander, Assistant Dean, Student Diversity
David Baron, DO, MS, Ed, Assistant Dean, Global Relations
Gerhard Coetzee, PhD, Assistant Dean, Research Integrity
Cha-Chi Fung, PhD, Assistant Dean of Educational Affairs
Tatum Korin, EdD, Assistant Dean of Graduate Medical Education
Joyce Richey, PhD, Assistant Dean, Educational Affairs
Frank R. Sinatra, MD, Assistant Dean, Faculty Development
Darcy Spicer, MD, Assistant Dean, Clinical Research Studies
Sajjad Yacoob, MD, Assistant Dean, Student Affairs
Ruth Wood, PhD, Associate Dean, Appointments and Promotions
Keith Administration Building 100B
1975 Zonal Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9021
(323) 442-2552
FAX: (323) 442-2433
Associate Dean, Admissions: Raquel D. Arias, MD
The Keck School of Medicine of USC Committee on Admissions is responsible for selecting members of the entering class. The committee comprises both faculty and students. The committee reviews candidates whose academic achievement, commitment to service and personal qualities distinguish them from the many thousands of applicants who apply.
The applicant's undergraduate major may be in any subject area from an accredited college or university. Although sound preparation in the basic sciences is essential, a background in the humanities, and depth and breadth of personal experience are also important.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC participates in the centralized American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) and also requires the submission of the Keck School of Medicine supplemental application. Approximately 7,500 applications are received per year and 750 applicants receive interview invitations. Interviews begin in mid-September and end in early March. Students receive acceptance letters beginning in October.
All applicants to the Keck School of Medicine of USC MD degree program must have completed a baccalaureate degree, or its equivalent, from an accredited college or university prior to matriculation. The school has no specific course requirements. Strong applicants will have distinguished themselves in their chosen field of study and have demonstrated competency in the sciences at the time of their application. The Medical School Admission Requirement (MSAR) guide may be referenced for recommended course work. The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is required, and scores must be from within the previous three years of the date of matriculation.
International applicants must hold a degree considered equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree as evaluated by the USC Office of Graduate and International Admissions.
Individuals who have discontinued studies in medical school for academic reasons are not eligible to apply to the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
The MCAT is required of all applicants. Applicants to the entering class are required to take the MCAT within the previous three years of the date of matriculation and no later than August in the year that the application becomes available. Scores from administrations of the examination taken outside of this time period will not be accepted.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC participates in the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). AMCAS reproduces and distributes an application and standardized academic record to participating medical schools designated by the student. Applications are submitted electronically at www.students/applying/amcas.
Applications are available after June 1 for the class entering in August of the following year. Applications to USC must be returned to AMCAS before November 2, but earlier application is encouraged.
The Committee on Admissions reviews all information submitted on the AMCAS application as well as the school's supplemental application. The nonrefundable supplemental application fee is $100.
Personal interviews are a required aspect of the application process. Interviews are conducted at the Keck School of Medicine on the Health Sciences Campus of the University of Southern California.
Notices of acceptance will be sent to successful candidates beginning in October until the class is filled. Since Keck uses a rolling admissions process, it is highly recommended to submit a completed application early in the cycle. If not chosen for an interview, candidates are usually notified by March of the application year.
Candidates must reply to an offer of admission and agree to the Essential Characteristics and Abilities Required for the Completion of the MD Degree within 10 business days of receiving the offer of admission. A letter of withdrawal, via email or post mail, is required if students wish to relinquish their place in the class; release is granted automatically when the letter is received.
The Keck School of Medicine has developed an MD/PhD program designed for individuals who aspire to a career in academic medicine or a leadership role within the biomedical industry. Students are expected to acquire the modern skills that are required for physician competence. Additionally, the MD/PhD program provides an opportunity for the development of research expertise and academic excellence while fulfilling the requirements for a PhD degree.
A joint program between the Keck School of Medicine and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) was established in fall 1997 for the granting of the MD/PhD degree. PhD studies may be carried out at Caltech or through collaboration between two laboratories at both institutions. The MD will be awarded from the Keck School of Medicine and the PhD will be awarded from Caltech.
The MD/PhD executive committee is responsible for selecting students for the MD/PhD program. Members of the committee review the qualifications of each applicant, including MCAT scores, academic performance, letters of recommendation and research experience. The committee interviews candidates and then selects students for admission to the program. All applicants to the joint program interview at Keck School of Medicine and the California Institute of Technology.
The MD/PhD program enrolls three to six students annually. Students have the option of doing the PhD at USC or Caltech. Each student accepted to the program must also be accepted to the Keck School of Medicine. All positions are fully funded.
Admission requirements for the MD/PhD program are those of one of the graduate programs at Caltech, the Keck School of Medicine and USC. Students select the program of their choice during the first two years of the medical curriculum; descriptions of these programs are available from each department or program and Caltech.
To assist the MD/PhD Committee in its evaluation of candidates, applicants to the MD/PhD program are encouraged to provide recent GRE scores. The committee does not, however, require GRE scores in order to consider an application.
Applicants to the Keck School of Medicine are advised to request information about the MD/PhD program at the time of application. In addition to completing the medical school application, applicants should indicate their interest in the MD/PhD program.
Students who are currently pursuing the medical curriculum at the Keck School of Medicine may apply to the MD/PhD program by contacting: MD/PhD Program, Keck School of Medicine, 1975 Zonal Avenue (KAM 200), Los Angeles, CA 90089-9023; (323) 442-2965, FAX: (323) 442-2318.
All applicants are screened by members of the MD/PhD Executive Committee; candidates who meet the basic criteria of the program are then invited to be interviewed by members of the committee and faculty at USC and Caltech.
Students selected for acceptance to the MD/PhD program are notified between November and May of each year. Students begin their program in the fall semester and register for courses in the medical curriculum at that time.
Further information about the MD/PhD program at the Keck School of Medicine may be obtained by contacting: MD/PhD Program, Keck School of Medicine, 1975 Zonal Avenue (KAM 200), Los Angeles, CA 90089-9023; (323) 442-2965, FAX: (323) 442-2318; email: med.mdphdpgm@med.usc.edu.
Admission standards for these curricula are established jointly by the Keck School of Medicine, its participating programs and the Graduate School.
Applicants to graduate degree programs offered at the Keck School of Medicine must meet the general criteria for acceptance to the Graduate School. Each participating program may have additional requirements for application. The programmatic requirements for the Keck School of Medicine's graduate programs are detailed in the Graduate Degree Programs section.
Further information about graduate degree programs at the Keck School of Medicine may be obtained by contacting: Office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies, Keck School of Medicine, 1975 Zonal Avenue (KAM 409), Los Angeles, CA 90089-9023; (323) 442-1607, FAX: (323) 442-1199.
The tuition and fees listed below are estimated for fall semester, 2013. All fees are subject to change without notice by action of the University of Southern California Board of Trustees. The university reserves the right to assess new fees or charges. Tuition is not refundable; late registration fees are mandatory and cannot be waived.
Tuition for each semester of the medical school curriculum is due and payable at the beginning of the semester. Registration is not permitted after the third week of instruction. Late payment of tuition is subject to a mandatory late fee. Average budgets for medical students will vary according to their year in the curriculum. Sample budgets for Year I, Year II, and the Junior/Senior Continuum may be requested from the Office of Financial Aid. Tuition, mandatory fees and parking are the same for all years.
Tuition for courses of the graduate curriculum is based upon the number of units assigned to each course. The Graduate Degree Programs section provides a department-by-department list of graduate course titles; the number following each title indicates the number of units for which tuition is charged. Late payment of tuition is subject to a mandatory late fee.
| Academic Year Tuition (two semesters) | $54,662 |
| Graduate Tuition (per unit) | 1,602 |
| Student Health Service Fee (annual) | 545 |
| Student Programming Fee (graduate) | 80 |
| Student Services Fee | 20 |
| Norman Topping Scholarship Fee | 16 |
| Health Insurance | 1,712 |
| Annual Dental Rate | 136 |
| Malpractice Insurance | 25 (per academic year) |
| Disability Insurance | 51 (per academic year) |
Parking fee, per semester (see Tuition and Fees).
The Keck School of Medicine employs a system of evaluation and grading designed to encourage student self-reliance, to stimulate the student's independent quest for knowledge and to promote excellence in academic achievement.
For courses of the medical curriculum, the Keck School of Medicine does not award numerical or letter grades. The evaluation process leading to a pass or fail grade is based on performance of the student in relation to announced course criteria. Throughout medical school, students will be evaluated on their fund of knowledge, problem-solving ability, professional behavior, relevant personality traits and clinical and interpersonal skills. Additional information on grading and evaluation is contained in the handbook provided to every enrolled medical student.
Faculty instructors are responsible for establishing evaluation criteria appropriate to the objectives of each course, discipline and clerkship, and for specifying the manner in which evaluative information is to be gathered. Instructor comments on student performance form an integral part of a student's total evaluation. For each evaluation, descriptive comments based on the student's overall performance in relation to course criteria are submitted for permanent file to the office of the senior associate dean for student affairs, and educational affairs, together with performance reports.
The student's permanent file is used to prepare a letter from the senior associate dean of Student Affairs and Educational Affairs of the Keck School of Medicine, which accompanies student applications for internships and residencies. These records are maintained by the Office of Student Affairs; students may review their records during regular office hours by scheduling an appointment. During the lifetime of the physician, the permanent student record may be consulted as evidence of completion of the required curriculum and as certification for licensure.
Grading and evaluation policies for graduate degree programs and for joint MD/PhD degrees are established in conjunction with the Graduate School. In general, courses taken in partial fulfillment of graduate degree requirements receive letter grades that are recorded by the university.
The Keck School of Medicine and its departments offer types of curricula leading to award of: the Doctor of Medicine; joint MD/PhD; joint MD/MBA; joint MD/MPH; MD/MS, Global Medicine; a Master of Academic Medicine, MAM; Global Medicine, MS; PharmD/MS, Global Medicine; Global Health, BS; Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies, BS; graduate degrees in conjunction with the Graduate School in Applied Biostatistics/Epidemiology, MS; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, MS; Biostatistics, MS, PhD; Cancer Biology and Genomics, PhD; Cell and Neurobiology, MS; Clinical, Biomedical and Translational Investigations, MS; Development, Stem Cells, and Regenerative Medicine, PhD; Epidemiology, PhD; Experimental and Molecular Pathology, MS; Medical Biology, PhD; Molecular Epidemiology, MS, PhD; Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, MS; Molecular Structure and Signaling, PhD; Nurse Anesthesia, MS; Physiology and Biophysics, MS; Psychology and Public Health, PhD/MPH; Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MS; Integrative Biology of Disease, PhD.
The Department of Family Medicine has one academic division: the Division of Physician Assistant Studies, which offers the Master of Physician Assistant Practice.
The Department of Preventive Medicine has two academic divisions: the Health Behavior Research Division, which offers a BS, Global Health; BS, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies; BS, Global Health/Master of Public Health; BS, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies/Master of Public Health; Master of Public Health; PharmD/Master of Public Health; PhD, Physical Therapy/Master of Public Health; PhD, Preventive Medicine (Health Behavior Research); and the Biostatistics Division, which offers MS programs in Biostatistics, Molecular Epidemiology, and Applied and Biostatistics/Epidemiology. The division also offers PhD programs in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Molecular Epidemiology.
In addition, departments of the school have certificate programs in certain medical specialties.
The Medical Education Committee (MEC) is responsible for overall planning of the medical school curriculum. Separate curriculum committees plan and supervise the instructional programs for each year of medical school. Each of the committees includes student representatives and faculty members from the departments involved in each year's teaching program.
The curriculum of medical education at USC continues to emphasize preparation of the student to give optimal patient care. Students are progressively involved in patient care beginning with their first semester. The curriculum is patient-oriented, and students are expected to assume increasing responsibility for patient care as they acquire sufficient knowledge and skills. During the clinical experiences of the Junior/Senior Continuum students eventually attain a level equivalent to that of an intern.
At the same time, the school recognizes that the explosion of knowledge and techniques brought about by the current "biotechnology revolution" is rapidly altering the practice of medicine. During the four years of medical school, students cannot be taught all that will be needed for the practice of medicine — either now or in the years ahead. To a far greater degree than in the past, the present curriculum encourages students to acquire skills and habits of self-education and self-instruction that will prepare them for lifelong learning.
The faculty of the school recognize that while most students will eventually practice medicine, some will choose an academic research career. The plan of medical education fosters the development of individuals whose careers may be directed along this path. Faculty are available to counsel and encourage research participation by students during their medical school training.
The curricula of the Keck School of Medicine and its departments acknowledge the crucial place of basic medical science in the advance of modern clinical practice. Both basic and clinical science are taught throughout the four years of the undergraduate medical curriculum. Basic science is taught both as pure basic science and in correlation with clinical science. In addition, a number of the school's departments cooperate with the USC Graduate School to offer degree courses leading to the award of the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy. Most of these graduate courses may also be taken as part of the school's joint MD/PhD program.
The USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and the Keck School of Medicine offer an interdisciplinary minor in health care studies. This minor is targeted to those undergraduates who wish to pursue a postgraduate career in health care or health care related fields. The minor brings together a background in fundamental science necessary to understand the biological basis of medicine with course work that explores health care both in classroom and clinical settings. The minor requires a minimum of 28 units, at least 16 of which must be at the upper-division level. If the core required courses listed below are already included in a student's major, then other lower division courses may be selected from the electives list.
Students should consult their advisers in selecting courses. Depending on the major, prerequisites may increase total units required to complete this minor.
Students must choose a minimum of 16 upper division units from the following lists.
*Prerequisite required
Keith Administration Building 211
1975 Zonal Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90033
(323) 442-2372
FAX: (323) 442-2051
Email: nyquist@usc.edu
Program Director: Julie G. Nyquist, PhD
Professors: Donna Elliott, MD, EdD (Pediatrics); Jerry Gates, PhD (Family Medicine); Win May, MD, PhD (Medical Education); Julie G. Nyquist, PhD (Medical Education); Beverly Wood, MD, PhD (Medical Education)
Associate Professors: Kathleen Besinque, PharmD, MSEd (Pharmacy); Cha-Chi Fung, PhD (Medical Education)
Assistant Professors: Dixie Fisher, PhD (Medical Education); Lori Marshall, PhD, MSN (Pediatrics); Niurka Rivero, MD (Pediatrics); Samuel Yanofsky, MD, MSEd (Anesthesiology)
The Master of Academic Medicine is offered by the Keck School of Medicine in collaboration with the Schools of Dentistry and Pharmacy. The goal is to develop leaders who will create and enhance academic and training programs for health care professions globally. Academic medicine is defined in broad terms as relating to those who lead training worldwide in medicine or in other health care related fields. Enacting this vision is possible due to the flexible delivery model selected. The program employs a hybrid model, combining on-campus face-to-face sessions, blended with online course work. During the 32-unit program, the majority of sessions will be delivered using interactive online delivery methods. All students will also be on campus for one-week intensive sessions in the spring of each year, which focus on community building and the development and evaluation of skills.
The program addresses the unique population of medical and health professions faculty who are focused on leading the academic enterprise for health professionals at the undergraduate, graduate and continuing education levels. Our graduates will be positioned to guide future generations of health professionals around the world toward better meeting the health needs of our global society. For those with a clear focus on the academic enterprise, a complementary degree in academic medicine offers the specialized skills needed to lead worldwide development of enhanced training for health professionals, increases professional capacity and provides new opportunity for promotion. The audiences for this degree will typically have primary professional degrees in health fields (e.g., MD, DDS, DPT, RN, MSN, PA, DVM, DO, PharmD, DC, DOM). The Master of Academic Medicine will provide the needed complementary training for clinician educators.
Applicants for admission to the Master of Academic Medicine program are generally expected to have an advanced degree in a health profession. Proof of graduation is required. For applicants who do not have a degree in a health profession, a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution is required, a grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) is usually expected as well as satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test and three letters of recommendation. For specific information on admission and application procedures, contact the Office of Medical Education, (323) 442-2372.
Students are admitted for the academic year beginning in the fall, although those admitted prior to March 15 may enroll in summer courses. Although there is no formal application deadline, complete applications received before March 1 will be given priority. Application inquiries should be made to: Master of Academic Medicine Program, University of Southern California, Office of Medical Education, 1975 Zonal Avenue, KAM 211, Los Angeles, CA 90033, telephone (323) 442-2372.
A graduate GPA of at least 3.0 is required at all times. Any student whose graduate GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation who do not raise their GPA to 3.0 after two semesters of written notification of academic probation will be academically disqualified.
A minimum of 32 units of graduate-level course work is required.
Six units of electives may be selected from the recommended courses below, or these may be replaced with approved courses at the 500 level or within USC that equal 6 units.
Keith Administration Building 200
(323) 442-2965
Email: msclnbio@usc.edu
Program Co-Directors:
Stanley P. Azen, PhD, Professor, Co-Director of Biostatistics, Preventive Medicine, Co-Director CETCD
Michael L. Paine, BSc, BDS, PhD, Associate Professor, Director, Graduate Program in Craniofacial Biology
The Master of Science in Clinical, Biomedical, and Translational Investigations (CBTI) is a joint effort to train medical students, fellows or other health professionals, including faculty and other scientists conducting clinical related research, in clinical research methods to translate clinical, biomedical and technological discoveries into advances in population-based, clinical or basic science research. The MS Program of Clinical, Biomedical, and Translational Investigations (CBTI) is available to medical students who have completed their second year of medical school, and pre-doctoral students who are interested in expanding their pre-doctoral training to include methodology associated with conducting translational research. Pre-doctoral students will earn a joint degree (PhD in their research area and an MS in CBTI). In addition, the MS CBTI Program is tailored to MDs doing fellowships at USC or Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), faculty interested in expanding their research careers, or are recipients of Young Investigator Awards, including Southern California Clinical Translational Science Institute's (SC CTSI) Center for Education, Training, and Career Development K and T Awardees. Tracks include: 1) Clinical Translational Research, 2) Community-based Intervention Trials, 3) Design, Conduct and Analysis of Clinical Studies, 4) Epidemiology and Disease Etiology, 5) Health Outcomes Research, 6) Environmental Epidemiology, 7) Molecular Biology, 8) Cell Biology, 9) Vision Science and 10) Alternative Options Track.
The MS program in Clinical and Biomedical Investigations is designed to train students, fellows and faculty for future independent research careers in an academic, government or private sector setting. The objective of the MS program is to produce a clinical researcher with either an in-depth knowledge in laboratory methodologies or statistical and analytic skills in population-based, clinical studies or outcomes research. The program gives students a solid background in the methodological aspects of translational research, and in statistical thinking as applied to molecular epidemiology, as well as a solid grounding in biostatistical, epidemiological methods, and community based intervention strategies.
Applicants must apply to the Graduate School and meet the minimum requirements for admission to the Graduate School. The Departments of Preventive Medicine, Cell and Neurobiology, Family Medicine, and the Center for Education, Training and Career Development (CETCD) jointly administer the program through the MS Program Office.
The program will consider applicants who satisfy all requirements for admission to the Graduate School. For the MS program in Clinical and Biomedical Investigations, MCAT scores may be substituted for the GREs. Applicants not meeting Graduate School requirements for regular standing may, with approval of the Graduate School, be conditionally admitted. Regular standing is contingent upon maintaining a GPA of 3.0 in the first 12 units of graduate studies. All graduate students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 throughout their graduate studies.
Graduation requires the completion of a minimum of 29 units, of which a minimum of 15 units are didactic course credits taken in the first year (including summer sessions), with the remaining units being directed to: a) PM 590 Directed Research (1–12 units ) and PM 594a Master's Thesis, PM 594b Master's Thesis (4 units) taken in the second year. The equivalent of one year of full-time effort must be devoted to research leading to a master's thesis. The thesis provides a structure for the development of a plan to address a research problem and a suitable approach to the analysis and presentation of the results.
Because the background and interests of applicants varies widely, one of the co-directors will consult with each student prior to the first year in order to design an individualized schedule of recommended courses, or this may be negotiated with a student's faculty sponsor. At the end of the first year, the trainee must submit a final program plan to the co-directors. This will summarize the courses taken, the proposed thesis title, and the names and credentials of the MS thesis committee. One of the members of the MS thesis committee will be the trainee's research adviser and will serve as the chair of the committee. At least one member of the thesis committee must be from outside the student's department. For faculty, at least two members of the thesis committee must be from outside the student's department.
For those trainees or SC CTSI's CETCD K and T awardees who do not wish to pursue an MS degree, the school offers a certificate in clinical, biomedical, and translational investigations (CBTI). The certificate program requires completion of 12 credits, and a minimum of six months of practical research experience working on a research project (PM 590) approved by either an Oversight Committee or the CETCD's K and T Award Committee Review Process.
Students are expected to attend the three day workshop on NIH proposal development if offered by Thomas Ogden, MD, PhD, and a workshop on the principles of scientific manuscript preparation.
Courses are determined by mentor and student, based on research interests, with approval from the oversight committee.
Participation is required in a Recent Advances Journal Club to learn how to read papers critically and develop the speaking skills necessary to explain a research paper. Faculty members in the program rotate as course directors in order to emphasize new topics. Students are expected to attend the three-day workshop on NIH Proposal Development if offered by Thomas Ogden, PhD, and a workshop on the principles of scientific manuscript preparation.
The MS in Global Biotechnology program is offered by the Keck School of Medicine. The Global Biotechnology program will combine a unique curriculum and distinctive practical training that exposes students to biotechnology and its specific applications in various fields. Drawing strength from the Keck School of Medicine faculty's education, research, practice expertise, and global connections, this program educates students on approaches used in the academic research, biotechnology, and medical sciences industries in the US and internationally. Students in this program will gain an understanding of the science and technology underlying diseases and interventions, the role of biotechnology in developing new therapies, the regulatory framework that will impact the use of new interventions, and an understanding of the private and public capital that will develop the growing biotechnology and biomedical markets.
Career options for graduates include, but are not limited to: field applications scientists, research scientists, outcomes research directors, technology licensing officers, clinical research scientists, analysts, consultants, managers, managing directors, operations directors, director of investment, business development, investor relations, COO, and founders of biotechnology companies, biomedical companies, and other entities that interact with these companies.
Admission requirements include a minimum GPA of 3.3 and an undergraduate major in biological sciences, or at least 6 bioscience courses in the molecular, cellular, genetics and biochemistry topics. All applicants considered for admission will be interviewed (in person or via video conferencing) with program director and/or other faculty.
All applicants are required to have taken the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test, the Dental Admission Test (DAT) or the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). A minimum score of 300 on the GRE, 18 on the DAT or 28 on the MCAT is required. Applicants beneath these standardized test score requirements are asked to consult with program staff for advisement. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from accredited institutions can submit their USMLE results in lieu of GRE, DAT or MCAT scores. Applicants must also supply three letters of recommendation from evaluators qualified to assess their potential for graduate work. Applicants must supply a completed application for graduate studies including: transcripts from all institutions previously attended, standardized test scores and three letters of recommendation.
The program recommends that students meet with an academic adviser of the program each semester prior to registration.
A graduate GPA of at least 3.0 is required at all times. Any student whose graduate GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation who do not raise their GPA to 3.0 after two semesters of written notification of academic probation will be academically disqualified. A minimum of 30 units of graduate level course work is required for graduation.
General requirements include at least 30 units of required courses as follows:
(Note: Students, who take 15 units of the required core courses, must take two additional units of electives to satisfy the 30 total unit requirements.)
Keith Administration Building 317
1975 Zonal Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9024
Tel: (323) 442-3141
FAX: (323) 442-1766
keck.usc.edu/msgm
Program Director: Elahe Nezami, PhD
The Master of Science in Global Medicine (MSGM) is offered by the Department of Educational Affairs of the Keck School of Medicine. The program aims to train medical, dental and pharmacy students; current physicians and allied health professionals; and those planning to pursue degrees in the allied health professions to analyze and address critical issues in global medicine. The program provides a solid foundation in basic science while also exposing students to a broad scope of pertinent issues in global medicine. The program offers an advanced standing option for physicians, dentists, current medical/dental students and applicants with a PharmD degree from accredited institutions. Students admitted to the advanced standing option may use previous equivalent course work for 8 units of credit toward MEDS 503 L Core Principles System I and MEDS 504 L Core Principles System II course requirements. The advanced standing option allows students to bypass the foundation course work and focus on globally oriented course work.
By providing the knowledge and training necessary to address current and future global medical challenges, the MS in Global Medicine program responds to the Institute of Medicine's recommendation that the education of health professionals include course work that promotes literacy in global medicine. In addition to gaining a strong medical science foundation, students are immersed in course work that examines methods used to create innovative programming, solutions and responses to global health challenges, thereby furnishing them with the problem-solving skills and analytical frameworks essential to their future career paths. Through partnerships with the Marshall School of Business and the Viterbi School of Engineering, the MS in Global Medicine also includes a management track for students who intend to pursue international health management. Upon completion of the MS in Global Medicine, students will be equipped to serve as leaders within the allied health field, including, but not limited to: medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and nursing. In addition, graduates will be prepared to collaborate with or seek employment from a variety of international aid, nonprofit, and global health organizations such as: the United Nations, the International Red Cross, United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS, United Nations Children's Fund, World Health Organization, World Bank and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Applicants for admission to the program must have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution and have earned a GPA of 3.0 (A = 4.0) in undergraduate work. Prerequisite undergraduate course work for Clinical Track applicants must include one year of general biology, one year of general chemistry, one year of organic chemistry and one semester of calculus. Applicants to the Management Track should consult with advisers for prerequisite exceptions.
All applicants are required to have taken the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test, the Dental Admission Test (DAT) or the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). A minimum score of 300 on the GRE, 18 on the DAT or 28 on the MCAT is required. Applicants beneath these standardized test score requirements are asked to consult with program staff for advisement. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from accredited institutions can submit their USMLE results in lieu of GRE, DAT or MCAT scores. Applicants must also supply three letters of recommendation from evaluators qualified to assess their potential for graduate work. If applying for the advanced standing option, U.S. applicants must have successfully completed their first year of an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) program or earned a PharmD degree from a U.S.- accredited institute; international applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree in medicine and surgery or a degree equivalent of DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or a PharmD degree from an accredited institute. Applicants must supply a completed application for graduate studies including: transcripts from all institutions previously attended, standardized test scores and three letters of recommendation. Applications are considered for enrollment in both fall and spring semesters. For further information contact: Master of Science in Global Medicine Program, 1333 San Pablo Street, MCA 144, Los Angeles, CA 90033, Tel: (323) 442-3141, email: msgm@med.usc.edu.
The program recommends that students meet with an academic adviser of the program each semester prior to registration.
A graduate GPA of at least 3.0 is required at all times. Any student whose graduate GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation who do not raise their GPA to 3.0 after two semesters of written notification of academic probation will be academically disqualified. A minimum of 32 units of graduate level course work is required for graduation from the clinical or management track. A minimum of 24 units of graduate level course work is required for graduation with the advanced standing option.
(GM Clinical track students must complete at least 20 GM elective units; GM Management track students must complete at least 12 GM electives units; GM Advanced Standing track students must complete at least 16 GM elective units)*
On a case-by-case basis, GM students and GM Management students may take classes outside their particular group.
*Students will take 8 units of electives that have a global focus, chosen in consultation with their adviser from among MEDS courses.
Students who do not wish to pursue an MS degree may earn a university certificate in clinical, biomedical, and translational investigations. The certificate program requires 12 didactic credits and a minimum of six months ( PM 590 Directed Research 3 units) of practical experience working on a research project approved by the faculty mentor and co-directors.
The certificate program in global medicine is for students who do not wish to pursue an MS degree in global medicine, but hope to pursue or expand careers in global health care. Students will study current topics in global health and health care, and will have a strong grounding in cultural competence, specific diseases, and creating and implementing health interventions in developing countries.
Students take 16 units of graduate course work that may not be used or have been used for any other degree or certificate program. These units include two core classes and eight units of electives, as follows:
Students will take 8 units of electives, chosen in consultation with their adviser, from among all MEDS courses numbered 510 or above. For example, there are groups of courses relevant to women's and family health; infectious diseases; health care in developing countries; working with diverse populations in the United States, etc.
Academic Director: Terry Sanger, MD, PhD, Provost Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Neurology, Biokinesiology, and Physical Therapy
Administrative Director: George Tolomiczenko, PhD, Assistant Professor, Neurology
This program offers current second-year USC PhD engineering students and first-year MD students an opportunity to learn about and gain experience in medical device and process innovation. Through project-based and interdisciplinary collaboration, students will augment their current programs with a set of courses and lab experiences linking medical and engineering research groups. By applying design-informed approaches toward problem identification and solution prototyping, students will be involved in all the steps of medical device innovation from conception to commercialization. The program aims to create interdisciplinary, boundaryspanning, inventive entrepreneurs seeking early practical experience with device and method innovation in health care. Program participants will form bonds with a group of like-minded medical students and engineers who will be their mentors, colleagues and contacts as they advance in their careers.
The courses unique to the program include a seminar sequence (Topics in Health, Technology and Engineering), which must be taken during the first two years of involvement with the HTE@USC program, a case studies sequence taken during the second year and a research course to earn project-related credits:
Other required courses that are part of the MD curriculum (PhD students enroll in INTD course versions of the same courses open only to HTE students on CR/NC basis):
Candidates interested in applying should contact HTE@usc.edu via email.
In response to the ongoing reorganization of health care delivery systems, and the growing awareness of the impact of business decisions on health care, the Keck School of Medicine and the USC Marshall School of Business jointly offer an innovative program for individuals seeking knowledge in both medicine and business administration. The program is designed to prepare its graduates to assume leadership in the design and management of health care systems.
The M.D./MBA program spans five years. Interested students apply during their second or third year of medical school, and begin required MBA courses following successful completion of the first two or first three years of medical school. The remaining time is devoted to the clinical clerkships of the Keck School of Medicine and completion of graduate business elective courses. At the conclusion of the program, students will have completed 48 units in the Marshall School of Business, including required and elective courses, and four years of courses in the Keck School of Medicine. Dual degree students may not count courses taken outside the Marshall School of Business toward the 48 units.
First and Second Years: Required medicine courses.
Third or Fourth Year: Required MBA courses and graduate business electives.
Remaining Years: Keck School of Medicine core, selective, and elective clerkships and graduate business electives.
Students who have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and have successfully completed at least two years in the Keck School of Medicine will be considered for admission to the Marshall School of Business. Requirements for admission to the regular MBA Program (with the exception of the GMAT) must be fulfilled by the medical student for admission to the Marshall School.
The M.D. and the MBA degrees are awarded simultaneously upon completion of their requirements by the Keck School of Medicine and the Marshall School of Business.
The joint M.D./MPH program at the Keck School of Medicine is designed for individuals who envision a medical career that combines public health and medical disciplines. Many individuals entering careers as medical doctors or public health practitioners wish to acquire not only medical practice competencies, but also an understanding of the history, organization, goals and philosophy of public health. The joint M.D./MPH program offers a broadbased orientation to public health while the student completes medical school requirements. The Master of Public Health degree provides increased knowledge of and sensitivity to the political, historical, economic and social environments of health promotion and health services delivery.
The M.D./MPH program spans five years (four years of medical school and one year of public health courses). Students begin the core MPH courses following the successful completion of the first two years of medical school. The last two years of the program are devoted to clinical clerkships of the School of Medicine and to the completion of the elective courses and practicum (field experience) of the MPH program. At the conclusion of the joint degree program, students will have completed 42–46 units in the Master of Public Health program and four years of courses in the Keck School of Medicine.
Students who are enrolled in the Keck School of Medicine must apply to the Master of Public Health program no later than January of their second year. All requirements for admission to the regular MPH program must also be fulfilled by dual degree applicants.
All students in the M.D./MPH program must meet course requirements, grade point average requirements and program proficiency requirements of both programs. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 in the MPH curriculum to meet graduation requirements.
The M.D. and the MPH degrees are awarded simultaneously upon completion of the Keck School of Medicine and the Master of Public Health program requirements. For more information, contact the MPH Program Office at (323) 442-7257.
The dual degree in Doctor of Medicine and Master of Science in Global Medicine will provide medical students with formal education in the field of global health. Students will benefit from a curriculum that supplements and strengthens their medical knowledge with additional expertise in cultural competence, the specific diseases that affect various populations worldwide, and the unique issues respective to practicing medicine in a developing country or in vulnerable, underserved populations domestically.
Current enrollment in the Keck School of Medicine MD program and successful completion of at least the first two years of the MD curriculum are required prior to submitting an application to the MS in Global Medicine program for admission to the dual degree program. Students must gain admission to and fulfill the degree requirements for both programs, which include four years of course work for the Doctor of Medicine and 24 units of the MS in Global Medicine (Clinical track only).
For the dual degree with Global Medicine Clinical Track, 24 GM elective units should be successfully completed. The MD and the MS in Global Medicine degrees are awarded simultaneously upon successful completion of both degree requirements.
For the dual degree with Global Medicine Clinical Track, there are no Global Medicine core unit requirements. Students enrolled in MD/MSGM dual degree will be eligible to apply 2 GM study-abroad elective units and 2 other GM elective units (except MEDS 503, MEDS 504, MEDS 520, MEDS 524 and MEDS 530a, MEDS 530b, MEDS 530c) toward their MD program elective requirements. GM Management Track electives cannot be applied toward either degree requirements.
Departments and programs of the University of Southern California and the California Institute of Technology participate in the joint MD/PhD degree program administrated by the USC Graduate School, the Keck School of Medicine and the California Institute of Technology. This program integrates the medical school curriculum with graduate curricula in the basic sciences, to provide a unified course of study leading to both the MD and PhD degrees.
This program is especially designed to prepare highly qualified students for careers in academic medicine and medical research. Formal course work and dissertation research provide the student with in-depth scientific preparation and research experience which enhances the application of basic science information to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Conversely, the PhD education becomes more meaningful because of its disease-oriented emphasis.
The curriculum for MD/PhD students differs from that of PhD graduate students in the basic sciences in that the former take medical school courses as well as selected graduate level basic science courses and specific courses designed for MD/PhD students. The integrated training of the MD/PhD program enables students to compress their total academic effort by applying some course work toward the requirements of both degrees. On average, completion of the combined program requires a total of eight years.
The following graduate programs from the Keck School of Medicine participate in the MD/PhD program:
Cancer Biology and Genomics
Development, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine
Medical Biology
Molecular Structure and Signaling
Biological Sciences/Neurosciences, Molecular and Computational Biology
Engineering
Preventive Medicine (Biostatistics, Epidemiology, IPR/Health Behavior, Molecular Epidemiology)
Selected graduate programs from the USC Viterbi School of Engineering and the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences also participate in the combined degree program.
Time limits for qualifying examinations and other procedures are determined by considering MD/PhD students as medical students for the periods when they are following the medical curriculum and as full-time graduate students during their years of graduate research prior to advancement to the Junior/Senior Continuum.
MD/PhD candidates have the option of pursuing a laboratory experience before beginning the Year I medical curriculum through a laboratory rotation at either USC or the California Institute of Technology. This laboratory experience is strongly encouraged although not required.
During the first two years of their program, MD/PhD students follow the medical school curriculum and gain added exposure to research faculty through a special survey course. Students are guided by the MD/PhD executive committee, which outlines the integration of the graduate program with the medical school curriculum and serves as the students' liaison until they have selected a graduate program and graduate research adviser. The graduate programs vary widely in the extent to which they allow credit toward the PhD for courses taken during the first two years of medical school. MD/PhD students are encouraged to select a graduate program by early spring of the second year of medical school. Students are required to apply for admission to the PhD program of their choice by the recommended deadline on the graduate application.
Prior to entering PhD studies, the Keck School of Medicine allows MD/PhD candidates the option of beginning their clinical training by taking one six-week required clerkship in either Family Medicine or Pediatrics. This can provide an early introduction to clinical medicine and a context for integration with the basic sciences of the thesis years.
Beginning with the third year of the MD/PhD program, students enter their selected program as full-time graduate students. Although the content of graduate courses required of MD/PhD students is generally identical to that required of PhD students in the same graduate program, MD/PhD students are permitted greater latitude in the scheduling of their graduate courses. Four years are commonly necessary to fulfill requirements for the PhD, including course work, qualifying examinations, independent dissertation research, and writing of the dissertation.
After completion of the graduate program, the student is advanced to the Junior/Senior Continuum and completes the final two years of clinical training required by the medical school curriculum. No portion of clinical training is deleted from the joint program. Prior to entering the clinical component of the joint degree, students will be expected to participate in a clinical shadowing experience, which could be done throughout the PhD studies or as part of an intensive program prior to entering the clinic. Students will also be required to participate in the Medical Scholars Program clinical tutoring skills program held in the spring of each year and re-take the Year II Objective Structured Clinical Examination at the end of May with the second year medical students.
A joint program between the Keck School of Medicine and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) was established for the granting of the MD/PhD degree. Students do their preclinical and clinical work at the Keck School of Medicine and their PhD work with any member of the Caltech faculty, including the biology, chemistry, engineering, applied sciences divisions and interdisciplinary programs divisions.
Admission to this joint program is made through the usual Keck/USC MD/PhD process. All applicants are interviewed at Keck School of Medicine and Caltech. Matriculated students in this program have the option of doing their PhD at USC or Caltech. The MD degree will be awarded from the Keck School of Medicine and the PhD from Caltech.
Further information about the MD/PhD program at the Keck School of Medicine may be obtained by contacting: MD/PhD Program, Keck School of Medicine, 1975 Zonal Avenue (KAM 200), Los Angeles, CA 90089-9023; (323) 442-2965, FAX: (323) 442-2318; email mdphdpgm@med.usc.edu.
The dual degree in Pharmacy and Global Medicine is designed for students who are interested in providing pharmaceutical care to underserved populations around the world. Students enrolled in this dual degree program will benefit from an advanced understanding of the role of, and issues surrounding, modern medicine in developing countries.
Students must gain admission to and fulfill the degree requirements for both programs, which include 138 units for the Doctor of Pharmacy and 24 units for the MS in Global Medicine. Six units of MEDS elective units can be used toward the PharmD elective requirement, and PHRD 503 and PHRD 504 substitute for MEDS 503 and MEDS 504.
Because MEDS 503 and MEDS 504, core requirements for the MS in Global Medicine program, cover the same material as PHRD 503 and PHRD 504, the PharmD/Global Medicine dual degree program substitutes PHRD 503 and PHRD 504 for MEDS 503 and MEDS 504 as core requirements for the dual degree.
The Keck School of Medicine awards the Doctor of Medicine to enrolled students who have satisfactorily completed the four-year curriculum of the school. This curriculum integrates instruction in all departments of the school: Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Dermatology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Department of Medical Education, Department of Medicine, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Neurological Surgery, Department of Neurology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Orthopaedics, Department of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Pathology, Department of Pediatrics, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Department of Preventive Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Surgery and Department of Urology.
The sections that follow provide a synopsis of the emphases and organization of this four-year curriculum.
The curriculum is designed to enhance the students' understanding of the basic sciences and their relevance to clinical medicine. The methodology used will improve students' problem-solving and independent study skills. Curriculum themes are delivered in a case-centered format with the integration of small-group learning sessions, directed independent study and newer instructional technologies emphasized.
Year I–II begins in the first semester with Foundations of Medical Sciences followed by organ system review ending with Integrated Case Study section. There is an eight-week summer break between the first and second years. Students also take Clinical Translational Research (CTR), Evidence Based Medicine (EBM), Introduction to Clinical Medicine (ICM) and Professionalism and the Practice of Medicine (PPM).
Each week of the academic year is composed of approximately 20 hours of lecture and small group sessions with an additional 20 hours of independent directed study, CTR, EBM, ICM and PPM. Examinations in all systems throughout the first two years are graded Pass/Fail. Dean's recognition is awarded on the basis of year-end comprehensive examinations and special projects.
This 19-week introductory system provides the student with the fundamental knowledge necessary for the integrated study of the basic and clinical sciences in the human organ systems. Foundations of Medical Sciences is divided into three sections: FMS I, II and III. The overreaching goal for these sections is the use of knowledge of medical science to describe basic concepts relating to the structure and function of the human body in normal and diseased states, and thus, provide a foundation for comprehending the disease-specific content required to achieve the case-based objectives in subsequent organ systems.
Cadaver dissection remains a unique teaching tool by which the three dimensional organization of the human body is studied. Gross Anatomy will begin in the Core Principles of health and disease system with the dissection of the body wall and major body cavities followed by head and neck dissection in the neurosciences system, limbs, dissection during the musculoskeletal system and pelvic cavity dissection in reproduction system. Continued study of gross anatomy by use of prosected anatomical specimens as well as computer programs, selected review lectures, and so on, continues throughout the integrated organ systems.
ICM expresses the strongly patient-centered orientation of the medical school curriculum. The student is introduced to patients and is involved in patient care activities from day one. Students are introduced to the principles of patient care and management and examine what it means to be a physician and how one becomes a physician.
The major content areas of the course include communication in the setting of illness, the unified concept of health and disease (the biopsychosocial model), basic clinical skills and the correlation of basic science with clinical medicine.
ICM emphasizes the systematic acquisition of the clinical skills of interviewing, history taking, physical examination, elementary clinical problem solving and medical record keeping. Throughout the Year I–II continuum, the ICM clinical skills curriculum is integrated with basic science instruction. Students can therefore learn and apply basic science knowledge in the clinical setting. By encouraging a thorough understanding of the direct applications of basic science research to modern clinical medicine, instructors motivate the student to learn, use and retain more of the content and concepts presented in the basic science portions of the curriculum.
A group of five or six students spends from four to eight hours each week with an instructor from the clinical faculty who remains with the group for one to two years. As the group deals with basic medical themes (death, pain and helplessness) and issues (patient responsibility, learning to live with ambiguity and uncertainty), instructors help students to cope with their own feelings. This format opens the door for student-faculty interaction and improvement of student-faculty communication.
Instructors encourage students to take advantage of the learning experiences provided by their roles as helping and therapeutic persons. Students develop their ability to communicate with patients in the setting of illness and are guided by patient concerns to enhance their own growing knowledge, skills, abilities and responsibilities. Students are expected to acquire skills and habits of self-education and self-instruction that will prepare them for lifelong learning.
The unified concept of health and disease presented in this course enables students to comprehend the human organism in all its complexity. Using their clinical experiences as a teaching model, students are taught to consider the patient as an integrated whole and to view the patient's illness or disease as more than simply a disruption of physiologic processes or a collection of physical findings.
Additional learning experiences occur through workshops and focus experiences. ICM workshops provide standardized instruction in history taking and physical examination, as well as integrated instruction in areas that cross disciplines. These include physician well-being, substance abuse, domestic violence, and ethics. Through focus experiences, students are encouraged to explore a variety of practice environments as well as community-based health and social services. For example, students may visit outpatient clinical settings, a geriatrics long term care facility, a hospice care facility or homeless services organizations.
The purpose of the PPM course is to create a community and social context to provide, identify and facilitate learning from professional role models for students throughout the first two years of the medical school curriculum, as well as to help students gain skills and competence in the areas of communication, the social and community context of health care, ethical judgment, self-awareness and reflection, self-care and personal growth, professionalism, cultural competence, and lifelong learning. The curriculum is dynamic and interactive, allowing for much small-group discussion and participation. Students are encouraged to work collaboratively and enhance small-group skills, in order to improve their participation in Introduction to Clinical Medicine (ICM), Gross Anatomy, MDL laboratories and large-group sessions, as well as to prepare them for the team work of their clinical years.
The PPM course sessions meet on Monday afternoons, typically for two hours per session. The students meet in groups with two faculty members, who serve as their mentors throughout the first year of their pre-clinical education; at least one mentor is a clinician. The clinical faculty comes from multiple disciplines within Keck and the local community. While the course features large lectures, there is a great emphasis on small-group learning acquired from community leaders, faculty-mentored small-group discussions, student presentations and student-led sessions.
The students participate in a core curriculum in Year I, which includes general topics such as cultural competence, ethics, health care policy and finance, professionalism, and empathy. In Year II, the students are allowed to select from nine different areas of interest (selectives), and meet in groups with faculty having expertise in the given area. Examples of selectives presented include advanced ethics, medicine and the mind, spirituality and medicine, medical arts and humanities, global health, complementary and alternative medicine, medicine's intersection with technology, physicians operating outside their comfort zones, and the future of health care.
The PPM course provides students with an opportunity to build a professional identity, develop relationships with faculty mentors, and increase team-building and community-building skills. Students receive an introduction to the concepts of professionalism and ethics, with a better understanding of their real-world implications. The PPM course encourages leadership while engaging in the process of learning, characterized by presentations within both small and large groups, as well as professional development through exposure to multiple professional, ethical, and cross-cultural scenarios, cases, and providers. Evaluation is provided through student submission of portfolios containing written self-reflections, responses to faculty and peer feedback, and evaluations completed over the course of a two-year longitudinal curriculum. Finally, PPM hones sensitivity and skills relevant to medical professionalism to better prepare students for their transition into the clinical years of the medical school curriculum.
This course, a series of on-line lectures accompanied by small group discussion sessions, is intended to introduce students to the methods of clinical and translation research (CTR) and prepare them for carrying out research as medical students. Students are required to complete a Required Scholarly Project (RSP) and this course will provide students with the basic skills and competencies needed to plan, conduct, and complete their RSP. Regardless of a student's future career path, the practice of medicine will be driven by the findings of CTR. Rapid advances in basic sciences, driven to new technologies such as genomics, have brought exciting new possibilities for identifying people at risk for disease, for identifying disease in its earliest stages, and in targeting therapies on an individual basis. On the verge of a new era of "personalized medicine", healthcare provision is driven by what is known about the characteristics of each individual and of the diseases that they may have.
CTR represents the research approach for moving from basic discovery in the laboratory to application in individual patients and in making populations healthier. Medical researchers have long carried out patientoriented or clinical research. The term CTR is more recent, coming into use over the last decade in recognition of the research continuum from basic discovery in the laboratory to application in patients and on to populations. One problem in bringing discoveries into practice has been a gap between the work of laboratory researchers and clinical investigators; CTR bridges that gap.
Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is the clear, conscientious, and prudent use of current best evidence in making patient care decisions. Evidence-based guidelines are considered to be the basis for decision-making in clinical practice, guiding screening, diagnosis and treatment. In a new era of health care reform, EBM will likely be given even greater weight and outcomes are tracked carefully in order to evaluate the effectiveness of guideline-driven care.
Evidence-based practice is primarily based on five well defined steps: 1) Asking Focused Questions: translation of uncertainty to an answerable question; 2) Finding the Evidence: systematic retrieval of best evidence available; 3) Critical Appraisal: testing evidence for validity, clinical relevance, and applicability; 4) Making a Decision: application of results in practice; and, 5) Evaluating Performance: auditing evidence-based decisions.
EBM foundational material is taught during Foundations of Medical Sciences I as part of the biostatistics and epidemiology curriculum. Along with the clinical and translational research series during the first year of medical school, this information lays the foundation for the EBM curriculum during the remaining years of instruction.
A sequence of study presenting integrated basic and clinical science instruction involving human organ systems — skin, hematology and clinical immunology, neurosciences, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, endocrine/metabolism, reproduction, gastrointestinal/liver — follows Foundations of Medical Sciences.
This section completes the second year of the Year I–II continuum and emphasizes patient-centered problems that integrate the basic and clinical science presented in the preceding organ systems. Students will explore the multi-organ effects of disease processes and reinforce diagnostic reasoning skills. In addition, concepts of pathophysiology, evaluation and management that can be applied to any organ system will be included. This section will also reinforce the appropriate use of medical information resources, effective self-directed learning skills, and interpersonal and group communication skills.
Separate review sessions of the important basic science and clinical concepts covered during the previous two years also occur during this seven-week section. These sessions will assist students in preparing to take Step I of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
By early spring of the second year of the Year I–II continuum, students are expected to select their academic clinical advisers and to begin arranging the schedule of clerkships to be taken during Year III–IV. By the end of the fall semester, Year II, each student receives information that describes the curriculum requirements of Year III–IV. Students choose the area of medical practice that they are most likely to pursue and an adviser is assigned from that discipline. The adviser counsels the student on clerkships and opportunities in graduate medical education.
The Required Scholarly Project (RSP) is designed to provide medical students with the opportunity to become engaged in hypothesis-driven research to promote analytical thinking skills and ultimately, physician leaders. The aim of the RSP is to expose students to the process of scientific inquiry, teaching them how to formulate an answerable question and the requisite methodology in seeking appropriate answers. Each student undertakes a faculty mentored research project in a discipline of his or her choice. Viable disciplines encompass a wide spectrum to include: biomedical research, from discovery to application, and health care, i.e., basic science, clinical, educational, behavioral science, health services, community and epidemiological activities. The RSP is interwoven with the curriculum, which includes didactic instruction on topics such as study design and biostatistics. The RSP is a longitudinal experience throughout all four years of medical school, with successful completion being required for graduation. Students with projects deemed meritorious by the RSP steering committee will receive "Distinction in Research" recognition at graduation.
The final two years of medical school are designed as a continuum of two calendar years, beginning in July at the end of Year II. During the spring of their second year, students schedule clerkship rotations to be taken during the two years. Each student's program is designed with the assistance of faculty advisers and includes 50 weeks of required clerkships, 16 weeks of selective clerkships and 16 weeks of elective clerkships.
All degree candidates are required to take Step I of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) prior to entering Year III or within six months of completion of Year II (whichever comes first). Students must pass Step I, II CK and CS of the USMLE as a graduation requirement.
During Year III–IV, each student may schedule up to 16 weeks of discretionary time for personal convenience, remedial work, funded research work and other non-curricular activities, such as investigating postgraduate training programs. Although every effort is made to provide flexibility in the scheduling of each student's program, some inherent limitations are imposed by the maximum enrollment permitted for each clerkship. Students are a vital part of the university's medical team, which provides health care for patients throughout the year. Vacations are therefore subject to some scheduling adjustments.
The Intersession curriculum is two, one-week sessions established for Year III students that will enable learners to pause, reflect and consolidate the many and varied clinical experiences that they encounter in their third year of medical school; to promote advanced clinical skills, professional development, health policy formulation and ethical decision-making, and patient safety; and to further prepare for the residency application process.
This individualized curriculum will allow students to revisit and focus basic-science topics through the prism of newly learned clinical material and to foster capacity for the analysis and formulation of health care policy in light of the political, economic, legal and social, and ethical dimensions of health care.
Students will be instructed in a systems-based approach to patient safety by stimulating the imagination, curiosity and skills of close observation and careful interpretation through engagement with the arts and humanities. Developing and building advanced clinical skills by acquiring, appraising and applying evidence in the context of individual patient decision-making, (i.e., Evidence Based Medicine) are two important goals of the Intersession curriculum.
Providing comprehensive, coordinated and consistent career advising along with fostering the continuing professional development of the learners in the frame of clinical practice are key components. Finally, the curriculum will provide ongoing instruction in the provision of culturally competent care and prepare learners for their required community project.
Students are required to schedule 16 weeks of selective clerkships, chosen from a list of four-week clerkships approved by the Clinical Curriculum Committee. Selective clerkships are carried out at USC-affiliated hospitals and encompass virtually all specialty areas. Information is available at medweb.usc.edu.
The elective period consists of 16 weeks, during which electives may be taken on campus, at USC-affiliated hospitals or at more distant medical schools or medical centers. Approved on-campus electives that are offered regularly are listed in the elective catalogue.
Proposals for other on-campus and off-campus electives are reviewed individually by a faculty adviser. All petitions must be submitted at least six weeks before the beginning of the rotation. Off-campus electives require documentation from the off-campus preceptor, endorsement of the student's medical school adviser, and prior approval and review by the Clinical Curriculum Committee. Credit is not given for electives until an evaluation has been received from the preceptor. Students with an academic deficiency may not schedule off-campus electives.
This course, designed for Year III medical students, will introduce students to the fundamentals of the business of medicine, including the nuts and bolts of medical business, practice management and law, physician leadership, health care finance, and health care quality and costs. The BOM course will be case-based and interactive, and facilitated by leaders in the fields of health care business and management.
This four-year curriculum begins with collaborative discourse about ethical problems to help students learn to identify, analyze and resolve clinical ethical problems. This exercise is followed by interim skill building/maintenance and by instructor-facilitated discussion of videotaped ethics cases.
In Year II, the program focuses on ethical discernment and action in simulated settings and the study of the human dimensions of medicine. Standardized patients interact with students to help teach the telling of bad news, and students also learn from the humanities about patients as persons. The program concludes with a forum theatre in which students must decide what action to take based on their own convictions.
Year III is devoted to ethics education by clinical role models and encompasses instruction in the core clerkship by ethical standard-bearers. Students also participate in home hospice care and pain management cases.
During Intersession, the program includes a series of sessions that focus on contemporary health care and the physician-in-society. The goal of the sessions is to provide students with the experience of integrating the principles, methods and bedside issues included in Years I–III of the program. Students practice applying the micro-level (individual/clinical) decisions to the ethical dilemmas and policy issues that face physicians at the mezzo-level (health care organizations), and to the macro-level (profession as a whole, state and nation). Topics include issues of professionalism; allocation of resources; the economics, organization and societal oversight of health care; and the care of dying patients.
USC offers students the opportunity to take a full year of research experience with either a Keck School of Medicine faculty mentor or an approved faculty mentor at another institution. This program is open to any student in good academic standing who has completed his or her first year of medical school. Students interested in the option should identify a faculty preceptor and present a description of the proposed research program and funds available in support of the program to the director of the fifth-year research option. Application for this program is made through the Office for Student Affairs (KAM 100B) and will be supervised through the Office of the Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Educational Affairs (KAM 100D). A stipend, comparable to that received by a graduate student at the postgraduate level, is available for selected dean's research scholars pursuing this option.
Return to: Keck School of Medicine of USC
The Keck School of Medicine of USC is adjacent to the Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center — one of the largest teaching hospitals in the United States. Keck's faculty, students and residents serve more than one million patients each year through the Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center, the USC Norris Cancer Hospital, the Keck Hospital of USC, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and a network of USC-affiliated hospitals throughout Southern California. Photo by Chris Shinn Photography.
Founded in 1885, the Keck School of Medicine of USC is part of Keck Medicine of USC, a major center of medical research, education and patient care with more than 1,500 full-time faculty members and a voluntary faculty of more than 4,000 physicians. Faculty includes national leaders in each of its 25 clinical and basic science departments. Located on the university's 30.8-acre Health Sciences Campus three miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles, the Keck School is adjacent to the Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center, one of the largest teaching hospitals in the United States.
The Keck School's faculty, students and residents serve more than one million patients each year through the Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center, the USC Norris Cancer Hospital, the Keck Hospital of USC, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, USC Verdugo Hills and a network of USC-affiliated hospitals throughout Southern California. More than 500 faculty physicians care for patients with complex medical needs as well as provide primary care.
The Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research of USC, which opened in the fall of 2010, joins the Harlyne J. Norris Cancer Research Tower and USC Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute in providing state-of-the-art facilities for important scientific discovery. With more than $248 million in total federal research support, the Keck School ranks among the top U.S. medical schools in federal funding.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC is at the forefront of medical education and was among the first medical schools to adopt Introduction to Clinical Medicine courses for first-year students, providing direct experience in patient care from the start.
Carmen A. Puliafito, MD, MBA, Dean, May S. and John Hooval Dean's Chair in Medicine
Ted J. Budge, MS, Senior Associate Dean, Chief Operating Officer
Thomas A. Buchanan, MD, Vice Dean, Research
Henri R. Ford, MD, MHA, Vice Dean, Medical Education
Judy Garner, PhD, Vice Dean, Faculty Affairs
D. Brent Polk, MD, Vice Dean, Clinical Affairs (CHLA)
Melany Duval, BA, Senior Associate Dean and Associate Vice President for Health Sciences Development
Donna D. Elliott, MD, EdD, Senior Associate Dean, Student and Educational Affairs
Lili Delcampo, JD, Associate General Counsel for Health Sciences
Raquel D. Arias, MD, Associate Dean, Admissions
Glenn Ault, MD, Associate Dean for Clinical Administration (LAC+USC Medical Center)
Ronald Ben-Ari, MD, Associate Dean, Continuing Medical Education, and Assistant Dean, Curriculum
Peggy Farnham, PhD, Associate Dean, Graduate Affairs (PhD Programs)
Inderbir Gill, MD, Associate Dean, Clinical Innovation
Stephanie Hall, MD, Associate Dean, Clinical Affairs (Keck Medical Center)
Laura Mosqueda, Associate Dean, Primary Care
Elahe Nezami, PhD, Associate Dean, Graduate Affairs (Undergraduate, Master's and Professional Degree Programs)
Lawrence M. Opas, MD, Associate Dean, Graduate Medical Education
Michele T. Pato, MD, Associate Dean, Academic Scholarship
Pamela Schaff, MD, Associate Dean, Curriculum
Uttam Sinha, MD, Associate Dean, Surgical Simulation
Maura Sullivan, EdD, Associate Dean, Stimulation Education for Health Sciences
Stuart P. Swadron, MD, Assistant Dean, Pre-health Undergraduate Studies
Paul M. Thompson, PhD, Associate Dean, Bioinformatics Research
Rohit Varma, MD, MPH, Associate Dean, Strategic Planning and Community Network Development
Althea M. Alexander, Assistant Dean, Student Diversity
David Baron, DO, MS, Ed, Assistant Dean, Global Relations
Gerhard Coetzee, PhD, Assistant Dean, Research Integrity
Cha-Chi Fung, PhD, Assistant Dean of Educational Affairs
Tatum Korin, EdD, Assistant Dean of Graduate Medical Education
Joyce Richey, PhD, Assistant Dean, Educational Affairs
Frank R. Sinatra, MD, Assistant Dean, Faculty Development
Darcy Spicer, MD, Assistant Dean, Clinical Research Studies
Sajjad Yacoob, MD, Assistant Dean, Student Affairs
Ruth Wood, PhD, Associate Dean, Appointments and Promotions
Keith Administration Building 100B
1975 Zonal Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9021
(323) 442-2552
FAX: (323) 442-2433
Associate Dean, Admissions: Raquel D. Arias, MD
The Keck School of Medicine of USC Committee on Admissions is responsible for selecting members of the entering class. The committee comprises both faculty and students. The committee reviews candidates whose academic achievement, commitment to service and personal qualities distinguish them from the many thousands of applicants who apply.
The applicant's undergraduate major may be in any subject area from an accredited college or university. Although sound preparation in the basic sciences is essential, a background in the humanities, and depth and breadth of personal experience are also important.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC participates in the centralized American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) and also requires the submission of the Keck School of Medicine supplemental application. Approximately 7,500 applications are received per year and 750 applicants receive interview invitations. Interviews begin in mid-September and end in early March. Students receive acceptance letters beginning in October.
All applicants to the Keck School of Medicine of USC MD degree program must have completed a baccalaureate degree, or its equivalent, from an accredited college or university prior to matriculation. The school has no specific course requirements. Strong applicants will have distinguished themselves in their chosen field of study and have demonstrated competency in the sciences at the time of their application. The Medical School Admission Requirement (MSAR) guide may be referenced for recommended course work. The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is required, and scores must be from within the previous three years of the date of matriculation.
International applicants must hold a degree considered equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree as evaluated by the USC Office of Graduate and International Admissions.
Individuals who have discontinued studies in medical school for academic reasons are not eligible to apply to the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
The MCAT is required of all applicants. Applicants to the entering class are required to take the MCAT within the previous three years of the date of matriculation and no later than August in the year that the application becomes available. Scores from administrations of the examination taken outside of this time period will not be accepted.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC participates in the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). AMCAS reproduces and distributes an application and standardized academic record to participating medical schools designated by the student. Applications are submitted electronically at www.students/applying/amcas.
Applications are available after June 1 for the class entering in August of the following year. Applications to USC must be returned to AMCAS before November 2, but earlier application is encouraged.
The Committee on Admissions reviews all information submitted on the AMCAS application as well as the school's supplemental application. The nonrefundable supplemental application fee is $100.
Personal interviews are a required aspect of the application process. Interviews are conducted at the Keck School of Medicine on the Health Sciences Campus of the University of Southern California.
Notices of acceptance will be sent to successful candidates beginning in October until the class is filled. Since Keck uses a rolling admissions process, it is highly recommended to submit a completed application early in the cycle. If not chosen for an interview, candidates are usually notified by March of the application year.
Candidates must reply to an offer of admission and agree to the Essential Characteristics and Abilities Required for the Completion of the MD Degree within 10 business days of receiving the offer of admission. A letter of withdrawal, via email or post mail, is required if students wish to relinquish their place in the class; release is granted automatically when the letter is received.
The Keck School of Medicine has developed an MD/PhD program designed for individuals who aspire to a career in academic medicine or a leadership role within the biomedical industry. Students are expected to acquire the modern skills that are required for physician competence. Additionally, the MD/PhD program provides an opportunity for the development of research expertise and academic excellence while fulfilling the requirements for a PhD degree.
A joint program between the Keck School of Medicine and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) was established in fall 1997 for the granting of the MD/PhD degree. PhD studies may be carried out at Caltech or through collaboration between two laboratories at both institutions. The MD will be awarded from the Keck School of Medicine and the PhD will be awarded from Caltech.
The MD/PhD executive committee is responsible for selecting students for the MD/PhD program. Members of the committee review the qualifications of each applicant, including MCAT scores, academic performance, letters of recommendation and research experience. The committee interviews candidates and then selects students for admission to the program. All applicants to the joint program interview at Keck School of Medicine and the California Institute of Technology.
The MD/PhD program enrolls three to six students annually. Students have the option of doing the PhD at USC or Caltech. Each student accepted to the program must also be accepted to the Keck School of Medicine. All positions are fully funded.
Admission requirements for the MD/PhD program are those of one of the graduate programs at Caltech, the Keck School of Medicine and USC. Students select the program of their choice during the first two years of the medical curriculum; descriptions of these programs are available from each department or program and Caltech.
To assist the MD/PhD Committee in its evaluation of candidates, applicants to the MD/PhD program are encouraged to provide recent GRE scores. The committee does not, however, require GRE scores in order to consider an application.
Applicants to the Keck School of Medicine are advised to request information about the MD/PhD program at the time of application. In addition to completing the medical school application, applicants should indicate their interest in the MD/PhD program.
Students who are currently pursuing the medical curriculum at the Keck School of Medicine may apply to the MD/PhD program by contacting: MD/PhD Program, Keck School of Medicine, 1975 Zonal Avenue (KAM 200), Los Angeles, CA 90089-9023; (323) 442-2965, FAX: (323) 442-2318.
All applicants are screened by members of the MD/PhD Executive Committee; candidates who meet the basic criteria of the program are then invited to be interviewed by members of the committee and faculty at USC and Caltech.
Students selected for acceptance to the MD/PhD program are notified between November and May of each year. Students begin their program in the fall semester and register for courses in the medical curriculum at that time.
Further information about the MD/PhD program at the Keck School of Medicine may be obtained by contacting: MD/PhD Program, Keck School of Medicine, 1975 Zonal Avenue (KAM 200), Los Angeles, CA 90089-9023; (323) 442-2965, FAX: (323) 442-2318; email: med.mdphdpgm@med.usc.edu.
Admission standards for these curricula are established jointly by the Keck School of Medicine, its participating programs and the Graduate School.
Applicants to graduate degree programs offered at the Keck School of Medicine must meet the general criteria for acceptance to the Graduate School. Each participating program may have additional requirements for application. The programmatic requirements for the Keck School of Medicine's graduate programs are detailed in the Graduate Degree Programs section.
Further information about graduate degree programs at the Keck School of Medicine may be obtained by contacting: Office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies, Keck School of Medicine, 1975 Zonal Avenue (KAM 409), Los Angeles, CA 90089-9023; (323) 442-1607, FAX: (323) 442-1199.
The tuition and fees listed below are estimated for fall semester, 2013. All fees are subject to change without notice by action of the University of Southern California Board of Trustees. The university reserves the right to assess new fees or charges. Tuition is not refundable; late registration fees are mandatory and cannot be waived.
Tuition for each semester of the medical school curriculum is due and payable at the beginning of the semester. Registration is not permitted after the third week of instruction. Late payment of tuition is subject to a mandatory late fee. Average budgets for medical students will vary according to their year in the curriculum. Sample budgets for Year I, Year II, and the Junior/Senior Continuum may be requested from the Office of Financial Aid. Tuition, mandatory fees and parking are the same for all years.
Tuition for courses of the graduate curriculum is based upon the number of units assigned to each course. The Graduate Degree Programs section provides a department-by-department list of graduate course titles; the number following each title indicates the number of units for which tuition is charged. Late payment of tuition is subject to a mandatory late fee.
| Academic Year Tuition (two semesters) | $54,662 |
| Graduate Tuition (per unit) | 1,602 |
| Student Health Service Fee (annual) | 545 |
| Student Programming Fee (graduate) | 80 |
| Student Services Fee | 20 |
| Norman Topping Scholarship Fee | 16 |
| Health Insurance | 1,712 |
| Annual Dental Rate | 136 |
| Malpractice Insurance | 25 (per academic year) |
| Disability Insurance | 51 (per academic year) |
Parking fee, per semester (see Tuition and Fees).
The Keck School of Medicine employs a system of evaluation and grading designed to encourage student self-reliance, to stimulate the student's independent quest for knowledge and to promote excellence in academic achievement.
For courses of the medical curriculum, the Keck School of Medicine does not award numerical or letter grades. The evaluation process leading to a pass or fail grade is based on performance of the student in relation to announced course criteria. Throughout medical school, students will be evaluated on their fund of knowledge, problem-solving ability, professional behavior, relevant personality traits and clinical and interpersonal skills. Additional information on grading and evaluation is contained in the handbook provided to every enrolled medical student.
Faculty instructors are responsible for establishing evaluation criteria appropriate to the objectives of each course, discipline and clerkship, and for specifying the manner in which evaluative information is to be gathered. Instructor comments on student performance form an integral part of a student's total evaluation. For each evaluation, descriptive comments based on the student's overall performance in relation to course criteria are submitted for permanent file to the office of the senior associate dean for student affairs, and educational affairs, together with performance reports.
The student's permanent file is used to prepare a letter from the senior associate dean of Student Affairs and Educational Affairs of the Keck School of Medicine, which accompanies student applications for internships and residencies. These records are maintained by the Office of Student Affairs; students may review their records during regular office hours by scheduling an appointment. During the lifetime of the physician, the permanent student record may be consulted as evidence of completion of the required curriculum and as certification for licensure.
Grading and evaluation policies for graduate degree programs and for joint MD/PhD degrees are established in conjunction with the Graduate School. In general, courses taken in partial fulfillment of graduate degree requirements receive letter grades that are recorded by the university.
The Keck School of Medicine and its departments offer types of curricula leading to award of: the Doctor of Medicine; joint MD/PhD; joint MD/MBA; joint MD/MPH; MD/MS, Global Medicine; a Master of Academic Medicine, MAM; Global Medicine, MS; PharmD/MS, Global Medicine; Global Health, BS; Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies, BS; graduate degrees in conjunction with the Graduate School in Applied Biostatistics/Epidemiology, MS; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, MS; Biostatistics, MS, PhD; Cancer Biology and Genomics, PhD; Cell and Neurobiology, MS; Clinical, Biomedical and Translational Investigations, MS; Development, Stem Cells, and Regenerative Medicine, PhD; Epidemiology, PhD; Experimental and Molecular Pathology, MS; Medical Biology, PhD; Molecular Epidemiology, MS, PhD; Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, MS; Molecular Structure and Signaling, PhD; Nurse Anesthesia, MS; Physiology and Biophysics, MS; Psychology and Public Health, PhD/MPH; Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MS; Integrative Biology of Disease, PhD.
The Department of Family Medicine has one academic division: the Division of Physician Assistant Studies, which offers the Master of Physician Assistant Practice.
The Department of Preventive Medicine has two academic divisions: the Health Behavior Research Division, which offers a BS, Global Health; BS, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies; BS, Global Health/Master of Public Health; BS, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies/Master of Public Health; Master of Public Health; PharmD/Master of Public Health; PhD, Physical Therapy/Master of Public Health; PhD, Preventive Medicine (Health Behavior Research); and the Biostatistics Division, which offers MS programs in Biostatistics, Molecular Epidemiology, and Applied and Biostatistics/Epidemiology. The division also offers PhD programs in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Molecular Epidemiology.
In addition, departments of the school have certificate programs in certain medical specialties.
The Medical Education Committee (MEC) is responsible for overall planning of the medical school curriculum. Separate curriculum committees plan and supervise the instructional programs for each year of medical school. Each of the committees includes student representatives and faculty members from the departments involved in each year's teaching program.
The curriculum of medical education at USC continues to emphasize preparation of the student to give optimal patient care. Students are progressively involved in patient care beginning with their first semester. The curriculum is patient-oriented, and students are expected to assume increasing responsibility for patient care as they acquire sufficient knowledge and skills. During the clinical experiences of the Junior/Senior Continuum students eventually attain a level equivalent to that of an intern.
At the same time, the school recognizes that the explosion of knowledge and techniques brought about by the current "biotechnology revolution" is rapidly altering the practice of medicine. During the four years of medical school, students cannot be taught all that will be needed for the practice of medicine — either now or in the years ahead. To a far greater degree than in the past, the present curriculum encourages students to acquire skills and habits of self-education and self-instruction that will prepare them for lifelong learning.
The faculty of the school recognize that while most students will eventually practice medicine, some will choose an academic research career. The plan of medical education fosters the development of individuals whose careers may be directed along this path. Faculty are available to counsel and encourage research participation by students during their medical school training.
The curricula of the Keck School of Medicine and its departments acknowledge the crucial place of basic medical science in the advance of modern clinical practice. Both basic and clinical science are taught throughout the four years of the undergraduate medical curriculum. Basic science is taught both as pure basic science and in correlation with clinical science. In addition, a number of the school's departments cooperate with the USC Graduate School to offer degree courses leading to the award of the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy. Most of these graduate courses may also be taken as part of the school's joint MD/PhD program.
Return to: Keck School of Medicine of USC
Keith Administration Building 409
1975 Zonal Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9031
(323) 442-1609
FAX: (323) 442-1199
Email: pibbs@usc.edu
pibbs.usc.edu
Program Director: Ite A. Laird-Offringa, PhD
The USC PhD Programs in Biomedical and Biological Sciences (PIBBS) is a gateway program into graduate studies at the USC Health Sciences Campus, leading to a PhD degree in a broad range of biological and biomedical disciplines.
PIBBS students experience a common first-year curriculum that will build a solid foundation in biomedical and biological sciences. Students are required to complete 25 units of core classes during the fall, spring and summer semesters of the PIBBS year, including courses in cell biology, molecular biology, human genetics and genomics, biostatistics, bioethics and scientific writing. Students will also complete three research rotations during the first year.
At the end of the spring semester of the first year, students will select a faculty adviser and a specific PhD program from among the four participating programs listed. In the second year, students will take classes that will differ depending on the PhD program they join; second year classes may include, but are not limited to, topics such as biochemistry, epidemiology, stem cell biology, molecular genetics, cancer, human genomics, immunology, and physiology. In addition, each student will complete qualifying examinations for the chosen PhD program and will develop and complete an original research project that will serve as the basis for a doctoral dissertation.
Cancer Biology and Genomics
Development, Stem Cells, and Regenerative Medicine
Medical Biology
Molecular Structure and Signaling
Application Deadline (priority review): December 1
Applicants to PIBBS should have a baccalaureate degree in natural sciences, or sufficient courses in mathematics and the life sciences. This is required to provide a strong background for studies in biomedical and biological research. Appropriate undergraduate degrees include biology, physiology, engineering, chemistry or computer science.
Applicants should have a strong record of academic achievement and satisfactory performance on the general and advanced portions of the GRE. Other requirements for admission include: a detailed statement of purpose as well as three letters of recommendation, one of which should be from a wet laboratory or computational research mentor. Previous research experience is expected. Students are admitted for the academic year in the fall semester. Applicants who are accepted with minor deficiencies are expected to correct these during the first year following enrollment. Although there is no formal application deadline, complete applications received by December 1 will be given priority.
Admitted students are supported by research assistantships or fellowships during their graduate career. Tuition, health insurance and health fees are also covered.
During the first year, students register for INTD 790 Research (4 units in the fall semester and 3 units in the spring semester) and rotate through the labs of three faculty members of the program (potential research advisers). By the first summer of graduate study, but no later than after 12 months in the program, each student is expected to have selected a faculty mentor/research adviser.
See PIBBS Required Core Curriculum and Research
Admission to the Keck School of Medicine PhD program is open to all incoming PIBBS students provided all PIBBS admission requirements are met and all first year course and lab rotation requirements have been satisfactorily completed. Students from other sources, such as MD/PhD students and clinician scientists, may also be eligible on a case-by-case basis.
In general, new graduate students apply for admission to USC through the PhD programs in Biomedical and Biological Sciences (PIBBS), and become enrolled in one of four PhD programs at the Keck School of Medicine after the successful completion of the PIBBS year. During the PIBBS year, students must complete the core curriculum of 25 units, maintain a 3.0 grade point average with no grade lower than a C on all courses and must complete three laboratory rotations in order to continue into a PhD program.
Application information is available by contacting the PIBBS Program at pibbs@usc.edu.
A minimum of 60 units of graduate course credits is required for the PhD, including course work, seminars, research and dissertation units. No more than 8 units of 794 may be applied toward the PhD degree. Students must complete the first year PIBBS core curriculum as well as course requirements for their specific PhD program. Thirty units of course work, including the PIBBS core curriculum, must be completed before they are considered for the qualifying examination. Additional course work relevant to the research interests of the student may be required by the student's qualifying exam committee or by the student's faculty adviser.
After 30 units of course work, which includes the PIBBS core curriculum and course requirements for one of the four PhD programs, the student, in consultation with his/her faculty adviser, will nominate five faculty members to serve on the guidance committee for the qualifying examination. A minimum of three of the faculty must be from the student's PhD program, and one must be a faculty member from outside the PhD program. The chair of the guidance committee must be a member of the student's PhD program and the faculty adviser is not allowed to be on the committee (but may be a silent presence during the exam). These nominations are submitted to the chair of the program for formal appointment.
Students in the PhD program must pass both the written screening and the oral portions of the qualifying examination administered by their guidance committee during the second year of graduate study.
The written screening exam involves writing a research grant proposal. The deadline for completion of the written screening is January 5 of the second year. Students who receive a failing score will be allowed one resubmission, with a deadline of April 5 of the same year. The written portion must be passed before the oral portion can be taken.
The oral examination must be completed no later than September 1 of the beginning of the third year and only after successful completion of the written screening exam. The oral examination consists of two parts. The first part consists of a presentation of the proposed thesis research. The second part consists of an open forum in which the guidance committee asks general questions on any topic related to the student's research.
Final evaluation of the examination is determined by a consensus of the guidance committee. If a student fails, it is at the discretion of the committee to allow the student to repeat the oral examination within 60 days. A second failure will be grounds for dismissal from the program.
Recommendation for advancement to candidacy for the PhD degree is made on the basis of the successful completion of the qualifying examination, course requirements and the student's maintenance of at least a 3.0 GPA. A student who has not been recommended for advancement to candidacy at the end of the first semester of the third year will be dismissed from the program.
After advancing to candidacy, each graduate student presents a progress report to his or her dissertation research committee. Prior to the meeting, the student prepares a short written document describing significant experiments, problems and projected studies. This document is distributed to the committee and is included in the student's file. The ARA meeting is intended to be a working session between the student and his or her committee; experimental results and problems are discussed with this context. In addition the student presents a research plan for the next year of work. A satisfactory ARA is required of every student for each year of residence after the completion of the qualifying exam. A final ARA is required the semester before the student is permitted to defend the dissertation.
After advancement to candidacy, the student must form a dissertation committee, in consultation with their faculty adviser. A minimum of three committee members must be selected, one of which is the faculty adviser, and at least one of which must be a tenured or tenure-track faculty member of the student's PhD program. One committee member may be non-tenure track. The chair of the dissertation committee must be a member of the student's PhD program and may not be the faculty adviser. The dissertation committee is responsible for counseling the student during preparation of the dissertation and conducting the final oral examination during the dissertation defense. Students are expected to meet with the dissertation committee once per year to discuss progress.
Dissertation committee members are expected to read and comment on a dissertation within two weeks from its submission. The student and faculty will coordinate a timeline for the student to present the thesis to the dissertation committee. This timeline must allow all dissertation committee members enough time to fulfill their responsibilities within the four-week deadline.
The student's research is reported in a dissertation written under the guidance of the dissertation committee. The dissertation must demonstrate the student's capacity for independent research, scholarly achievement and technical mastery of a special field. Students should have at least one first author publication accepted in a peerreviewed journal before the defense.
When the final draft of the dissertation is ready, the student will take the final oral defense. Students must submit their dissertation to the dissertation committee at least one month before the student expects to make final revisions; committee members are expected to respond within two weeks.
The dissertation defense is a formal public presentation of the student's research before the program faculty and students. Dissertation defenses must be publicized at least two weeks prior to the oral defense.
All doctoral candidates must be registered in 794 Doctoral Dissertation each semester (excluding summer sessions) from the time of their advancement to candidacy until their dissertation is approved and submitted to the Graduate School.
The PhD program in Cancer Biology and Genomics (CBG) focuses on training investigators in strategies to understand the mechanisms of cancer development and progression which includes cell biological and genomic approaches. The ultimate objective is to translate basic findings into diagnostics, treatments and ultimate cures. The program applies a multidisciplinary approach toward these goals, with the full realization that cancers in different organs represent different diseases. However all cancers relate to uncontrolled cell proliferation with many cancers having a strong genetic predisposition. Consequently, major features of this program include the breadth of medically related interests and training and faculty characterized by wide and varied skills in many cancer-related research areas. To facilitate the application of multidisciplinary approaches to make cancer a disease of the past, close and regular contact between participating faculty of different disciplines and students is a major theme of this PhD program.
Cancer Biology and Genomics students are required to take CBG 580 and INTD 504 and must complete a total of 4 units from the following: INTD 549, INTD 685, PM 512, PM 517a, PM 517b, PM 533*, PM 534*, PM 570*, PM 579, PM 599, MPTX 500 or other courses approved by the academic adviser. In the second year, students are required to register for INTD 575 in the fall and spring semesters. In the third and subsequent years, students should register for INTD 600 every fall and spring semester. In addition, students are required to complete at least 4 units of CBG 794a Doctoral Dissertation, CBG 794b Doctoral Dissertation.
PhD students must supplement course work by registering for CBG 790 Research during the fall, spring, and summer semesters as needed to complete the minimum 60 units required for the PhD program.
As part of the requirements for the PhD degree in Cancer Biology and Genomic, students must adhere to the unit/course requirements, guidance committee and dissertation committee guidelines and must complete the qualifying examination, annual research appraisal, and dissertation and oral defense as outlined in the sections following the descriptions of the PhD programs.
*Course requires prerequisite.
The goal of the PhD program in Development, Stem Cells, and Regenerative Medicine is to train the next generation of investigators in the history and practice of developmental and stem cell biology. The ultimate aim is to understand how the genomes of animals are translated into complex morphological forms, and to apply this basic knowledge to the emerging field of regenerative medicine. Close and regular contact between participating faculty of different disciplines and students is expected to facilitate the application of multidisciplinary approaches toward regenerative medicine.
Development, Stem Cells, and Regenerative Medicine students are required to complete DSR 542 and at least 2 units from the following: DSR 610, DSR 620, INTD 504 or other courses approved by the faculty adviser. In the second and subsequent years, students are required to register in DSR 574 every fall and spring semester. In addition, students are required to complete at least 4 units of DSR 794a Doctoral Dissertation, DSR 794b Doctoral Dissertation.
PhD students must supplement course work by registering for DSR 790 Research during the fall, spring and summer semesters as needed to complete the minimum 60 units required for the PhD program.
As part of the requirements for the PhD degree in Development, Stem Cells, and Regenerative Medicine, students must adhere to the unit/course requirements, guidance committee and dissertation committee guidelines and must complete the qualifying examination, annual research appraisal, and dissertation and oral defense as outlined in the sections following the descriptions of the PhD programs.
The objective of the PhD program in Medical Biology (MEDB) is to educate investigators to develop strategies to translate and implement knowledge from cellular, molecular and genetic advances into studies of normal human organ system function as well as mechanisms of human organ system dysfunction in disease and how to reverse this dysfunction by medical treatment. Animal disease models as well as clinical trials in patients are frequently used to advance this field.
The program applies multidisciplinary approaches to understanding the human organism as a whole. Breadth of medically related interests and training are major features of this track and wide and varied skills in many research areas characterize the faculty. To facilitate application of multidisciplinary approaches, close and regular contact between participating faculty and students is a major theme of this PhD program.
The MEDB program caters to MD/PhD students, clinician scientists and PIBBS students interested in but not limited to the following fields: immunology (including cancer immunology), virology (including cancer virology), microbiology, physiology and pathology (for example: diabetes, obesity, autoimmunity, infectious diseases, gastro-intestinal and liver diseases, heart and lung diseases, hypertension, central nervous system diseases, etc.)
Medical Biology students are required to complete 8 units from the following courses: INTD 504, INTD 522, INTD 549, INTD 550, INTD 551, INTD 572, INTD 573 or other courses approved by the faculty adviser. In the second and subsequent years, students are required to register in INTD 574 every fall and spring semester. In addition, students are required to complete at least 4 units of MEDB 794a Doctoral Dissertation, MEDB 794b Doctoral Dissertation.
PhD students must supplement course work by registering for MEDB 790 Research during the fall, spring and summer semesters as needed to complete the minimum 60 units required for the PhD program.
As part of the requirements for the PhD degree in Medical Biology, students must adhere to the unit/course requirements, guidance committee and dissertation committee guidelines and must complete the qualifying examination, annual research appraisal, and dissertation and oral defense as outlined in the sections following the descriptions of the PhD programs.
The goal of the PhD program in Molecular Structure and Signaling is to train students to become future leaders in biomedical and related fields. The Molecular Structure and Signaling program includes structural biology of proteins, lipids and nucleotides and signaling mechanisms by these molecules. The program encourages students to tackle important molecular problems with a high degree of difficulty and learn about creative thinking, experimental design and problem-solving skills. The Molecular Structure and Signaling program emphasizes elucidation of novel mechanisms and insights into important biomedical problems. In addition, the program promotes its students to become master communicators in science. Prior to graduation, PhD students must demonstrate their understanding of the research, elucidation of a novel structure and/or signaling mechanism and a clear interpretation of its potential for developing novel diagnostics and therapeutics.
Molecular Structure and Signaling students are required to complete: INTD 549, INTD 571, INTD 575 and INTD 600. Other courses may be substituted with the approval of the Molecular Structure and Signaling executive committee. In the second and subsequent years, students are required to register in INTD 575 every fall and spring semester. INTD 600 must be taken every fall and spring semester in years two through four. In addition, students are required to complete at least 4 units of MSS 794a Doctoral Dissertation, MSS 794b Doctoral Dissertation.
PhD students must supplement course work by registering for MSS 790 Research during the fall, spring and summer semesters as needed to complete the minimum 60 units required for the PhD program.
As part of the requirements for the PhD degree in Molecular Structure and Signaling, students must adhere to the unit/course requirements, guidance committee and dissertation committee guidelines and must complete the qualifying examination, annual research appraisal, and dissertation and oral defense as outlined in the sections following the descriptions of the PhD programs.
Return to: Keck School of Medicine of USC
Nurse Anesthesia Program
1540 Alcazar Street
Center for Health Professions #205
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9012
(323) 442-2037
FAX: (323) 442-1701
Email: uscnap@usc.edu
keck.usc.edu/nurse-anesthesia
Program Director: Michele E. Gold, PhD
Associate Program Director: Teresa Norris, EdD
Assistant Program Director of Clinical Services: Kären Embrey, EdD
Chair and Professor: Philip Lumb
Professor of Pediatrics and Anesthesiology: Randall Wetzel
Professors of Clinical Anesthesiology: Jack Berger; Mary Joseph; Ronald Katz; Duraiyah Thangathurai; Vladmir Zelman
Associate Professors of Clinical Anesthesiology: Steven Haddy, Jeffrey Lee; Michele Gold; Rajesh Patel; Steven Richeimer; Earl Strum
Assistant Professors of Clinical Anesthesiology: Rudolfo Amaya; Dimiter Arnaudov; Tawfik Ayoub; Armin Azad; Jason Bang; Maxim Benbassat; Martin Bohorquez; Kari Cole; Ahmed Darwish; James Daniel; Kären Embrey; Maria Espi; Gligor Gucev; Wayne Kaufman; Mona Kulkarni; Rodney McKeever; Mariana Mogos; Rana Movahedi; Ali Nemat; Teresa Norris; Shatel Patel; Catherine Rodziewicz; Ashraf Sedra; Fayez Takla; Candace Tay; Chelsea Varner; Samuel Yanofsky
Instructors of Clinical Anesthesiology: Roberta Ashley; Deborah Avnet; Gina Basehore; Brindusa Bauer; Paula Belson; Douglas Brannan; Ryan Brown; James Carey; Jennilyn Casalme; Johnny Cheng; Kim Coscina; Rebecca Darnell; Judith Franco; Jessica Frazier; Charlotte Garcia; Katharine Getz; Dolores Gibbs; Amy Gilb; Sarah Giron; Elizabeth Bamgbose; David Godden; Jennifer Hogan; Dina Hunt; Monique Jabbour; Kelsey Johnson; Kim Jones-Tang; Rory Keenan; Vadim Kuraev; Benjamin Lindsey; Jennifer Loshonkohl; Victoria McKinzie; Cameron Meyer; Cathy Ngo; Aileen Nguyen; Arthur Norcliffe; Michelle Olivares; Margaret Oliveto; Robert Olsen; Patricia Omoto; Nilu Patel; Nancy Perez; Erin Peters; Gabriel Punsalan; Christina Quinn; Ellie Rawson, Dhanya Renjith; Ilene Richards; Sara Rondinone; Susan Shenkosky; Michelle Smith; Tahira Smith; Helen Stepan; Crystal Trinooson; Regalado Valerio; Rhona Wang; Annie Wiley; Kelly Zhou
The nurse anesthesia program prepares qualified nurses in the specialty of nurse anesthesia and qualifies the graduate to sit for the certification examination given by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists. The graduate attains a high level of clinical competence with an extensive body of didactic knowledge relevant to the specialty and advanced practice nursing. The mission of the USC Program of Nurse Anesthesia is scholarly education and professional development of future nurse anesthetists with the academic strength and leadership skills to advance our profession.
Students enrolling in the MS, Nurse Anesthesia course of study must complete the nurse anesthesia core curriculum and specialty practicum. The program consists of 47 units and is completed in 27 months of continuous enrollment (seven semesters; the first semester 2-unit course is provided in a hybrid online platform). There is an optional one-semester clinical fellowship offered in the eighth semester of enrollment to provide specialty training in a clinical area of choice: critical care, cardiovascular, neurosurgical, ambulatory anesthesia or pain management. Students may sit for the certification examination during this semester.
The program is based in the Department of Anesthesiology, and classroom instruction is provided by nurse anesthesia program faculty and faculty from the Department of Anesthesiology, the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, and the Department of Cell and Neurobiology within the Keck School of Medicine, as well as clinical faculty from the program clinical sites. Clinical training occurs at Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center, Keck Hospital of USC, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Long Beach Veterans' Administration Medical Center and West Los Angeles Veterans' Administration Medical Center for the primary rotations. Advanced rotations occur at those sites, as well as Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Northridge/Hallmark Pain Management and Surgery Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center and UCLA Medical Center.
General requirements for admission include a minimum 3.0 undergraduate grade point average, a minimum score on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination of 300 (or a score of 1000 on the GRE prior to September 2011), completion of the university and Program supplemental application, current licensure as a Registered Nurse, a bachelor's degree in nursing or a related field from an accredited university or college, submission of an essay describing the applicant's career goals, professional resume and three letters of reference.
Competitive applicants will be interviewed and must demonstrate an acceptable understanding of the role and responsibilities of certified registered nurse anesthetists. Shadowing experience of CRNAs must be demonstrated. Selections are made on the basis of the formal interview and consideration of a variety of factors that include academic record, type and amount of clinical experience and professionalism.
The admission requirements also include appropriate undergraduate course work in biology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics and statistics (or nursing research). A minimum of one year of experience in critical care nursing as a registered nurse is required. Licensure as an RN in California and current BCLS, ACLS and PALS certifications are required prior to enrollment. Conversational Spanish is strongly recommended.
During the program, students must have a personal computer or notebook with Internet. The primary mode of program communication is email. Computer accounts are provided by the university to all students and can be activated online.
Prospective students should contact the program's admission office, (323) 442-2037 or uscnap@usc.edu for evaluation of previous course work and clinical background.
Admission procedures follow the information in the USC Graduate School section of this catalogue. Admission standards for the USC nurse anesthesia program are established jointly by the Keck School of Medicine, the USC Graduate School and the Department of Anesthesiology. Interested students should apply online at usc.edu/admission/graduate/apply. Additional admissions requirements and the supplemental application must be obtained from the nurse anesthesia program and can be requested through email at uscnap@usc.edu or accessed at keck.usc.edu/nurse-anesthesia.
All students will take the Self-Evaluation Examination (SEE) administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists twice while in the program. Student scores must be above the national mean for advancement into the research capstone experience.
Return to: Keck School of Medicine of USC
1333 San Pablo Street, MCA 51-A
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9151
(323) 442-1145
FAX: (323) 442-2494
Email: janet.stoeckert@usc.edu
http://keck.usc.edu/en/Education/Academic_Department_and_
Divisions/Department_of_Biochemistry_and_Molecular_Biology.aspx
usc.edu/pibbs
Michael R. Stallcup, Chair and Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Zoltan A. Tokes, Vice Chair for Master of Science Program
Joseph G. Hacia, Vice Chair for Medical Education
Catherine and Joseph Aresty Chair in Urologic Research: Chih-Lin Hsieh
Ralph Edgington Chair in Medicine: Zea Borok
Judy and Larry Freeman Chair in Basic Science Research: Amy S. Lee
H. Leslie Hoffman and Elaine S. Hoffman Chair in Cancer Research: Peter A. Jones
William M. Keck Chair in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Peggy Farnham
J. Harold and Edna L. LaBriola Chair in Genetic Orthopaedic Research: Baruch Frenkel
Rita and Edward Polusky Chair in Basic Cancer Research: Michael Lieber
Provost Professor of Medicine and Pharmacy: Michael Kahn
Professors: N. Arnheim (Biological Sciences); Z. Borok (Medicine); E. Cadenas (Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology); P.V. Danenberg; Y.A. De Clerck (Medicine); R. Farley (Physiology and Biophysics); P. Farnham; B. Frenkel (Orthopaedics); C.L. Hsieh (Urology); D. Johnson; M. Kahn; V.K. Kalra; R. Langen; A.S. Lee; M. Lieber (Pathology); F.S. Markland, Jr.; R.E. Maxson; M.E. Nimni (Pediatrics); P. Patel; D. Polk (Pediatrics); M.R. Stallcup; Z. Tokes; A. Warshel (Chemistry/Nobel Prize)
Associate Professors: W. An; P. Cannon (Pediatrics); I.S. Haworth (Pharmacy); J. Hacia; Y. Hong (Surgery); I. Laird-Offringa (Surgery); P. Laird (Surgery); R.D. Mosteller; S. Reddy; J. Rice; H. Sucov (Cell and Neurobiology); T. Ulmer
Assistant Professors: R. Bajpai (Dentistry); S. Curran (Bio-Gerontology); M. Frey (Pediatrics); A. Kobielak (Otolaryngology); C. Lien (Pediatrics); A. Merrill (Dentistry); W. Lu; A. Siemer
Assistant Professors of Research: T. Miki; S. Swenson; D. Weisenberger; S. Zhong
The USC Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology prides itself on maintaining a broad-based approach to various aspects of biochemical and molecular biological research. In 2010, the department received more than $10 million in research funding for its primary faculty members.
Altogether, the department numbers 49 primary and joint-appointment faculty members, who conduct research in a variety of areas including: molecular biology and genetics of development and cell differentiation; mammalian and human genetics; DNA methylation, replication, recombination and repair; membrane transport; kinetics and mechanism of enzyme action; protein structure-function interrelationships; carcinogenesis and cancer chemotherapy; and stem-cell biology.
The department also has major research programs in the molecular basis of control and regulation of gene expression, epigenetics, molecular mechanisms of signal processing and transduction, developmental and stem cell biology, detailed analysis of macromolecular structure and function, the biochemistry and molecular biology of the brain, and genetic medicine including gene therapy.
The department's exceptionally strong research into various aspects of the biochemistry and cell biology of cancer is internationally recognized. Ongoing research programs in this area include mechanism of action of cancer chemotherapeutic agents, tumor cell invasion and metastasis, and cancer cell epigenetics and gene regulation.
Many members of the department are members of the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, USC Institute for Genetic Medicine (IGM), USC Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute (ZNI), Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, and Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA).
The USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center maintains a microchemical core facility that includes capabilities for gas phase protein sequencing, amino acid analysis, peptide synthesis, DNA synthesis and sequencing. The Institute for Genetic Medicine maintains a customized microarray core facility. Other facilities available to support the research of members of the department include mass spectroscopy, transgenic mice, flow-cytometry, biostatistics, microchemical resource for DNA, and protein sequencing and synthesis core facilities.
The primary offices and laboratories of the department are located on the Health Sciences Campus.
The prerequisite for applicants to the graduate program in biochemistry and molecular biology is a bachelor's degree with an undergraduate major in one of the natural sciences. Undergraduate course work should have included organic chemistry, the physics and mathematics required of a chemistry major and some courses in the biological sciences. A course in general biochemistry is also required, but may be taken during the period of graduate study. Previous course work in physical chemistry is strongly recommended. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in the natural sciences (including mathematics) is normally required.
Applicants must pass satisfactorily the general portions of the Graduate Record Examinations. In addition, the department requires at least three letters of recommendation from faculty members who can evaluate the applicant's potential for graduate work and independent research.
Faculty members of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology participate in a variety of interdisciplinary PhD programs. Students interested in pursuing a PhD degree in the fields related to biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, and genetics should apply to USC's Programs in Biomedical and Biological Sciences (PIBBS). Applications for the PhD Programs in Biomedical and Biological Sciences should be submitted online through the PIBBS Website (usc.edu/pibbs).
Applications should be submitted before the application due date specified on the PIBBS Website. Applications for the MS program in biochemistry and molecular biology can be obtained from the department at the address listed below. In addition to the university application, a supplemental departmental application must be completed and returned with transcripts, GRE scores and letters of recommendation to: Graduate Admissions Committee, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 1333 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9151.
Students admitted to PIBBS are awarded fellowships which pay for tuition and provide a stipend. No fellowships are available for master's degree students.
The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology offers a program for the Master of Science degree. The primary objectives of this program are to provide the necessary theoretical preparation for biochemical careers and to expose students to biochemistry and molecular biology related research activities culminating with the Master of Science degree. Goals of the program are to train students in preparation for (1) further doctoral study, (2) advanced biochemical research positions in industry and academia and (3) teaching positions at the community college level.
In general, admission requirements are the same as for the Doctor of Philosophy degree. The prerequisite for applicants to the graduate program in biochemistry is a bachelor's degree with an undergraduate major in one of the natural sciences. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in the natural sciences (including mathematics) is normally required. Applicants must satisfactorily pass the general and advanced (chemistry, or biology or molecular biology) portions of the Graduate Record Examinations. In addition, the department requires at least three letters of recommendation from faculty members who can evaluate the applicant's potential for graduate work and independent research. Demonstrated proficiency in the English language is required. Special circumstances may provide consideration for conditional admission.
The master's degree in biochemistry and molecular biology requires 34 units of elective graduate study to be determined by the student's advisory committee. Fourteen or more course units must be taken in biochemistry and molecular biology; eight units may be pursued outside the department. Students interested in the commercial aspects of biotechnology may take courses focusing on business entrepreneurship, finance, management and marketing in the USC Marshall School of Business. Master's students have the option of completing a research thesis allowing state-of-the-art laboratory-based investigation or a non-research-based theoretical thesis. Upon approval, a maximum of 10 units of directed research in biochemistry will be applied to the degree. Up to six units of graduate course work taken outside of USC may be applied toward the MS degree. Flexibility exists to plan each student's program to suit individual needs, ambitions and background.
Return to: Keck School of Medicine of USC
Keith Administration Building 400
1975 Zonal Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9037
(323) 442-1145
FAX: (323) 442-2494
Email: janet.stoeckert@usc.edu
Professor and Chair: Mikel H. Snow
W.M. Keck Provost Professor of Neurogenetics, Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Psychology and Pharmacy: Pat Levitt, PhD
Professors: J. Chen; M. E. Fini; P. Levitt; A. McDonough; T.H. McNeill*; J.E. Schechter*; M. Snow; R. I. Wood*; S.Y. Ying
Associate Professors: G.H. Albrecht*; K. Eagleson; J.A. Garner*; R. Gopalakrishna*; J.D. Miller; P. Elyse Schauwecker; H. Sucov*; Q-L Ying
Assistant Professors: G. Adams; A. Bonnin; K. Chang; G. Crump; G. Field; M. Habib; F. Mariani; B. Patel; H. Tao; M. Winfield; H. Wu
Emeritus Professor: Dwight Warren III
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
The Department of Cell and Neurobiology provides interdisciplinary training in molecular, cellular and systems biology. Ongoing programs explore basic mechanisms in molecular and cellular neurobiology, neurogenetics, endocrinology, pharmacology, stem cell biology and vertebrate evolution. Disease-oriented research, bridging basic and clinical disciplines, investigates inherited or acquired disorders in vision, stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and steroid abuse. The challenge is to weld interdisciplinary activities into a conduit for transferring basic science discoveries into more effective and innovative clinical interventions in the treatment of disease-related disabilities.
The Department of Cell and Neurobiology has 24 primary faculty members.
The Department of Cell and Neurobiology is dedicated to excellence and state-of-the-art training and education in molecular and cellular aspects of normal function and in acquired or genetic disorders that cause human disease. Professional and intellectual development is fostered through a broadly based curriculum from which students can tailor a menu of specialization and by a supportive environment of faculty interactions. Graduate education is designed to prepare the student for a lifetime of learning, exploring the limits of research, teaching and creative activities.
The graduate program offered in cell and neurobiology provides a flexible, individualized course of study directed toward developing independent, resourceful scholars. The major thrust of this program is devoted to students training for the PhD degree but study toward the MS degree is also possible.
Master of Science
The prerequisite for applicants to the MS graduate program in cell and neurobiology is a bachelor's degree with a science major or equivalent. Applicants should have a superior undergraduate record at an accredited college or university. Additional requirements include three letters of recommendation and satisfactory performance on the general and advanced (biology or chemistry) portions of the Graduate Record Examinations. Students are normally admitted for the academic year beginning in the fall; however admission to the master's program can begin in the spring semester with approval from the Graduate Admission Committee. Application deadline for the following academic year is January 1.
Doctor of Philosophy
Doctoral candidates interested in working with CNB faculty in the areas of neural, computational, cognitive and behavioral science should apply through the Program in Biomedical and Biological Science (PIBBS). Applicants interested in working with CNB faculty as part of the MD/PhD program should apply directly to the Keck School of Medicine.
(No longer accepting applications)
The prerequisite for applicants to the MS graduate program in cell and neurobiology is a bachelor's degree with a science major or equivalent. Applicants should have a superior undergraduate record at an accredited college or university. Additional requirements include three letters of recommendation and satisfactory performance on the general and advanced (biology or chemistry) portions of the Graduate Record Examinations. Students are normally admitted for the academic year beginning in the fall; however admission to the master's program can begin in the spring semester with approval from the Graduate Admission Committee. Application deadline for the following academic year is January 1.
The Master of Science degree is awarded for demonstrated competence in the cell biological sciences, broadly defined. Two options are available: (1) a non-thesis MS program based entirely on course work followed by a comprehensive examination; and (2) a thesis MS program that includes fewer courses but requires a written thesis based on original laboratory research. Students take courses both from the Department of Cell and Neurobiology and other departments to obtain a broad appreciation of structure and function. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. The Master of Science candidate may engage in teaching if this is beneficial to the individual program.
Students in the non-thesis program must complete a minimum of 34 units of graduate level courses (500 or higher) beyond the baccalaureate degree.
Non-thesis students must take 16 units from the following list of courses: BISC 421, BME 552, BME 575, BME 670, BME 671, CNB 501a, CNB 501b, CNB 511a, CNB 511b, CNB 512, CNB 513, CNB 521, CNB 525, CNB 534, CNB 631, INTD 504, INTD 531, INTD 555, INTD 561, INTD 571, INTD 572, INTD 573, MICB 551, NSCI 524. All students must pass additional courses totaling 18 units. All course work must be approved by the student's graduate adviser and the chair of the graduate program.
Students in the thesis program must complete a minimum of 38 units of graduate level courses (500 or higher) beyond the baccalaureate degree.
The regulations for thesis students are the same as specified above, except the student is required to take only 12 units from the course list and an additional 16 units from other departmental or non-departmental courses. Students will also take 6 units of CNB 590. The thesis MS student is required to take at least 4 units of Master's Thesis (CNB 594). All course work must be approved by the student's graduate adviser and the chair of the graduate program.
Return to: Keck School of Medicine of USC
Division of Physician Assistant Studies
Primary Care Physician Assistant Program
1000 South Fremont Avenue
Unit 7, Building A11, Room 11-150
Alhambra, CA 91803
(626) 457-4240
FAX: (626) 457-4245
Email: uscpa@usc.edu
usc.edu/pa
Program Director: Kevin Lohenry, PhD, PA-C
Medical Directors: Ignacio DeArtola, MD; Raymond Waliany, MD
Professor of Clinical Family Medicine: D. Lie, MEd, MD
Associate Professor of Clinical Family Medicine: : C. Feifer, DrPH
Assistant Professors of Clinical Family Medicine: I. DeArtola, MD; C. Forest, MSHS, PA-C; L. Landry-Taylor, MA, PA; K. Lohenry, PhD, PA-C; A. Vallejo, PhD; R. Waliany, MD; Emily WhiteHorse, MA Ed, PA-C
Instructors of Clinical Family Medicine: M. D'Aquila, MACM, PA-C; M. Maldonado, MPH, PA-C; D. Mayo, MPAS, PA; J. Tramel, MS-HPE, PA-C; A. Walsh, MMSc, PA-C; J. Wegler, MMS, PA-C
The faculty listed above are faculty with the Primary Care Physician Assistant Program at USC.
The Primary Care Physician Assistant Program at USC prepares students to practice medicine under the supervision of a physician. Students earn a Master of Physician Assistant Practice (MPAP) degree upon completion of the program.
The MPAP degree program offered by the Division of Physician Assistant Studies is part of the Department of Family Medicine. Preclinical instruction is provided by physician assistant program faculty and faculty from other departments within the Keck School of Medicine, the USC School of Pharmacy, other divisions within the Health Sciences Campus, as well as clinicians from the surrounding communities. Emphasis is placed on primary care medicine and caring for medically underserved populations. Clinical training occurs at various clinical sites throughout the greater Los Angeles region, including the Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Long Beach Memorial Family Practice Residency, private offices and managed-care settings, community-based clinics, VA facilities and specialty settings.
Students complete eight, six-week clinical clerkships in emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, orthopedics, pediatrics, general surgery, women's health, and a one-week mental health/behavioral medicine clerkship. These clerkships emphasize the development of necessary clinical skills as well as learning how to work as part of a health care team. The Primary Care Physician Assistant Program at USC is committed to recruiting diverse applicants and preparing graduates to practice in medically underserved communities.
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Primary Care Physician Assistant Program at USC sponsored by the University of Southern California. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.
Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be September 2018. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.
The program is approved by the Physician Assistant Committee (PAC) of the Medical Board of California. Graduates must pass the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam to qualify for licensure throughout the United States.
The program participates in the Pi Alpha Honor Society, which is the national Physician Assistant honor society organized for the promotion and recognition of both PA students and graduates. Membership signifies the inductees' significant academic achievement and honors them for their leadership, research, community/professional service and other related activities. The society also encourages a high standard of character and conduct among students and graduates. Students are encouraged to apply for this honor during their final semester in the program, but selection is done via an application process and review by current members of the society.
Application to the Physician Assistant Program requires completion of a bachelor's degree (in any discipline) from a regionally accredited four-year institution and completion of academic prerequisite requirements.
Admission to the program is for the fall semester only. Admission is granted by the physician assistant admissions committee after careful review of all applications. Selections are made on the basis of a formal interview (for competitive applicants) and consideration of a variety of factors which include: academic record, type and amount of clinical experience, multicultural sensitivity, community service experience and professional experience.
Applicants are required to submit an application through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) as well as a USC Supplemental Application by November 1 of each year. Further details regarding admission procedures including those for international student applicants are provided online at usc.edu/pa.
The Physician Assistant Program does not accept transfer students, nor do we allow advanced placement based on prior education or clinical experience. Each applicant who is admitted is required to complete the full Master of Physician Assistant Practice curriculum in residence at USC. No waivers or substitutions are permitted.
Students receive information regarding registration procedures during an orientation program held the week before classes begin.
Information sessions are available for prospective students who would like to receive more information regarding the program. Applicants are encouraged to attend one of the program's information sessions where PA faculty and staff describe the program, the application process and answer general questions. Information sessions are held on the Alhambra Campus, Building A11. Contact the PA Program for further details and RSVP at uscpa@usc.edu or call (626) 457-4240. The information session schedule may be viewed at usc.edu/pa.
A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and completion of all prerequisite course work are required for admission to the Physician Assistant Program.
A one-year general biology sequence with lab and a one-year general chemistry sequence with lab, each course designed for science majors. All science prerequisites must be completed within 10 years of application to the program.
Three semester units or 4 quarter units of each of the following: human anatomy with lab; human physiology with lab; and microbiology with lab.
Distance learning courses are acceptable provided they are equivalent in all dimensions (including laboratory requirements) to courses taught in "traditional" educational settings (e.g., hybrid courses). All distance learning course credit must be provided by regionally accredited institutions of higher education.
Students are expected to have a strong competency in medical terminology.
All science prerequisites should be completed within 10 years of application to the program. Exceptions to the 10-year science prerequisite time frame may be granted on an individual basis to those individuals who have completed one of the following: 1) at least 8 semester units of graduate credit in a medically related natural science discipline with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or better, completed within seven years of the application deadline, or 2) received an advanced degree in the natural or clinical sciences (e.g., MS, DVM, PharmD, PhD, MD) within 10 years of the application deadline. In either case, all course work completed and degrees conferred must be from institutions of higher education accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. Requests for this 10-year exemption should be directed to the chair of Admissions.
Three semester units or 4 quarter units of each of the following: general psychology and statistics.
Two semesters of beginning college level Spanish language earned through course work or by placement examination. There are no language substitutions or waivers.
Two semester units or three quarter units of English composition are required for international applicants only. AP course work is acceptable.
Students who intend to apply to the Physician Assistant Program should contact the admission office for evaluation of previous baccalaureate and/or post-baccalaureate course work.
Applicants are required to take either the GRE or MCAT examination. The examination must be taken within five years of the application deadline of November 1. Official scores of the general and analytical sections of the GRE must be submitted to USC by using the Institutional Code 4852 (departmental code is not necessary). Applicants with MCAT scores must provide their AAMC verification code to the USC PA Program. GRE or MCAT scores must be submitted by November 1. The PA Program expects that all applicants earn a combined quantitative and verbal GRE score of no less than 1,000 (on the older version of the exam) and 295 (on the newer version of the exam).
"Hands-on" patient care experience is preferred. Most successful applicants typically have 2,000 hours or more of paid clinical hours and have worked as one of the following: emergency medical technician, licensed vocational nurse, medical assistant, medical scribe, medical technologist, military medical corpsman, paramedic, psychiatric technician, physical therapy aide, radiological technician, respiratory therapist or registered nurse. Other health care experience is equally acceptable as long as the experience is "hands-on" in nature.
Shadowing a physician assistant in a clinical setting is expected. This activity provides the applicant with the upclose experience needed to understand the role and responsibilities of the PA and may help the applicant make a better informed decision in choosing a career as a physician assistant.
Community service activities/projects are expected of all applicants. Service which benefits medically underserved or disadvantaged populations is preferred.
The completion of the 33-month professional curriculum is required to earn the Master of Physician Assistant Practice degree. Students do not have choices of courses to take nor are they permitted to drop any course or courses during the semester. Progress is permitted only when the prior semester is successfully completed. Students should view the curriculum outlined here as advisory only and subject to modification.
A summative evaluation is conducted on each student during the sixth and final semester of the program to verify that each student is prepared to enter clinical practice.
All accepted candidates are required to meet the PA program's technical standards (physical and psychological competencies of performance) prior to entering the program and throughout training. Upon acceptance, students will be required to submit and maintain evidence of current health status and immunizations. Specific details outlining these technical standards are located at usc.edu/pa.
The Primary Care Physician Assistant Program at USC is a full-time program. Students are strongly discouraged to accept or continue outside employment while enrolled in the program. Students are not permitted to work for the program.
All USC Physician Assistant students are required to pass a background check prior to admission to the Master of Physician Assistant Practice (MPAP) Program.
All students in the Master of Physician Assistant Practice degree program must meet course and grade point average requirements. All course requirements must be completed with a grade of "B" or better. The degree will not be conferred until the student has successfully completed all degree requirements. Students are subject to the degree requirements in the catalogue current for the semester of their admission into the program.
Physician assistant students are enrolled in a standard curriculum during their 33 months in the program. The following courses must be successfully completed in order to earn the Master of Physician Assistant Practice degree. Only physician assistant students may enroll in these courses. Departmental clearance is required to enroll.
Requests for further information may be addressed to: Primary Care Physician Assistant Program at USC, 1000 South Fremont Avenue, Unit 7, Building A11, Room 11-150, Alhambra, CA 91803, or via email at uscpa@usc.edu. The program's Website is usc.edu/pa.
Return to: Keck School of Medicine of USC
Hoffman Medical Research Center 401
2011 Zonal Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9094
(323) 442-1713
FAX: (323) 442-1721
Email: mmidept@usc.edu
keck.usc.edu/en/Education/Academic_Department_and_Divisions
/Department_of_Molecular_Microbiology_and_Immunology
Distinguished Professor and Chair: Jae U. Jung, PhD
Fletcher Jones Foundation Chair of Molecular Biology and Immunology and Hastings Foundation Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology: Jae Jung, PhD
Rita and Edward Polusky Chair in Basic Cancer Research: Michael Lieber, PhD, MD
Walter A. Richter Chair in Cancer Research: W. Martin Kast, PhD
Leslie P. Weiner Professor of Neurology and Richard Angus Grant, Sr., Chair in Neurology: Leslie P. Weiner, MD
Chair, Graduate Advisory Committee: Stanley M. Tahara, Associate Professor
Professors: S. Chen; G. Coetzee (Urology); L. Comai; S.J. Gao; D.A. Horwitz (Medicine); M. Lieber (Pathology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology); W.M. Kast; M. McMillan; J.-H. Ou; P. K. Pattengale (Pathology); L.P. Weiner (Neurology)
Associate Professors: Omid Akbari; E. Bogenmann (Pediatrics); P. Cannon; R. Duncan (Pharmacy); P. Feng; H.K.W. Fong (Ophthalmology); C. Hill (Radiation Oncology); A. Jong (Pediatrics); J.R. Landolph; H. Lee; A. Schönthal; S. Tahara; E. Zandi
Assistant Professors: R.W. DePaolo; X.F. Huang; C. Liang; K. Machida; T. Saito (GI Liver-Medicine); W. Yuan
Associate Professor of Research: S.Y. Park
Assistant Professors of Research: H. Lee; Z. Toth
Emeritus Professors: F. Aladjem; M. Lieb; G. Dennert
Clinical Assistant Professor: Jie Li
Distinguished Professor, Emeritus: Michael M.C. Lai
The Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology is located on the Health Sciences Campus in the Elaine Stevely Hoffman Medical Research Center, in the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and at the USC Institute for Genetic Medicine. Faculty guidance and specialized facilities are available for advanced research in animal virology, eucaryotic cell biology and cellular differentiation, molecular and cellular immunology, genetic diseases, microbial and molecular genetics, regulation of gene expression, and chemical and viral carcinogenesis.
An applicant to the graduate programs in molecular microbiology and immunology must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in science — usually biology, chemistry or physics. The applicant must have demonstrated strength in science or mathematics. Undergraduate course work should have included at least one year of biology, chemistry through organic chemistry, mathematics through calculus, physics and physical chemistry. Deficiencies may be made up early in the predoctoral program.
The department encourages applicants to contact its office prior to making formal application. Each applicant must pass satisfactorily the general and advanced (biochemistry, cell and molecular biology or biology, chemistry or physics) portions of the Graduate Record Examinations, and must also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be written. In addition, the applicant must provide a one-page statement of career objectives, including the general area of research interest. This statement is intended to facilitate selection of those students who will most benefit from the department's graduate program. A personal interview is strongly recommended but not required.
Applicants who have attended graduate school at another university may be admitted to advanced standing upon recommendation of the department.
Incoming domestic students may be supported by a departmental training grant or by a research grant to a specific faculty mentor during their first year; subsequently, students are supported by research grants awarded to individual faculty members. International students are supported by research assistantships.
The primary objective of the Master of Science program is to prepare students for a career in the broad field of biomedical sciences with focus on, but not limited to, microbiology, virology, immunology and cancer research. This program provides extensive theoretical preparation in combination with hands-on research, where students are trained in research laboratories located on the Health Sciences Campus (HSC), comprising the Keck Medical School, the School of Pharmacy and the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, or located at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA).
Goals of the program are to prepare students for employment opportunities in: academic research or teaching at universities, institutes or not-for-profit research centers; research and development in industry (biotech, pharma, petrol, dairies, breweries); health care (hospitals and health care providers, medical technology, diagnostic laboratories); law firms (patents, intellectual property rights, technology transfer, toxic torts); environmental organizations (advisory, management, planning); government (public health, waste management, EPA, FDA, NIH, etc.); publishing (journalism, journal editor).
Admission Requirements Applicants are expected to have a bachelor's degree in science (usually biology, chemistry or physics) from an accredited college or university. Generally required courses include: at least one year of college-level biology, chemistry through organic chemistry, mathematics through calculus, and one year of college-level physics. Students who do not meet all requirements may still apply, and admission will be decided on a case-by-case basis. In general, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is expected. Additionally, a student must take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), and a minimum score of 1000 is expected. International applicants are expected to provide results from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL; results from Internet-based, computer-based or paper-based tests are acceptable).
Course Requirements A total of 34 units is required. Students may pursue a thesis option, which requires completion of MICB 594a, MICB 594b, MICB 594z (2-2-0) plus 30 units of approved course work, no more than 8 of which can be MICB 590 Directed Research. Students pursuing a non-thesis option must complete 34 units of approved course work. Students must choose one of these options by the end of the first year of study.
Fourteen or more course units must be taken in the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology; 8 units may be pursued outside the department and, upon approval, a maximum of 8 units of directed research in molecular microbiology and immunology may be applied to the degree. No more than 4 units of course work taken outside of USC can be applied toward the MS degree requirements. Students considering such an action should submit a petition to the department and document a rigorous academic standard for the course (reading materials, tests and other performance criteria, lecture content, etc.). The graduate advisory committee will review the petition and inform the student of its decision.
Return to: Keck School of Medicine of USC
2001 N. Soto Street
Suite 102
Los Angeles, CA 90032
(323) 44-BRAIN
Email: NIIN@ini.usc.edu
niin.usc.edu
Associate Professors of Neurology: Hongwei Dong, PhD; John Darrell Van Horn, PhD (NIIN Program Director)
Assistant Professors of Neurology: Kristi Clark, PhD; Neda Jahanshad, PhD; Judy Pa, PhD; Yonggang Shi, PhD
Assistant Professors of Research: Meredith Braskie, PhD; Derrek Hibar, PhD; Houri Hintiryan, PhD; Andrei Irimia, PhD; Junning Li, PhD
The Master of Science (MS) in Neuroimaging and Informatics (NIIN) program provides students with an understanding of the scientific and clinical underpinnings of neuroimaging science and how to leverage that knowledge to make new and important discoveries in biomedicine. Students who successfully complete the program will be ideally positioned to apply to formalized medical training programs, join PhD research training programs, obtain laboratory or administrative employment in the growing field of brain imaging neuroscience, or engage in public policy or regulatory administration of academic, clinical or business efforts in this expanding discipline.
The program comprises 10 courses (eight 3-unit and two 1-unit) to be taken in one academic year. Didactic lectures address the technology of neuroimaging, a detailed examination of brain anatomy and function, and the variety of data-type dependent as well as integrative computational processing approaches. Laboratory modules (1) provide guided, hands-on experience with neuroimaging data collection approaches for examining anatomy, connectivity, and functional activity; and (2) examine and develop optimized data processing strategies. Finally, scholarship is enriched by several distinct faculty-guided, discussion-based courses that allow detailed examination of specific aspects of neuroimaging of elemental neurological processes and carefully selected applications in neurological and psychiatric medicine. Graduation requires completion of 26 course units.
Applicants must supply a completed application for graduate studies including: transcripts from all institutions previously attended, standardized test scores, a personal statement describing scientific and career interests, and two letters of recommendation. Applications are generally anticipated for fall enrollment. Applicants to the program must apply to the USC Graduate School and must meet the minimum requirements for admission to the Graduate School. Students are required to have an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better (or equivalent) and have achieved graduation with a BS or BA degree (or equivalent) prior to matriculation. Students are expected to have taken the general portion of the GRE exam before application and to have met or exceeded university score requirements. Applicants not meeting Graduate School requirements for regular standing may, with the approval of the Graduate School, be conditionally admitted. International students from non-English speaking home countries are expected to demonstrate English language proficiency or take remedial English language courses, according to Graduate School policy. Specific prerequisites for this program include completed course work with a B or better grade (or equivalent) in neuroscience, computer science, mathematics, biology or a related field.
The program recommends that students meet with the program director each semester prior to registration for courses.
A graduate GPA of at least 3.0 in the program is required at all times. Any student whose graduate GPA falls below 3.0 will be given written notification that they have been placed on academic probation. Students who do not raise their GPA to 3.0 in the second semester are academically disqualified.
Graduation requires completion of 26 units, according to the required course schedule outlined below. None of the NIIN courses may be waived or substituted for other courses in the USC Catalogue. This program is intended to be completed within one academic year, and, while optional, does not include a requirement for independent laboratory research or a thesis. Students may request approval to undertake laboratory research and continuing course work during a second year research option; students must already be matriculated into the program before making this request, and not all students will be granted this opportunity (selection will be based on academic performance and student research interests, and on availability of laboratory space).
Return to: Keck School of Medicine of USC
Hoffman Medical Research Center 204
2011 Zonal Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9092
MS Student Adviser: Cheng-Ming Chuong, MD, PhD, (323)
442-1296
PhD Student Adviser: Florence M. Hofman, PhD, (323) 442-1153
FAX: (323) 442-3049
MD Student Adviser: Wesley Y. Naritoku, MD, PhD, (323) 409-4698
Michael E. Selsted, MD, PhD, Professor and Chair
Renette and Marshall Ezralow Family Chair in Cancer Therapeutics: Parkash Gill, MD
Harold E. Lee Chair in Cancer Research: Michael F. Press, MD, PhD
Kenneth T. Norris Jr. Chair in Medicine and Hastings Professor of Medicine: Edward D. Crandall, MD, PhD
Rita and Edward Polusky Chair in Basic Cancer Research: Michael Lieber, PhD, MD
Rupert and Gertrude Stieger Vision Research Chair: Narsing Rao, MD
Gavin S. Herbert Professor of Vision Research: David R. Hinton, MD
Professors: T.C. Chen (Neurological Surgery); C.-M. Chuong; T.D. Coates (Pediatrics); Wendy Cozen (Preventive Medicine); E.D. Crandall (Medicine); L. Dubeau; A.L. Epstein; P.S. Gill (Medicine, Urology); S. Govindarajan; D. Hinton (Neurological Surgery, Ophthalmology); F.M. Hofman (Ophthalmology, Neurological Surgery); R.W. Jelliffe (Medicine); M.N. Koss*; P.R. Levitt (Pediatrics, Pharmacology & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Psychology); M.R. Lieber (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Molecular Microbiology and Immunology); T.M. Mack (Family and Preventive Medicine); C.A. Miller (Neurology); A.J. Ouellette; P.K. Pattengale (Molecular Microbiology and Immunology); M.F. Press; F.P. Quismorio, Jr. (Medicine); N.A. Rao (Ophthalmology); S. Rasheed*; M.E. Selsted; D.K. Shibata; I.A. Shulman; M.R. Stallcup (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology); C.R. Taylor*; T.J. Triche (Pediatrics); H. Tsukamoto
Professors (Clinical Scholars): M.R.G. O'Gorman (Pediatrics); D.M. Parham
Associate Professors: S. Asgharzadeh, (Pediatrics); S. Bellusci (Surgery); A. Erdreich-Epstein (Pediatrics); B.H. Gross (Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medicine); Y.M. Kim, (Pediatrics); A. Kovacs (Pediatrics); B.W. Kovacs (Obstetrics and Gynecology); J.R. Landolph (Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology); H.A. Liebman (Medicine); S.E. Martin; S.B. Turkel (Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Pediatrics)
Associate Professor (Clinical Scholar): A.R. Judkins
Assistant Professors: E.P. Kartalov; K. Kobielak; T. Saito (Medicine, Molecular Microbiology, Biology & Immunology); B. Stiles (Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences); D. Tian
Clinical Professors: R.D. Aller; C.A. Bell; H.N. Canawati; J.N. Carberry; J. Cicciarelli (Urology, Surgery); K.A. Frankel; F.H. Gilles (Neurological Surgery, Neurology); D.S. Harrington; R.E. Horowitz; G. Kanel; D.V. Kon; O.T. Kuzma (Medicine); D.H. Mills; J. Nelson; P. Nichols; R.Y. Osamura; P.N. Rao; C. Rogers; A.A. Roscher; L. Sathyavagiswaran (Medicine); S.-R. Shi; S.V. Sostrin; A. Verity
Clinical Associate Professors: C. J. Cobb; M.M. Cosgrove; T.E. Howard; G. Pezeshkpour; M. Pietruszka; A.S.S. Raza; J.S. Wollman
Clinical Assistant Professors: JD Augustine; A. Baltayan; E. Carpenter, Jr.; J.A. Chan; W. Chick; O. Chinwah; P.D. Colman; E.C. Dinovo; R. Djabourian; R. Gellibolian; K.E. Grimm; M.D. Haimowitz; J. Iqbal; M. Kennedy; M.T. Kiyabu; B. Kwok; B.J. Le Berthon; M.S. Lewis; K. Matsuda; V. Nelson; S.D. Oh; L.A. Pena; R. Phan; G. Pinsky; S. Prabhu; S.T. Pullarkat; L.A. Scheinin; R.A. Soni; J.P. Tovar; K.J. Young; S.K. Young
Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professors: F. Antelo; N.M. Green; M.A. Fajardo; Z. Pavlova
Professors of Clinical: J.A. Biegel; R.K. Brynes; P. Carpenter; D.L. Commins; J.F. Emerson; D.B. Endres; J.C. Felix (Obstetrics and Gynecology); A.L. Hiti; Y. Iwaki (Urology, Surgery); P. Mhawech-Fauceglia (Obstetrics and Gynecology); W.Y. Naritoku; A.E. Sherrod; H. Shimada; S. Wu (Pediatrics)
Adjunct Professor of Clinical: L.A. Baxter-Lowe
Professors of Research: J. Groffen (Pediatrics); E. Heisterkamp (Pediatrics)
Associate Professors of Clinical: M. Aron; D.B. Casebolt; A.N. Fedenko (Orthopaedic Surgery); X. Gai; D. Hawes; S. He (Ophthalmology); G.H. Kim (Dermatology); Y. Ma; G. Raca; S. Saitta; I. Siddiqi; L.L. Wang (Surgery); P.M. Ward; G.D. Zeger
Assistant Professors of Clinical: R.C. (She) Bender; M. Bhasin; M. Burnett (Neurology); S. Chopra; A.J. Correa; B.K. DeClerck (Dermatology); J. Dien Bard; W.A. Elatre; X. Fu; H.T. Hardy; J.P. Hudgins; K.M. Hurth; J. Ji; K. Lai; L. Li; F. Medeiros; K.A. Nash*; M.J. Oberley; L. O'Brien; A.C. Perumbeti; P. Sanchez (Pediatrics); N.M. Shillingford; M.E. Sibug Saber (Ophthalmology); J.M. Smith; S. Tatischev; J.G. Vallone; M. Vegara-Lluri; M. Warren; Y. Wang; S. Zhou
Associate Professors of Research: K. Asahina; R.B. Widelitz
Assistant Professors of Research: D.E. Feldman; T. Jiang; R.A. Moats (Radiology); P. Tongaonkar; P. Wu; Jun Xu; D. Zhu
Research Assistant Professors: P. Hu; N.W. Marten; Y. Ouyang
Adjunct Research Associate Professor: S.A. Imam
Resident Clinical Instructors: Z. Ashraf; L. Aye; M. Boonyasampant; C. Chang; T. Chong; C. Costales; K. Duncan; A. Fong; J. Friedman; V. Garza; M. Goebel; W. Guo; S. Hamidi; T. Jenkins; T. Jong; B. Kay; T.H. Kim; X. Li; V. Martin; A. Mehta; R. O'Connell; N. Plaza; S. Walia; C. Wei; D. Yau; E. Yung; H. Zhang
Resident Clinical Instructors – Fellows: A. Garcia; A. Hagiya; C. Magana; W. Pasch; O. Press; K. Qidwai; B. Song; L. Szymanski; S. Vadat; Y. Zhao
Emeritus Professors: S.B. Chandor; P.T. Chandrasoma; B.N. Nathwani; J.W. Parker; P. Roy-Burman; N.E. Warner; E.T. Wong
Emeritus Associate Professor: A.D. Cramer
Emeritus Clinical Professors: M. Greenblatt; G.G. Hadley; W.H. Kern; D.S. Shillam; R.J. Schroeder
Emeritus Clinical Associate Professor: W.C. Smith
Emeritus Clinical Assistant Professors: R.L. McClure; J.K. Waken
Emeritus Professors of Clinical: K.-M. Chan; J.F.P. Dixon; C.B. Inderlied; T.T. Noguchi (Emergency Medicine, Surgery)
Emeritus Associate Professor of Clinical: W.P. Lewis
Emeritus Assistant Professor of Clinical: R.B. Hopper
Emeritus Professor of Research: T.L. Lincoln
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
The Department of Pathology provides training for both medical and graduate students. Medical students are trained in general, systemic and cellular pathology, providing them with an understanding and visualization of the basic processes underlying symptoms and clinical courses, as well as the ability to evaluate laboratory findings. This department also contributes to the training of residents and fellows at the LAC+USC Healthcare Network, Keck Hospital of USC and the USC Norris Cancer Hospital, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and Los Angeles County Coroner/Medical Examiner's Office, providing these residents and fellows with an intensive residency program in anatomic and clinical pathology and offering subspecialty fellowship training in surgical pathology, cytopathology, hematopathology and neuropathology.
The Department of Pathology has a Master of Science program. The two-year MS program provides training in the latest technologies and concepts of biomedical research and provides the graduate with enhanced opportunities for positions in biotechnology companies, teaching colleges and various health department/governmental positions.
With more than 87 full-time faculty and 37 residents and fellows in training, the USC Department of Pathology is one of the largest pathology departments in the United States. The department is particularly strong in areas of surgical pathology, cytopathology, hematopathology, immunocytochemistry, immunopathology, neuropathology, and AIDS-related research. The department maintains active research programs in hematopathology, neuropathology and translational cancer research and has begun to expand its base in radioimmunoimaging and immunotherapy. It also has ongoing research projects in the new areas of molecular and genetic pathology. Residency training has added months in dermatopathology and molecular pathology at Keck Hospital of USC and in cytogenetics at CHLA. The hematopathology fellowship has increased fellowship items from two to three fellows and added Norris Cancer Hospital and CHLA as affiliated institutions, making this one of the leading hematopathology fellowships in the nation.
The department provides diagnostic laboratory services for the LAC+USC Medical Center, the USC Norris Cancer Hospital, the Doheny Eye Institute, Keck Hospital of USC and the USC Clinical Laboratories Group. Approximately 40 of the department's full-time faculty members work in service laboratories throughout the LAC+USC Medical Center, where they are supported by 37 residents and fellows and a technical and clerical staff numbering in excess of 500. The USC Norris Cancer Hospital and Research Institute and Keck Hospital of USC houses 18 full-time pathologists, two fellows, three residents and approximately 25 clerical and support staff.
Applicants to the graduate program in pathology must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with an undergraduate major in one of the natural sciences; a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for undergraduate work is required. Applicants must submit undergraduate transcripts and letters of recommendation from two undergraduate teachers with their application. All applicants must take the general portion of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). A combined score of at least 1100 for the verbal and quantitative scores is required. International students whose native language is not English must submit scores from the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) examination. Personal interviews by members of the department's graduate committee may be requested.
Original application materials, except letters of recommendation, should be sent to the Office of Admission, University of Southern California. To expedite consideration of the application, applicants should also send photocopies of the application, transcripts and GRE scores to the Pathology Department's graduate committee secretary, Lisa Doumak. Letters of recommendation should be addressed directly to the secretary, graduate committee. Applications are considered for admission to both the fall and spring semesters.
The Department of Pathology offers six first-year residency positions and 24 residency positions in its fully ACGME-accredited four-year training program in anatomic and clinical pathology at the LAC+USC Medical Center. Training is offered in autopsy and surgical pathology, neuropathology, cytology, microbiology, hematopathology, immunohematology, clinical chemistry, toxicology, immunopathology, cytogenetics, instrumentation, laboratory management, clinical informatics, electron microscopy, molecular pathology and other specialty areas. The Department of Pathology also offers the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) fully accredited fellowship training in cytopathology (four positions), hematopathology (three positions), neuropathology (one position), and surgical pathology (seven positions).
The Department of Pathology offers a program for the master of science degree with a major in experimental and molecular pathology. The primary objectives of this program are to provide the necessary theoretical and practical training in experimental pathology that culminates with the master of science degree. Goals of the program are to train students in preparation for senior research staff or senior technician positions in academic or industrial institutes, further MD or PhD study, consultantships requiring multidisciplinary backgrounds or advanced teaching positions in community colleges.
Admissions The prerequisite for applicants to this program in pathology is a bachelor's degree with an undergraduate major in one of the natural sciences. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in the natural sciences (including mathematics) is usually required. Applicants must achieve a competitive score on the general portions of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). In addition, the department requires at least three letters of recommendation from faculty members who can evaluate the applicant's potential for graduate work. Demonstrated proficiency in the English language is required. International students whose native language is not English must submit scores from the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) examination. Special circumstances may provide consideration for conditional admission.
Course Requirements At least 34 units of graduate study are required. The required courses include INTD 522 Infection and Host Responses 4, INTD 531 Cell Biology 4, INTD 550 Introduction to Pathology 4, INTD 551 Pathobiology of Disease 4, INTD 571 Biochemistry 4, PATH 553 Methods in Cellular and Clinical Pathology 3, PATH 554 Methods in Molecular Pathology 2 and PATH 570a Seminar in Pathology 1, PATH 570b Seminar in Pathology 1. Fourteen or more course units must be taken in the Department of Pathology, 8 units may be pursued outside the department, and a maximum of 8 units of directed research in pathology may be applied to the degree. No more than 4 units of course work taken outside of USC should be applied toward the MS degree requirements. Students considering such an action should submit a petition to the pathology graduate committee and document a rigorous academic standard for the course (reading materials, texts and other performance criteria, lecture content, etc.). The pathology graduate committee reviews the petition and informs the student of its decision.
The Master of Science has the option of either an experiment-based thesis or theory-based thesis course of study. Each student's program will be tailored to suit individual needs and background. Students who require training mainly in the knowledge of pathology may opt for the theory-based thesis course of study. Students also have an opportunity to register for directed research (PATH 590). For the experiment-based thesis option, the student must take PATH 594a Master's Thesis 2, PATH 594b Master's Thesis 2. For the theory-based thesis option, the student must take GRSC 810 Studies for Master's Examination during the semester they plan to graduate if not otherwise enrolled.
Return to: Keck School of Medicine of USC
Keith Administration Building 211
1975 Zonal Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9024
(323) 442-2372
FAX: (323) 442-2051
Division Head: C.C. Fung
Professors: J.G. Nyquist; B.P. Wood
Associate Professors: C.C. Fung; J. Gates (Family Medicine); R.A. Girard; W. May
Assistant Professsors: T. Kovin, D. Souder
Instructor: D. Poole
Clinical Faculty: A.M. Alexander; J. Davis; D.L. Fisher; A. Richards
Emeritus Professors: S. Abrahamson; M.A. Hitchock; K. Hoffman
Established in 1963 as one of the first medical education units in the United States, the division conducts educational programs for four different types of students: medical students; graduate students in education; those teaching in medical and other health professional education settings; and physicians in the postgraduate study of medical education.
The division's primary mission is to enhance the quality of medical education by serving as a resource of educational expertise for planning, developing, and evaluating medical education programs and conducting educational research. Similar activities and programs are conducted with various government and private organizations outside the university.
Major research and training interests of the faculty include the instruction of lay persons to be used as standardized patients for teaching and evaluation, case-based learning, pre-med programs for minority students and interactive video systems.
Administratively, the division is an independent unit in Educational Affairs in the Keck School of Medicine. The faculty hold appointments in the Department of Pediatrics. The division also employs 10 staff and research assistants. All activities of the division are conducted at the USC Health Sciences Campus.
A Teaching and Learning Fellowship program is offered to health care professionals who are engaged in teaching. The primary goals of this fellowship are to provide participants with multiple ways to teach and evaluate effectively. Through seminars, fellows will gain increased understanding of basic principles of teaching and learning and achieve the skills necessary to apply principles effectively.
An Educational Leadership Fellowship program is available for health care professionals with two primary goals: to prepare participants for understanding and serving in positions of leadership and enhance fellows' personal and professional effectiveness. Seminars will explore transformational change, team and community formation, group dynamics, organizational culture and resources.
From time to time, the division offers special workshops or seminars in various subject areas related to the improvement of instruction. Division staff members are available to plan these special programs on request.
The program addresses the unique population of medical and health professions faculty who are focused on leading the academic enterprise for health professionals at the undergraduate, graduate and continuing education levels. The six-semester program consists of 32 graduate units and employs a hybrid model, combining on-campus face-to-face sessions, blended with online course work. For more information, see the Academic Medicine (MAM) page.
Individually tailored programs of study in medical education are available to visiting postdoctoral fellows who wish to gain an understanding of principles, problems and practices in medical education. These visiting fellows may spend from a few weeks to a year in residence, participating in ongoing projects, seminars, readings and independent study.
Return to: Keck School of Medicine of USC
Keith Administration Building 400
1975 Zonal Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9037
(323) 442-1145
FAX: (323) 442-2494
Email: janet.stoeckert@usc.edu
Student Adviser: H. Kaslow, PhD, hrkaslow@usc.edu
Berislav V. Zlokovic, MD, PhD, Chair of the Department of Physiology and Biophysics and Director of the Center for Neurodegeneration and Regeneration at the USC Zilkha Neurogenic Institute
Director, USC Research Center for Liver Diseases, Chief, Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, USC Associates/Thomas H. Brem Chair in Medicine, and Veronica P. Budnick, MD, Chair in Liver Disease: Neil Kaplowitz, MD
Professors: Michael Arbib (Computer Science/Engineering); Thomas Buchanan (Medicine/Obstetrics and Gynecology); Vito M. Campese; Timothy M. Chan (Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology); Casey Donovan (Exercise Science); Robert A. Farley* (Biochemistry); Caleb Finch (Gerontology and Neurobiology); Michael Goran (Preventive Medicine); Sarah Hamm-Alvarez (Pharmaceutical Sciences); Cage S. Johnson (Medicine/Hematology); Neil Kaplowitz (Medicine/GI Liver/Patient Care); Kwang Jin Kim (Medicine, Biomedical Engineering); Herbert J. Meiselman; Austin K. Mircheff; Janos Peti-Peterdi; Alan G. Watts
Associate Professors: Robert H. Chow; Harvey R. Kaslow; Richard L. Lubman (Medicine/Pulmonary Patient Care); Richard Watanabe; Jang-Hyun Youn; Alan S.L. Yu; Li Zhang
Assistant Professors: Steven Mittelman; Joyce Richey; Abhay Sagare
Adjunct Professor: Dwight W. Warren III
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
The administrative offices of the Department of Physiology and Biophysics are located on the Health Sciences Campus. Faculty of the department are predominantly located at the Health Science Campus and also at the LAC+USC Medical Center and the University Park Campus.
The graduate program in physiology and biophysics is designed to prepare students for a career in research and teaching in physiology, biophysics and related fields. Faculty of the department guide students toward becoming effective members of today's scientific community by providing an integrated knowledge of physiological systems at several levels of organization. The course of study required of each candidate is planned to meet his or her individual interests and needs.
Faculty guidance and specialized facilities are available for advanced research in the four broad areas of research represented in the department: endocrinology, reproduction and metabolism; neurophysiology; fluid and electrolyte physiology; and cellular and molecular physiology.
Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in one of the natural sciences. Undergraduate course work in mathematics (including one and a half years of calculus), physics (one year), organic chemistry (aliphatic and aromatic), and biological sciences (one year) is required. Prospective students should also have completed at least two courses from among the following areas: physical chemistry, advanced physics, electronics, histology, physiology, cell biology, computer science, or biochemistry. Equivalent work will be considered on an individual basis.
Students interested in applying must complete an application for graduate studies and submit official transcripts from all academic institutions previously attended, a personal statement of career objectives, financial statement of support, standardized test scores and three letters of recommendation.
Keith Administration Building 409
1975 Zonal Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9031
(323) 442-0230
FAX: (323) 442-9031
Program Director: H. Kaslow, PhD, hrkaslow@usc.edu
Physiology is the study of the functions and activities of life and living matter at all levels of organization within an organism. While physiology research is frequently at the molecular level, the tradition of the discipline challenges the researcher to consider all homeostatic and developmental functions of an organism. This tradition can guide research efforts seeking to identify causes of disease and critical physiological functions possessing therapeutic and health-promoting opportunities. The Medical Physiology program focuses on the research experience of the thesis track but in special circumstances will consider applications to the non-thesis track.
Admission Applicants to the Master of Science in Medical Physiology (MPHY) program will have earned a bachelor's degree and completed course work in mathematics (including calculus), physics, chemistry and biological sciences. To be considered, applicants must complete a USC Graduate Admissions application and submit either GRE or MCAT test scores, a brief personal statement explaining the reasons for applying to the program, official transcripts from all academic institutions previously attended and three letters of recommendation. Foreign applicants are required to submit results from a TOEFL or IELTS examination. Potential applicants are encouraged to submit questions regarding the program and application process to the Medical Physiology Graduate Program Office prior to submitting the formal application (physiology@usc.edu). In the personal statement, applicants must specify whether they are applying to the thesis- or non-thesis track and the rationale for that decision. Normally, admission will be in the thesis track and a recommendation to admit an applicant will require MPHY graduate committee approval of an agreement between an applicant and a faculty member who will serve as mentor of the thesis project. The agreement shall specify the general research area of the thesis.
The Medical Physiology graduate program participates in the USC Progressive Master's Degree Program and seeks applications from qualified students (usc.edu/programs/ugprograms/progressive).
Course Requirements The master's degree in Medical Physiology requires the completion of at least 32 graduate-level units with a grade point average of 3.0. All students are required to take the following: INTD 531, INTD 561, INTD 574, MPHY 572, MPHY 573, MPHY 590, PM 510. Elective courses must be approved by the director of the MPHY Graduate Program. Students may pursue a thesis option, which requires completion of MPHY 594a 2, MPHY 594b 2, MPHY 594z 2. The thesis track is required when students take less than 26 units of non-research units (i.e., more than 6 research units out of the 32 units required for graduation). Students pursuing a non-thesis option must complete 32 units of approved course work.
Continued enrollment: Continued enrollment in the program requires an average GPA of at least 3.0, a grade of at least B in MPHY 572 and MPHY 573, a grade of at least B, "Pass" or "Credit" in INTD 574 or equivalent, and a "Pass" or "Credit" in all non-graded courses. At any time, after evaluating a student's progress, the MPHY Graduate Committee, at its discretion, may require a student pass a screening examination to be eligible to progress to the third or later semester of graduate study. If a student fails to achieve these metrics or pass a screening examination, the MPHY Graduate Committee will make a recommendation as to whether or not to place the student on probationary enrollment with a defined remediation sufficient to remedy the deficiency or to recommend the student withdraw or be dismissed from the program.
The thesis work of a student in the thesis track will be conducted under the guidance of a Master's Student Thesis Committee, which shall consist of at least:
Final Examination: Passing the examination requires: 1) submission of a thesis document describing the work of the thesis, and 2) an oral defense of the thesis both to the satisfaction of the Thesis Committee. The thesis document shall be distributed to the student's Master's Thesis Committee and a copy provided to the Medical Physiology Graduate Program Office at least two weeks prior to the oral examination. If the document is not provided by that date, then the oral examination shall be rescheduled to accommodate this requirement. Final acceptance of the document and passage of the oral examination requires the unanimous recommendation of all members of the thesis committee. If the student does not pass the examination on the first attempt, at its discretion the MPHY Graduate Committee may grant a second opportunity to pass the examination according to policies in the USC Catalogue.
Final Examination. A comprehensive examination replaces the thesis defense. The MPHY Graduate Committee shall appoint a member of the MPHY Graduate Committee to supervise the final examination process (the "Examination Supervisor"). The examination shall be on a topic approved by the Examination Supervisor and consist of: 1) a document sufficiently discussing the topic, and 2) passing an oral examination on the substance of the topic. The document shall be submitted to the Examination Supervisor at least two weeks prior to the oral examination. If the document is not provided by that date, then the oral examination shall be rescheduled to accommodate this requirement. To qualify as the final examination, all the faculty of the MPHY Graduate Committee shall be invited to attend the presentation with notice given at least two weeks in advance and at least three members of the MPHY Graduate Committee or alternates selected by the program director shall attend.
During and following the presentation, faculty members may pose questions relevant to the presentation to determine if the student has mastered an appropriate breadth and depth of knowledge of physiology. The Examination Supervisor shall then receive reports from faculty attending the presentation, usually within a week, and make a recommendation to the MPHY Graduate Committee as to whether or not the student passed the examination. Unless a member of the Graduate Committee objects, the recommendation shall be considered accepted. If an objection is received a decision shall be made by a secret ballot vote with two thirds of those voting in favor of passage required for passage of the examination. If the student does not pass the examination on the first attempt, at its discretion the MPHY Graduate Committee may grant a second opportunity to pass the examination according to policies in the USC Catalogue.
Return to: Keck School of Medicine of USC
Biostatistics Division
2001 N. Soto Street, Suite 201-A
Los Angeles, CA 90032-3628
Director: W. Gauderman, PhD
(323) 442-1810
FAX: (323) 442-2993
Email: mtrujill@usc.edu
keck.usc.edu/Education/Academic_Department_and_Divisions/Department_of_Preventive_Medicine
Health Behavior Research Division
c/o USC/IPR
2001 N. Soto Street, Suite 201-B
Los Angeles, CA 90032-3628
Director: Mary Ann Pentz, PhD
(323) 442-8299
Email: barovich@usc.edu
phdhbr.usc.edu
Environmental Health Division
2001 N. Soto Street, Suite 230
Los Angeles, CA 90032-3628
Director: Frank D. Gilliland, MD, PhD
(323) 442-1096
FAX: (323) 442-3272
keck.usc.edu/Education/Academic_Department_and_Divisions/Department_of_Preventive_Medicine
Master of Public Health Program
2001 N. Soto Street, Suite 201-D
Los Angeles, CA 90032-3628
Director: Louise A. Rohrbach, MPH, PhD
(323) 442-8237
Email: oraliago@usc.edu
mph.usc.edu
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies
Program
837 Downey Way
Stonier Hall, Suite 101
Los Angeles, CA 90089-1149
Director: Elahe Nezami, PhD
(213) 740-1060
FAX: (213) 821-1733
Email: bhealthy@usc.edu
hpdp.usc.edu
Global Health Studies
837 Downey Way
Stonier Hall, Suite 101
Los Angeles, CA 90089-1149
Director: Elahe Nezami, PhD
(213) 740-1060
FAX: (213) 821-1733
Email: bhealthy@usc.edu
hpdp.usc.edu
Distinguished Professor of Preventive Medicine and Flora L. Thornton Chair in Preventive Medicine: Jonathan M. Samet, MD
AFLAC Chair in Cancer Research: Christopher Haiman, ScD
The Dr. Robert C. and Veronica Atkins Chair in Childhood Obesity and Diabetes: Michael I. Goran, PhD
Verna R. Richter Chair in Cancer Research: Duncan Thomas, PhD
Harry J. Bauer and Dorothy Bauer Rawlins Professor of Cardiology: Howard N. Hodis, MD
Professors: S.P. Azen (Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, Ophthalmology, Occupational Science); K. Berhane; R. Bluthenthal; G. Casey, C.-P. Chou (Social Work); P. Clarke (Communication); D. Conti; W. Cozen (Pathology); W.J. Gauderman; F.D. Gilliland; M. Goran (Physiology/Biophysics and Pediatrics [CHLA]); S. Gruskin; R. Haile; H. Hodis (Medicine); T.M. Mack (Pathology); Wendy Mack; R. McConnell; B. Meyerowitz (Psychology); M.A. Pentz; J.M. Samet; K. Siegmund; D. Stram; S. Sussman; T. Valente; D.C. Thomas; J. Unger; R. Watanabe (Physiology and Biophysics); A. Wu
Associate Professors: H. Allayee; L. Baezconde-Garbanati; J.C. Chen; M. Cockburn; G. Dunton; S. Ingles; A. Leventhal; L. Rohrbach; F. Schumacher; T. Seeman (Gerontology); PD Thomas, Jr.
Assistant Professors: B. Belcher; D. Black; C. Breton; C. Curtis; K. de la Haye; S. Eckel; M. Franklin; J. Figueiredo; J. Johnston; J.P. Lewinger; D. Meeker; W. Setiawan; A. Valouev; H. Wipfli
Professor and Clinical Scholar: R. Bluthenthal
Professors of Clinical: E.L. Avol; D. Deapen; A. Hricko
Associate Professors of Clinical: K. Monroe; E. Nezami; D. Van Den Berg
Assistant Professors of Clinical: T. Bastain; T. Boley-Cruz; R. Habre; R. Karim; C. Lane; S. Kim; S. Kumar; C. Koprowski; L. Liu; C. Patino-Sutton; C. Soto; J. Steinberg; S. Tommasi
Clinical Associate Professor: W.S. Linn
Clinical Assistant Professor: A. Ritt
Professors of Research: T. Alonzo; J.D. Buckley (Pediatrics); S. Groshen; A. Hamilton; M. Krailo; M.C. Pike; R. Sposto; F. Stanczyk (Obstetrics and Gynecology)
Associate Professors of Research: H. Bersaratinia; P. Marjoram; S. Ramus; M. Stern
Assistant Professors of Research: D. Barkauskas; G. Chen; V. Cortessis; L. Ferguson; S. Fruin; J. Huh; K. Islam; M. Kirkpatrick; E. Lee; R. McKean-Cowdin; H. Mi; J. Milam; J. Millsten; R. Pang; L. Park
Adjunct Professors: J. Niland; G. Rennert; D.J.M. Tarantola; H.F. Tseng; J. Zhang
Adjunct Associate Professors: C.N. Bailey-Merz; M.R. Calderon; G. Marks; C.L. Pearce; A. Xiang
Adjunct Assistant Professors: C. Curtis; J. Lawrence; J.A. Longmate; S.V. McKane; S. Montgomery; T. Salam; H. Volk
Emeritus Professors: L. Bernstein; J. Casagrande; B. Langholz; S. Preston-Martin; J. Richardson
The Department of Preventive Medicine is responsible for training medical, graduate and undergraduate students in the areas of biostatistics, epidemiology, health behavior research, public health, and preventive medicine. Faculty from the statistical genetics and molecular epidemiology department also perform research in the areas of biostatistics, epidemiology of acute and chronic diseases, and environmental health.
The undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the department are noteworthy for the extensive opportunities offered to the students for involvement in faculty research. It is not uncommon for students to begin working closely with faculty members on research projects as early as their first or second year of study.
The Department of Preventive Medicine offers the following degree programs:
BS in Global Health
BS in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies
BS in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention/Master of Public Health
BS in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention/MS in Biostatistics
BS in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention/MS in Molecular Epidemiology
BS in Dental Hygiene/Master of Public Health
MS in Applied Biostatistics/Epidemiology
MS in Clinical and Biomedical Investigations
MS in Molecular Epidemiology
MS in Biostatistics
Master of Public Health
Master of Public Health (online)
Master of Public Health/Doctor of Medicine
Master of Public Health (Health Promotion)/PhD in Psychology (Clinical)
Master of Public Health/PharmD
Master of Public Health/ Master of Planning
Master of Public Health/Master of Social Work
PhD in Biostatistics
PhD in Epidemiology
PhD in Molecular Epidemiology
PhD in Preventive Medicine (Health Behavior Research)
The Department of Preventive Medicine also offers the following undergraduate minor programs:
Minor in Cinema-Television for the Health Professions
Minor in Cultural Competence in Medicine
Minor in Environmental Health
Minor in Global Health
Minor in Health Communication
Minor in Nutrition and Health Promotion
Minor in Public Health
Minor in Substance Abuse Prevention
The Master of Public Health, the Master of Science in Biostatistics and the Master of Science in Molecular Epidemiology programs admit a limited number of undergraduate students to a progressive degree program, which allows them to pursue a master's level degree while completing the bachelor's degree. Applicants to the program must have completed 64 units of course work and must submit their applications prior to the completion of 96 units of course work. Applicants need not submit GRE scores, but are expected to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 at the time of application. The application for admission to a progressive degree program must be accompanied by an approved course plan proposal and two letters of recommendation. The requirements for both the BS and the master's degrees must be satisfied, including a minimum of 128 undergraduate units. For further details on progressive degree programs, see the Requirements for Graduation page.
The PhD/MPH dual degree combines knowledge of clinical psychology research and practice with an understanding of health from a population perspective. The student enrolls primarily in the clinical psychology doctoral program and may apply to the MPH program during the first year. During the second and subsequent years, course work is taken in both programs. The dissertation is undertaken through the Department of Psychology.
The School of Pharmacy and the Master of Public Health program, in recognition of the rapidly changing health care environment and in response to the growing demand for pharmacists who are knowledgeable in both pharmacy and population-based health care issues, have developed a dual degree program. The joint PharmD/MPH degree will enable graduates to be more responsive to today's health care needs and will provide training for pharmacists who seek to be agents of change within the profession and to assume leadership roles in the pharmacy field and in public health at the local, state and national levels.
The PharmD/MPH program spans five years (four years of pharmacy school courses and one year of public health courses). Students begin the core MPH courses following the successful completion of the first year of pharmacy school. The last three years of the program are devoted to the clinical rotations of the School of Pharmacy and to the completion of the elective courses and practicum (field experience) of the MPH program.
All students in the PharmD/MPH program must meet course requirements, grade point average requirements and program residency requirements of both programs. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the PharmD curriculum and a 3.0 in the MPH curriculum to meet graduation requirements.
The PharmD and the MPH degrees are awarded simultaneously upon completion of the School of Pharmacy and the Master of Public Health requirements.
Students may apply to the dual PharmD/MPH degree program in two ways. First, they may apply at the time they submit their PharmD application by concurrently submitting applications to both programs. Students who elect this approach must identify themselves on both applications as potential dual degree students. Students admitted to both programs will be offered admission to the PharmD and will be offered admission to the dual degree program contingent on passing all courses in their first year of the PharmD with a minimum 3.0 G.P.A. Students who are accepted only by one program may choose to attend that program but will not be eligible for the dual degree. Second, students can apply to the dual degree by submitting an application to the MPH program during their first year of enrollment in the Pharm.D. prior to the MPH published application deadline. Students who elect this approach must apply through the School of Pharmacy. Students admitted to the MPH program using this approach will be offered admission to the dual degree contingent on passing all courses in their first year of the PharmD with a minimum 3.0 G.P.A. Students accepted to the dual degree program must maintain a minimum 3.0 G.P.A. in Public Health and PharmD courses.
The joint MD/MPH program at the Keck School of Medicine is designed for individuals who envision a medical career that combines public health and medical disciplines. For further information about the joint program, refer to the program page.
837 Downey Way
Stonier Hall, Suite 101
Los Angeles, CA 90089-1149
Director: Elahe Nezami, PhD
(213) 740-1060
FAX: (213) 821-1733
Email: bhealthy@usc.edu
hpdp.usc.edu
The Bachelor of Science in Global Health is a multidisciplinary degree of the Keck School of Medicine's Department of Preventive Medicine. This undergraduate program offers an examination of public health and policy issues in the context of global affairs. Students complete course work from Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies and International Relations in addition to requirements from other schools of the university. The program provides students with a strong background in understanding and evaluating global health issues and prepares students to become health professionals with international competencies. This program is an ideal major for students interested in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, international relations, public health, epidemiology, health psychology and health behavior research.
The Bachelor of Science degree is awarded after students successfully complete 128 units, consisting of 66 units for the major and fulfillment of USC general education requirements including third semester equivalency in a foreign language.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing. For more information about USC's general education requirements, see General Education.
The program is divided into core and elective components. As part of the core research requirements, students must complete a directed research requirement, HP 490, with a specific international research focus.
The core component (42–46 units) is required for all students.
Students must choose 24 units of elective course work from the following lists. At least 8 units must be from HP and at least 8 units must be from IR.
837 Downey Way
Stonier Hall, Suite 101
Los Angeles, CA 90089-1149
Director: Elahe Nezami, Ph.D.
(213) 740-1060
Email: bhealthy@usc.edu
hpdp.usc.edu
The undergraduate program in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies (HP) provides a well-rounded, professionally focused education leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. The program is concerned with the sociocultural, behavioral, psychological, and biological factors contributing to wellness and disease. It is an ideal major for students interested in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, public health, epidemiology, health psychology and health behavior research. Areas of study include: global health; cultural diversity in medicine; substance abuse prevention and program planning; nutrition and fitness; health promotion of minority and underserved populations; and general public health issues (e.g., HIV/AIDS, violence, health promotion in the workplace and behavioral medicine).
The Bachelor of Science degree is awarded after students successfully complete 128 units, consisting of 66 units for the major and fulfillment of USC general education requirements including third semester equivalency in a foreign language.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing. For more information about USC's general education requirements, see General Education
The program is divided into core and elective components.
The following core component (42 units) is required of all students.
*MATH 125 allows students who have placed out of MATH 116 to take a higher-level math class; it also satisfies the math requirement for premedical students.
A total of 24 units of electives are required of all students (at least 12 of the 24 must be HP courses).
This minor introduces pre-health students to the theory and techniques of the cinematic arts and to a set of media practices useful for the implementation of health promotion strategies. This minor is designed for students who plan to enter careers or professional programs in medicine after graduation and are interested in working with film and television producers to disseminate accurate health information to the public. It complements major programs such as biological sciences, chemistry, kinesiology, health promotion and disease prevention studies, and environmental studies.
This minor is designed for students who plan to enter careers or professional programs in medicine after graduation and are interested in using cultural knowledge to provide more effective health care. The minor focuses on cultural differences in the understanding of health, disease, health care and risk factors unique to specific populations. The minor provides a foundation for students who want to become effective health care providers in an increasingly diverse society. It complements major programs such as biological sciences, chemistry, kinesiology and environmental studies.
This minor provides students with a basic understanding of environmental health and its challenges. Curriculum will focus on global health, epidemiology (as it relates to environmental exposures), toxicology and exposure science. Students will be prepared to address and prevent environmental health hazards, promote public health and contribute to the resolution of various environmental health challenges. This minor is ideal for pre-health majors across the university.
*Prerequisite required
This minor provides students with a basic understanding of the factors that determine the health of populations around the globe. Curriculum focuses on the cultural, environmental and clinical aspects of various health topics such as maternal and child health, aging, obesity, infectious disease and others. By studying these issues, students from majors across the university will be prepared to assess and contribute to the resolution of emerging global health challenges. This minor will appeal to a wide variety of majors, particularly majors centered on international affairs, business and health care.
This minor is designed to appeal to students with a wide range of interests, including those with a general interest in promoting healthy lifestyle practices through effective communication. These students will be prepared to seek jobs in areas such as the managed care industry, hospitals, wellness programs, broadcast and cable companies, and private and governmental agencies, as well as other organizations looking for experts with demonstrated knowledge in health-related fields
This minor is designed to appeal to students interested in nutrition, especially in preparation for graduate study in health-related fields (e.g., medicine, public health) or to enter health-related fields of employment. The focus of the minor is on assessing, planning and evaluating dietary intake of individuals or groups under various conditions of health and disease based upon principles of nutrition and behavioral science. Students in this minor will study factors associated with dietary habits and the development of effective individual and group interventions. It complements majors including psychology, gerontology, biological sciences, chemistry, kinesiology and environmental studies.
This minor is designed for students interested in a broad array of health issues. The focus of the minor is on reducing disability and mortality from avoidable injuries and chronic disease, educating the community about healthy lifestyles, assuring access to health care, and measuring changes using various indicators over time. This minor teaches students to meet the challenges of the changing environment of the health care system. It complements a number of majors including psychology, sociology, American studies and ethnicity, biological sciences, economics, environmental studies, kinesiology, gender studies, international relations, philosophy, religion, gerontology and political science.
This minor offers students an opportunity to gain an overall understanding of substance abuse as a major modifiable risk factor for illness. It allows students to learn theories of behavior change, to understand the issues in prevention and cessation of drug abuse, and to develop, implement, and evaluate intervention strategies. It complements a number of majors including psychology, sociology, American studies and ethnicity, biological science and gerontology.
*Including prerequisite
The department encourages applicants with undergraduate degrees in allied health, pharmacology, public health, medicine, biological and clinical sciences or other related fields. Undergraduate preparation should have included applied statistics, college algebra, an introductory course in calculus and basic computer programming. Applicants should also meet the minimum requirements for admission to the Graduate School. Demonstrated proficiency in the English language is essential. With approval of the Graduate School, applicants not meeting these requirements may be conditionally admitted contingent upon maintaining a GPA of 3.0 for the first 12 units of graduate study.
General requirements include at least 38 units of required courses as follows: 25 units of core courses and at least 9 units of elective courses. In addition, each student must register for four units of PM 594a Master's Thesis, PM 594b Master's Thesis and write a master's thesis.
Electives will be determined by the student's needs and interests and will be approved by the student's adviser. When appropriate, courses not listed above may be chosen with approval of the student's adviser. Sufficient familiarity in computer languages to operate major software packages for data management and analysis is required.
A master's thesis is required of all students. This thesis consists of a research project approved by the faculty and chosen from problems encountered within the department, in other departments of the Keck School of Medicinen or university or elsewhere in the community.
The department encourages applicants with undergraduate degrees in mathematics, statistics or biostatistics, computer science or other related fields. Undergraduate preparation should have included differential and integral calculus, introduction to mathematical statistics, and basic computer programming. Applicants should also meet the minimum requirements for admission to the Graduate School. Demonstrated proficiency in the English language is essential. With approval of the Graduate School, applicants not meeting these requirements may be conditionally admitted contingent upon maintaining a GPA of 3.0 for the first 12 units of graduate study.
General requirements include at least 36 units of required courses as follows: 25 units of core courses and at least 7 units of elective courses. Each student must also register for four units of PM 594a Master's Thesis, PM 594b Master's Thesis and write a master's thesis.
The student's choice of elective courses will be directed by needs and interests and must be approved by the student's graduate adviser. When appropriate, elective courses not listed above may be substituted with approval of the adviser. Sufficient familiarity in computer languages to operate major software packages for data management and analysis is required.
A master's thesis is required of all students. This thesis consists of a research project approved by the faculty and chosen from problems encountered within the department, in other departments of the Keck School of Medicine or university or elsewhere in the community.
Students with a bachelor's degree in quantitative biological sciences will be eligible for admission. In addition, the BA students must have completed at least one year of general biology, one semester of biochemistry and one semester of statistics to be admitted into the Graduate School. Under unusual circumstances, conditional acceptance will be offered to students who do not meet these requirements — allowing them to complete the missing undergraduate courses prior to their full admission into the Graduate School. An introductory biochemistry class is also available in the School of Pharmacy, which may satisfy the biochemistry prerequisite.
The MS program requires 37 graduate-level units with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 including epidemiology core courses, 14 units; molecular biology core courses, 12 units; at least 3 elective units; laboratory research plus thesis, 8 units. Students must also complete a master's thesis.
Prerequisite: PM 510 L Principles of Biostatistics
The MPH program is offered in two formats: the traditional format (on-campus) and via distance learning (online). The traditional MPH program allows students to choose from seven tracks: Health Education and Health Promotion, Biostatistics/Epidemiology, Health Communication, Child and Family Health, Global Health Leadership, Public Health Policy and Environmental Health. The distance-learning program allows students to choose from four tracks: Health Education and Promotion, Biostatistics/Epidemiology, Global Health Leadership, and GeoHealth. The curriculum includes a set of core courses for each track and electives. The program also includes a capstone course and an internship placement that integrates academic and practical experiences and prepares individuals to work in governmental and non-governmental organizations in healthrelated fields.
The master's degree program in public health (MPH) requires a minimum of 47 semester units of required and elective graduate study. The MPH is also available online.
In addition, at least another 20 to 24 units including the practicum and capstone, must be completed in their selected track of study.
At least 4 units from any 500- or 600-level course**
2 units of a practicum (PM 596) and 2 units of the capstone (PM 597), ending in a final report.
*May not receive credit for both track core and track elective category.
**Distance learning track elective and elective options are limited. Students should consult their adviser for guidance about available options.
At least 4 units from any 500- or 600-level course**
2 units of a practicum (PM 596) and 2 units of the capstone (PM 597), ending in a final report.
*May not receive credit for both track core and track elective category.
**Distance learning track elective and elective options are limited. Students should consult their adviser for guidance about available options.
The elective courses will be directed by the student's needs and interests and must be approved by the student's graduate adviser. Sufficient familiarity in computer languages to operate major software packages for data management and analysis is required.
At least 4 units from any 500- or 600-level course
2 units of a practicum (PM 596) and 2 units of the capstone (PM 597), ending in a final report.
At least 4 units from any 500- or 600-level course
2 units of a practicum (PM 596) and 2 units of the capstone (PM 597), ending in a final report.
At least 4 units from any 500- or 600-level course**
2 units of a practicum (PM 596) and 2 units of the capstone (PM 597), ending in a final report.
**Distance learning track elective and elective options are limited. Students should consult their adviser for guidance about available options.
At least 4 units from any 500- or 600-level course
2 units of a practicum (PM 596) and 2 units of the capstone (PM 597), ending in a final report
At least 4 units from any 500- or 600-level course
2 units of a practicum (PM 596) and 2 units of the capstone (PM 597), ending in a final report.
At least 4 units from any 500- or 600- level course
And, 2 units of a practicum (PM 596) and 2 units of Capstone (PM 597), ending in a final report
The elective courses will be directed by the student's needs and interests and must be approved by the student's graduate adviser.
A practicum (PM 596) is required of all students. The practicum is provided by an internship rotation through an area of public health practice in a county, state, federal or community-based agency. The practicum offers students the opportunity to observe as well as participate in applying their newly acquired skills and tools. All students are expected to participate in at least one internship and attend a corresponding seminar. An electronic portfolio describing the project and evaluating the outcomes completes the course requirement.
Completion of the capstone course (PM 597) is required of all MPH students during their last semester prior to graduation and is the culminating experience for the master's program. The course draws on students' prior training in the five core areas of public health; their additional required course work in their selected track of study; and their "real world" experience gained in the field prior to their graduation. The capstone class is closely linked to the MPH practicum and is designed to challenge students to reflect and integrate their training and experience with the goal of developing their own individual point of view regarding the role of public health in contributing to the improvement of the health and well-being of populations in the United States, as well as abroad.
Students enrolled in one of the MPH professional dual degree
programs (e.g., M.D./MPH, Pharm.D./MPH, DPT/MPH, and Ph.D.
(Clinical Psychology)/MPH, MPl/MPH) may waive 4 units of the
elective requirement and thus are required a minimum of 43 units to
graduate. All other students must complete a minimum of 47 units to
graduate.
The Master of Planning/Master of Public Health (MPl/MPH) dual degree is designed for individuals who envision a career that combines urban planning and public health disciplines. This dual degree combines the knowledge of urban planning with an understanding of health from a population perspective. It will provide training for planning, evaluating and guiding healthy community and urban development, and will enable graduates who seek to be agents of change within the profession to assume leadership roles in planning and in public health at the local, state and national levels. A total of 79 units are required for the dual degree. For further information about dual degree requirements, see the Master of Planning/Master of Public Health (MPI/MPH).
The Master of Social Work/Master of Public Health (MSW/MPH) dual degree offers the student interdisciplinary preparation in the fields of public health and social work leading to the Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees.
The dual degree program is a collaborative effort between the USC School of Social Work and the Department of Preventive Medicine in the Keck School of Medicine. The objectives of the program are to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote health, prevent disease, and enhance the delivery of health and social services in the community. Students will build interdisciplinary skills and an interdisciplinary professional identity by developing an understanding of the breadth of each field and their interface, while permitting concentration in particular specialization areas. The program prepares graduates for work in a variety of interdisciplinary settings; and for some, it will provide the basis for doctoral study.
Students must complete a minimum of 81 units, 34 of which fulfill unique requirements of the MSW, 27 which fulfill the unique requirements of the MPH, and 20 which fulfill the requirements of both degrees. Most students complete both program requirements over three years for full-time students; however, the program may be completed in less time if the student takes a full course load during the two summer sessions (MPH coursework only; MSW is not available during the summer).
Dual degree students must complete MSW course work in foundation, field and core courses specific to the AHA, COBI, or CYF departments. Students will take MPH course work specific to the following public health tracks: health education and promotion; public health policy; or child and family health. MPH track will be determined by the MSW department chosen by the student.
The School of Pharmacy and the Master of Public Health program, in recognition of the rapidly changing health care environment and in response to the growing demand for pharmacists who are knowledgeable in both pharmacy and population-based health care issues, have developed a dual degree program. The joint PharmD/MPH degree will enable graduates to be more responsive to today's health care needs and will provide training for pharmacists who seek to be agents of change within the profession and to assume leadership roles in the pharmacy field and in public health at the local, state and national levels.
The PharmD/MPH program spans five years (four years of pharmacy school courses and one year of public health courses). Students begin the core MPH courses following the successful completion of the first year of pharmacy school. The last three years of the program are devoted to the clinical rotations of the School of Pharmacy and to the completion of the elective courses and practicum (field experience) of the MPH program.
All students in the PharmD/MPH program must meet course requirements, grade point average requirements and program residency requirements of both programs. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the PharmD curriculum and a 3.0 in the MPH curriculum to meet graduation requirements.
The PharmD and the MPH degrees are awarded simultaneously upon completion of the School of Pharmacy and the Master of Public Health requirements.
Students may apply to the dual PharmD/MPH degree program in two ways. First, they may apply at the time they submit their PharmD application by concurrently submitting applications to both programs. Students who elect this approach must identify themselves on both applications as potential dual degree students. Students admitted to both programs will be offered admission to the PharmD and will be offered admission to the dual degree program contingent on passing all courses in their first year of the PharmD with a minimum 3.0 G.P.A. Students who are accepted only by one program may choose to attend that program but will not be eligible for the dual degree. Second, students can apply to the dual degree by submitting an application to the MPH program during their first year of enrollment in the PharmD prior to the MPH published application deadline. Students who elect this approach must apply through the School of Pharmacy. Students admitted to the MPH program using this approach will be offered admission to the dual degree contingent on passing all courses in their first year of the Pharm.D. with a minimum 3.0 G.P.A. Students accepted to the dual degree program must maintain a minimum 3.0 G.P.A. in Public Health and PharmD courses.
The department offers a degree program leading to the PhD in biostatistics. The program is designed to produce biostatisticians who will have in-depth knowledge of statistical theory and methodology and the ability to apply this knowledge creatively to statistical problems in the biological and health sciences. All students will enroll in a set of core courses that cover both biostatistical theory and applications. Students will then choose from one of four tracks that will allow them to develop expertise in a specific area. The available tracks are: (1) biostatistics theory; (2) statistical genetics; (3) environmental statistics; (4) clinical trials.
A minimum of 60 units of graduate study is required for the PhD degree; a maximum of 19 of these units may be from research and dissertation. In preparation for the qualifying examination, students are required to take all remaining core and track-specific courses.
In preparation for the screening examination, all students must take four core courses: PM 511a, PM 511b and PM 522a, PM 522b. A student failing the screening examination will either terminate or will terminate with the MS degree upon completion of an acceptable thesis.
A formal qualifying exam committee will consist of at least five faculty members. The committee chair and at least two additional members must be affiliated with the student's program. At least three members of the committee must be tenured or tenure track.
The written portion of the qualifying examination will comprise testing on track-specific course content and focus on the student's dissertation topic. An oral examination will ascertain the student's competence in orally communicating this knowledge. Students must pass the written portions and the oral portions in order to pass the qualifying examination.
Beginning in the second year, each student must register for PM 610 (1 unit) and present an annual progress report to the program oversight committee. Once a dissertation topic has been selected, the annual progress report is presented to the student's qualifying exam committee. Once the student has passed the qualifying examination and is appointed to candidacy, the annual progress report is presented to the student's dissertation committee. The student will meet annually with the dissertation committee, until he or she graduates from the program. The oral portion of the screening examination as well as the qualifying examination and the defense examination will count as ARAs.
Upon passing the qualifying examination the PhD candidate and his or her chair will recommend a three-member dissertation committee. The dissertation should be completed within two years and should be oriented toward a theoretical-methodological application to a problem area in the biological or health sciences. The oral defense is based on a rough draft or final version of the dissertation. The defense is administered by the dissertation committee, with other faculty invited to attend.
The department offers a degree leading to the PhD in epidemiology. This program may be an extension of the applied biostatistics and epidemiology MS program and is especially aimed at persons with a strong background in medicine: in particular, students enrolled in the MD program of the Keck School of Medicine who wish to interrupt their MD studies after two years to complete a PhD degree. This program is designed to produce an epidemiologist with in-depth statistical skills. The program requires a solid core of courses in methodological aspects of statistics and in statistical thinking as applied to medicine, as well as a solid grounding in epidemiological methods and in certain medical disciplines.
A minimum of 60 course units with a maximum of 20 units of research and dissertation; passing of screening and qualifying examinations; and completion of dissertation and final oral are required. In preparation for the screening examination the student must take the required core course and elective 33 units of master's level applied biostatistics and epidemiology courses. A student failing the screening examination will either terminate or terminate with the MS degree upon satisfactory completion of a master's thesis. In preparation for the qualifying examination, the student is required to join an on-going research project under the direction of the chair of the qualifying exam committee and directly participate in the conduct of that project. Credit will be given as PM 790 (4 units, two semesters). In addition, it is recommended that the student take PM 610 (at least two semesters). Electives may be selected with the approval of the chair of the qualifying exam committee from courses in the biological sciences or from the medical school. For students in the MD/PhD program in epidemiology, satisfactory completion of the first two years of the MD program will be considered to provide 20 units toward the PhD degree.
A formal qualifying exam committee will consist of at least five faculty members. The committee chair and at least two additional members must be affiliated with student's program. At least three members of the committee must be tenured or tenure track.
The written portion of the qualifying examination will test the student's integration of knowledge in biostatistics and medicine. In general, the qualifying examination will present plans for implementation and completion of three components: an independent and complete data analysis arising from ongoing epidemiological study, a "review" paper on an area of epidemiological research, and a grant application for a new epidemiological study.
Upon passing the qualifying examination, the PhD candidate and his or her chair will recommend a three-member dissertation committee. The dissertation should be completed within two years and should be oriented toward a methodological application to a problem area in the biological or health sciences.
This examination is based on a draft or final version of the dissertation and will be administered by the dissertation committee with other faculty invited to attend.
Proficiency in the English language is essential.
Students must complete a minimum of 60 units, with a maximum of 20 units of research and dissertation; pass screening and qualifying examinations; complete the dissertation and the dissertation defense examination. In addition the student is required to join a research project under the direction of one or both of the chairs of the qualifying exam committee and directly participate in the conduct of that project. Credit will be given by the department (DPT) conducting the research project DPT 790 Research (4 units, 2 semesters). In addition, at least two semesters of PM 610 is recommended.
The screening examination will be taken after two years in the program. Prior to the screening examination a mentor who will serve on the qualifying exam committee must be identified. The screening examination will consist of a written component and an oral component. The written component will be drawn from the core courses. A student failing the screening examination may be given a second opportunity to retake either one or both portions. Students failing the examination for the second time will terminate with the MS degree upon satisfactory completion of 37 units and an acceptable master's thesis.
Beginning in the second year, each student must register for PM 610 (1 unit) and present an annual progress report to the program oversight committee. Once a dissertation topic has been selected, the annual progress report is presented to the student's qualifying exam committee. Once the student has passed the qualifying examination and is appointed to candidacy, the annual progress report is presented to the student's dissertation committee. The student will meet annually with the dissertation committee, until he or she graduates from the program. The oral portion of the screening examination as well as the qualifying examination and the defense examination will count as ARAs.
The Department of Preventive Medicine, Division of Health Behavior Research, offers a degree program in preventive medicine (health behavior), leading to attainment of the PhD. The program is designed to train exceptional researchers and scholars in the multidisciplinary field of health behavior research. Students receive a thorough grounding in academic and research experience, encompassing theoretical and methodological training in such allied fields as communication, psychology, preventive medicine, biostatistics, public health and epidemiology. Students receive research experience by participating in projects conducted through the USC Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research (IPR). The doctoral program is full-time: students are expected to enroll for fall, spring and summer semesters.
Financial and educational support is provided to qualified doctoral students in health behavior research. Graduate (research and/or teaching) assistantships are half-time (20 hours per week) and provide tuition remission as well as a monthly stipend.
Sufficient familiarity in computer languages to operate major software packages for data management and analysis is required.
The doctoral program in health behavior research is structured as a four to five year course of study for students entering with a bachelor's degree. Time requirements are subject to review and approval by the division's Graduate Program Committee and the Graduate School.
A total of 60 units of graduate study is required for the PhD in health behavior research. Students are required to complete nine core courses: PM 500, PM 511a, PM 511b, PM 515, PM 530, PM 601, PM 602, PM 604 and PM 576 (total of 37 units). Other requirements include: two elective PM courses, one not offered by health behavior faculty (minimum of 7 units); and a minimum of 4 units each in PM 590, PM 690a, PM 690b, PM 690c, PM 690d, PM 690z, PM 790 and PM 794a, PM 794b, PM 794c, PM 794d, PM 794z.
For students entering with a bachelor's degree, one of the directed research projects will be equivalent in scope to a master's thesis. All research experiences/projects must be completed before registering for PM 794a Doctoral Dissertation, PM 794b Doctoral Dissertation, PM 794c Doctoral Dissertation, PM 794d Doctoral Dissertation, PM 794z Doctoral Dissertation.
The progress of each student is reviewed at the end of every academic year. At the end of the second year of study, students who have not made satisfactory progress are advised that they will be dropped from the program unless their progress improves during their second year.
Each student's qualifying exam committee consists of five members, including: no more than three health behavior faculty members; one other member from the Department of Preventive Medicine; and one member from a doctorate-granting program outside the Department of Preventive Medicine, representing the student's minor field.
Following course work and prior to beginning the dissertation, students must demonstrate written and oral mastery of the general field of health behavior research as well as of their chosen area of specialization. The qualifying process includes a written examination on theory and literature relevant to a selected content area. The examination is administered by the student's qualifying exam committee.
In addition to the qualifying examination, each student is expected to produce the following as evidence of qualification to conduct dissertation research: an academic dossier consisting of a summary of the student's academic record, teaching and research experience, and professional presentations and publications; at least one original empirical research paper of publishable quality, produced in connection with one of the student's courses or research experiences or developed independently; a dissertation proposal; and an oral defense of all the preceding materials.
Return to: Keck School of Medicine of USC
Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative
Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC
1425 San Pablo St.
Los Angeles, CA 90033
(323) 865-1266
FAX: (323) 442-8067
Email: scrm@usc.edu
scrm.usc.edu
Program Director: Henry Sucov, PhD
Stem cell biology is one of the newest and most powerful approaches in biomedical science; it offers the opportunity to experimentally approach previously intractable biological questions, create models of human disease and develop cell-based therapeutics.
This intensive one-year program (with an optional second year) will give students a deep understanding of the scientific and clinical underpinnings of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. The program includes three didactic lecture courses that address developmental cell biology and human embryology, stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, and translational and therapeutic aspects of stem cell technology; the program also includes two laboratory modules that provide guided hands-on experience with stem cells and stem cell laboratory approaches, and several different faculty-led discussion-based courses that allow detailed investigation of specific aspects of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.
Students completing this program will be well-positioned to proceed to medical or PhD programs, find laboratory or administrative employment in the growing stem cell pharmaceutical domain, or engage in public policy or regulatory administration of academic, clinical or business efforts in this expanding discipline.
California is globally recognized as the worldwide center of stem cell science, and USC has invested significantly in building the new Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, within which this MS program is based and administered.
Applicants must supply a completed application for graduate studies including: transcripts from all institutions previously attended, standardized test scores, a personal statement describing scientific and career interests, and two letters of recommendation. Applications are generally anticipated for fall enrollment, but applications for spring enrollment may also be considered. Applicants to the program must apply to the USC Graduate School and must meet the minimum requirements for admission to the Graduate School. Students are required to have a 3.0 or better overall GPA (or equivalent) and have achieved graduation with a BS or BA degree (or equivalent) before matriculation. Students are expected to have taken the general portion of the GRE exam before application and to have met or exceeded university score requirements. (MCAT scores that are less than five years old may be submitted in lieu of GRE scores by physicians and MD students with a 3.0 LCME-accredited medical school GPA or higher, or by medical school-bound students with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA or higher. DAT scores that are no more than three years old and that reflect a minimum score of 15 in each area may also be submitted in lieu of GRE scores.) Applicants not meeting Graduate School requirements for regular standing may, with the approval of the Graduate School, be conditionally admitted. International students from non-English speaking home countries are expected to demonstrate English language proficiency or take remedial English language courses, according to Graduate School policy. Specific prerequisites for this program include completed course work with a B or better grade (or equivalent) in Cell Biology and in Molecular Biology.
The program recommends that students meet with the student services adviser each semester prior to registration.
A graduate GPA of at least 3.0 is required at all times. Any student whose graduate GPA falls below 3.0 will be given written notification that they have been placed on academic probation. Students who do not raise their GPA to 3.0 after two semesters on academic probation will be academically disqualified.
Graduation requires completion of 25 units, according to the required Year 1 course schedule outlined below. None of these courses may be substituted or waived.
This program is intended to be completed within one academic year, and does not include a requirement for independent laboratory research or a thesis. Students may request approval to undertake laboratory research and continuing course work during a second year research option; students must already be matriculated into the program before making this request, and not all students will be granted this opportunity (selection will be based on academic performance and student research interests, and on availability of laboratory space). During this optional second year, students must enroll in the required Year 2 courses listed below; none of these courses may be substituted or waived.
As the longest-standing cultural institution in Los Angeles, the USC Thornton School of Music educates students in a real-world context through collaborations with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Los Angeles Opera, Grammy Foundation and others. Ryan Camastra (BM) works with Classical Guitar faculty Pepe Romero during a recent masterclass at the USC Brain and Creativity Institute's Joyce J. Cammilleri Hall.
Since its founding in 1884, the USC Thornton School of Music has become the center of higher education in music in the western United States and ranks among the top schools of music in the nation. Situated in the heart of the vital musical life of Los Angeles, USC Thornton brings together a distinguished faculty and gifted students from around the world. It is in this wonderfully diverse cultural milieu that students are offered instruction in virtually all professional and scholarly branches of music, including instrumental and vocal performance, jazz, popular music performance, music production, early music, conducting, composition, film scoring, music industry, musicology, music teaching and learning, arts leadership, pedagogy, choral and sacred music, conducting and opera. In addition to its major programs, USC Thornton also offers a wide array of music minors and general interest courses for students majoring in other disciplines.
The USC Thornton Symphony, Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, Opera, Wind Ensemble, Popular Music Ensembles, Songwriter Showcases, Jazz Orchestra, Contemporary Music Ensemble, Early Music Ensemble and a wide variety of large and small choral and instrumental ensembles assure students the broadest performing experience. More than 500 formal and informal concerts and recitals are presented on campus each year and the school regularly presents eminent visiting artists and scholars in master classes, workshops, lectures, seminars and in performance.
Los Angeles is the home of numerous musical organizations whose performances contribute immeasurably to the cultural life of the region, and also the home of the nation's major recording, radio, film and television industries. All offer abundant opportunities to the serious young musician.
The Music Complex Building 200
(213) 740-4721
FAX: (213) 740-5950
Email: studentaffairs@thornton.usc.edu
Assistant Dean: Phillip Placenti
The Music Complex Building 200
(213) 740-8986
FAX: (213) 740-8995
Email: uscmusic@thornton.usc.edu
Assistant Dean: Phillip Placenti
Director: Kenneth Foster
Music Faculty Building 416
(213) 740-7418
Chair: Jo-Michael Scheibe
The Music Complex Building 115
(213) 740-7399
Chair: Brian Head
Music Faculty Building 416
(213) 740-7416
Chair: Donald Crockett
Music Faculty Building 308
(213) 740-7416
Chair: Larry Livingston
The Music Complex Building 115
(213) 740-3119
Chair: Bob Mintzer
Ramo Hall of Music 112
(213) 740-7703
Chair: Alan Smith
Music Faculty Building 308
(213) 740-3211
Chair: Joanna Demers
Music Faculty Building 402
(213) 740-6935
Chair: Susan Helfter
The Music Complex Building 117
(213) 740-3224
Email: scmusind@usc.edu
Chair: Ken Lopez
The Music Complex Building G110
(213) 740-3224
Chair: Richard Schmunk
Ramo Hall of Music 112
(213) 740-7703
Director: Ladd Thomas
The Music Complex Building 117
(213) 740-3244
Chair: Patrice Rushen
Ramo Hall of Music 112
(213) 740-7703
Chair: Ralph Kirshbaum
The Music Complex Building 115
(213) 740-7399
Chair: Frank Potenza
Ramo Hall of Music 112
(213) 740-7704
Chair: Ken Cazan
Music Faculty Building 308
(213) 740-7416
Chair: Terry Cravens
Ramo Hall of Music 112
(213) 740-7703
Director: Alan Smith
The Music Complex Building 118
(213) 821-4192
Email: smptv@usc.edu
Director: Daniel Carlin
All departments may be reached by writing to:
USC Thornton School of Music
Music Faculty Building
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0851
FAX: (213) 740-3217
email: uscmusic@usc.edu
usc.edu/music
Robert A. Cutietta, DEd, Dean
Lucinda Carver, DMA, Vice Dean, Division of Classical Performance Studies
Christopher Sampson, MM, Vice Dean, Division of Contemporary Music
Peter Webster, PhD, Vice Dean, Division of Scholarly and Professional Studies
Jeffrey de Caen, MBA, Associate Dean for Operations
Susan Miltner Lopez, MBA, Associate Dean for Administration and Finance
Donald Crockett, PhD, Assistant Dean for Faculty Affairs
A. Phoenix Delgado, MM, Assistant Dean for Advancement
Brian Head, MM, Assistant Dean for Academic Programs
Phillip Placenti, EdD, Assistant Dean for Admission and Student Affairs
Jascha Heifetz Chair in Music and Distinguished Professor of Strings: Midori Goto, MA*
Robert Mann Chair in Strings and Chamber Music: Glenn Dicterow, BA
Bowen H. "Buzz" McCoy and Barbara M. McCoy Endowed Chair in Jazz at the Flora L. Thornton School of Music, Honoring President Steven B. Sample, 10th President of the University of Southern California: Bob Mintzer, BA*
Gregor Piatigorsky Chair in Violoncello: Ralph Kirshbaum, BA
H. Robert Reynolds Chair in Wind Conducting: H. Robert Reynolds, MM
Alice and Eleonore Schoenfeld Endowed Chair in String Instruction: Alice Schoenfeld, Dipl*
Judge Widney Professor of Poetry and Public Culture: Dana Gioia, MA, MBA
Distinguished Professor of Composition: Morten Lauridsen, DMA*
Professors: Arthur C. Bartner, EdD*; Bruce Brown, PhD*; Ken Cazan, BFA*; Terry Cravens, DMA*; Donald Crockett, PhD*; Robert A. Cutietta, DEd; Kevin Fitz-Gerald, Art. Dipl; Gary Glaze, MM*; Stewart Gordon, DMA*; Norman Krieger, Dipl*; Larry Livingston, MM; Thom Mason, DMA*; Ronald McCurdy, PhD; Richard McIlvery, MM; Erica Muhl, DMA*; Tim Page, BA; Alan Pasqua, BM*; John Perry, MM*; Daniel Pollack, MS*; Frank Potenza, MM*; Jo-Michael Scheibe, DMA; Alan Smith, DMA*; Richard Smith, MM; John Thomas, MM; Ladd Thomas, DMus; Frank Ticheli, DMA*
Associate Professors: Joanna Demers, PhD; Yehuda Gilad, Dipl*; Adam Gilbert, PhD; Rod Gilfry, MM; Elizabeth Hynes, BM; Robert Moore, PhD; Cynthia Munzer, BM
Assistant Professors: Lina Bahn, DM; Cristian Grases, DMA; Ted Hearne, MM; Beatriz Ilari, PhD; David Moore, BM; Andrew Norman, Art Dipl; Lisa Vest, PhD
Visiting Professors for 2015/2016: Jeffrey Kahane, MA
Professors of Practice: Daniel Carlin, MM; Lucinda Carver, DMA*; Peter Erskine; Boyde Hood, MM; Joel Timm, DMA; James Walker, BME
Associate Professors of Practice: Bernadene Blaha, MM; Karen Dreyfus, BM; Kenneth Foster, MA; Mark Goldstein, JD; Brian Head, MM*; Veronika Krausas, DMA; Ken Lopez, BA; Brent McMunn, MM; Richard Schmunk, DMA; Nick Strimple, DMA; Scott Tennant, MM
Assistant Professors of Practice: Jeffrey Allen, BA; Steven Cunningham, BS; Andrew Garver, BS*; Rotem Gilbert, DMA*; Susan Helfter, DMA*; William Kanengiser, MM*; Sharon Lavery, MM; Kristy Morrell, DMA*; Antoinette Perry, MM; Stephen Pierce, DMA; Patrice Rushen; Christopher Sampson, MM; Nick Stoubis, MM; Lisa Sylvester, DMA; Paul Young, DMA
Lecturers and Senior Lecturers (Full-time): William Biersach; Paul Chaikin; Jason Goldman; Patrick Kelley; Christopher Roze; Aaron Serfaty; Stephen Trovato
Adjunct Professors: Jeff Brabec; Todd Brabec; Bruce Broughton; Martin Chalifour; Suzi Digby; Douglas Frank; Donald Green; Gimel Keaton; Melissa Manchester; Norman Pearson; H. Robert Reynolds; Cherry Rhodes; Pepe Romero; Carl St. Clair; James Self; Jack Smalley; Michael Tree; Jo Ann Turovsky; Allan Vogel; Peter Webster; Richard Wolf; Michele Zukovsky
Adjunct Associate Professors: Margaret Batjer; Che-Yen Chen; Judith Farmer; David Howard; Andrew Shulman; Tram Sparks; Bing Wang
Adjunct Assistant Professors: David Arnay; James Babor; Christopher Bartz; Jon Burlingame; Leon Ndugu Chancler; Neal Desby; Susan Feldman; Russell Ferrante; Bruce Forman; Sean Friar; Parmer Fuller; Adam Kofler; Shigemi Matsumoto; Vincent Mendoza; Leah Morrison; Darek Oleszkiewicz; Joseph Pereira; Robert Sheppard; Andrea Stolpe; Mark Weiser; Gary Woodward; Robert Young
Adjunct Instructors: Andy Abad; Ambrose Akinmusire; Ted Ancona; Helane Anderson; Robert Anderson; Adriana Balic; Steve Becknell; Amy Bowers; Stacy Brightman; Sean Dougall; Rachel Fine; Rachelle Fox; Cheryl Ann Fulton; Sara Gazarek; Kathleen Grace; Sean Holt; Ben Hong; Maria Jackson; Alphonso Johnson; Aron Kallay; Dax Kimbrough; Patrick Kirst; Tim Kobza; Marion Kuszyk; Edwin Livingston; Andrew Martin; Mary Mattei; Roy McCurdy; Shawn Mouser; Sung-Hwa Park; David Poe; Michael Powers; Isaac Schankler; John Schmidt; Garry Schyman; Paul Sherman; William Skeen; Douglas Tornquist; Carl Verheyen; Vivian Wang; David Wilkinson
Lecturers (Part-time): Alvin Brightbill; Lot Demeyer; Christine Hye-Su Kim; Charles Koster; Jonathan Patterson; Jason Yoshida
Emeritus Professors: Nancy Bricard, MM*; William Dehning, DMA*; James Hopkins, PhD*; Arend Koole, DLitt et Phil; Frederick Lesemann, DMA*; Donald McInnes, MM; William A. Schaefer, MA; Margaret Schaper, MM*; Alice Schoenfeld*; Bryan Simms, PhD*; William Thomson, PhD; James Vail, DMA*
Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Composition: Stephen Hartke, PhD*
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
The Thornton School of Music offers professional and academic degrees at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. These degrees are summarized below.
Bachelor of Music: Students working toward this professional degree have a wide choice of specializations: composition, music industry, instrumental performance, jazz studies, popular music performance, music production and vocal arts. Students can take either a single major program or double majors in several combinations such as piano and composition, string, or percussion instrument. The two majors must be offered by different departments but lead to the same degree (for example, Bachelor of Music). Double majors consisting of two majors in the same department are not permitted. The degree is granted by the Thornton School of Music.
Bachelor of Arts: These degrees are designed for students with a strong music background who wish to combine professional music training with substantial study in other disciplines.
Bachelor of Science: Offered by the Thornton School of Music in the specialized area of music industry.
Minors in Music: Seven different minors in music are offered, each approaching the discipline from a unique perspective and with a distinct curriculum: Jazz Studies, Musical Studies (Performance), Musical Theatre, Music Industry, Music Recording, Popular Music Studies and Songwriting.
Master of Music: This is a professional degree that represents proficiency in one area of musical practice and relevant knowledge in musical literature, performance and technique. It requires a minimum of 30 graduate units, of which 15 must be at the 500 level or higher. Students complete either a thesis or recital(s) as part of the degree requirements. The degree can be earned in choral music, composition, conducting, jazz studies, music education, keyboard collaborative arts, guitar, organ, piano, voice or instrumental performance, or sacred music. The degree is granted by the Thornton School of Music.
Master of Arts: This degree, offered through the Graduate School in conjunction with the Thornton School of Music, stresses music history or early music performance, with emphasis on scholarly research.
Doctor of Musical Arts: This is a professional degree that represents the highest level of expertise in a major field of musical practice and competence in several additional areas. Students may specialize in choral music, composition, jazz studies, music education, vocal or instrumental performance, or sacred music.
Doctor of Philosophy: Conferred by the Graduate School, this is an academic degree in the field of historical musicology. A substantial background in music, research and languages is required.
Admission to a degree program is granted through USC's admission process, described in the Admission section of this catalogue. Supplementary materials are also required for students seeking admission to the Thornton School of Music, which are described online at usc.edu/music.
Applicants to a program within the school are screened by appropriate faculty selection committees that hold auditions, interviews and examine supporting materials. Letters of acceptance are issued by the USC Office of Admission.
A performance audition is required of applicants to most degree and certificate programs in the Thornton School of Music. Detailed information regarding audition requirements for specific Thornton programs is available online at usc.edu/music.
Scores from the general test of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are required for application and admission to the Master of Arts, Doctor of Philosophy and certain Doctor of Musical Arts degrees. (The music subject test is not required.) Test scores on the GRE that are more than five years old at the time of application are not accepted.
Undergraduate transfer students who have had formal study in any of the following areas must take the appropriate placement examination prior to their first registration: aural skills, theory, music history, conducting, analysis, orchestration and performance. The results of these examinations determine placement in appropriate sequential courses.
All students entering a graduate-level degree program (MA, MM, DMA, PhD) at USC Thornton, who have not previously completed a degree at USC Thornton, must take a series of entrance exams in core music subjects. These exams are called Music Graduate Entrance Exams (MGEEs). Information regarding which exams are required for specific majors is available from the Thornton Student Affairs office.
MGEEs are administered during the week prior to the first week of classes each fall and spring semester. Entering students must take all required exams at the scheduled exam time prior to the beginning of their first semester in the program. If any given exam is not passed on the first attempt, that exam can be retaken at the scheduled exam time prior to the beginning of the second semester in the program. If the exam is not passed on the second attempt, the corresponding review course must be successfully completed with a grade of B minus or better before the beginning of the third semester in the program. No MGEE can be attempted after the second semester in the program, regardless of whether the exam has previously been attempted. If students complete any MGEE after their second semester in the program, the score earned on said exam will be invalid. Failure to fulfill all MGEE requirements by the beginning of the third semester – either through exams or review courses – may delay permission to fulfill degree requirements such as recitals, comprehensive or qualifying examinations, thesis projects, and dissertations, and may also have a negative impact on financial aid eligibility.
If a student is not able to take an exam at the scheduled exam time, the exam administrator may choose to administer a similar exam at another scheduled time during the first week of the semester. This alternate exam time will be arranged in rare cases and at the sole discretion of the exam administrator.
The Thornton School of Music adheres to the USC Admission policies regarding TOEFL and IELTS scores. With some exceptions, international applicants from non-English-speaking countries are required to submit these scores by the application deadline. Test scores that are more than two years old at the time of application are not accepted. For any applicant whose first language is not English, regardless of educational background or immigration status, the Thornton School may require as a condition of admission that she or he take the International Student English (ISE) exam, administered by the USC American Language Institute, as well as complete any English language course work that may be prescribed from the results of that exam.
Music courses completed with satisfactory grades at a regionally accredited institution of higher education may be acceptable for transfer. A review of transcripts and course syllabi will be required in order to determine transferability of course work. The Thornton School may also require a student to take a placement test (at no cost) to determine the extent of his or her knowledge in a given area of musical study.
Music courses completed at an institution that is not regionally accredited will generally not be transferable. In exceptional cases, the Thornton School may consider petitions for transfer credit for these courses. The petition review process will include evaluation of transcripts with letter grades, course syllabi for each course for which transfer credit is being requested, and examples of work completed for a grade in those courses. Additional information may also be required in order for the Thornton School to complete a full transfer credit evaluation.
The curriculum requirements for each major are listed under each degree. The USC course classification and numbering system is explained in the Registration section of this catalogue. In addition, music courses sometimes carry the following abbreviations: CD = Conducting; CG = Classical Guitar; HC = Harpsichord; OR = Organ; P = Piano; SG = Studio Guitar; VA = Viola; VC = Voice Coaching; VO = Voice.
To change from one curriculum to another, a student must apply and be approved for the new curriculum by the appropriate department chair and declare the intent to change curriculum through his or her academic adviser in the Thornton School.
Students who have highly specialized interests which may not be met through degree programs may apply for admission to one of the following non-degree programs.
This program is designed for young artists of exceptional ability and musical sensitivity who plan careers as solo performers. The Artist Diploma Program provides young artists the opportunity to devote their full time to concentrated study and practice for the duration of their assigned programs. This program typically requires two to three consecutive years of study for completion.
The graduate program in arts leadership is a two-semester certificate program for artists, arts administrators and cultural workers of all types to develop the skills necessary to become successful leaders in the arts and arts organizations in a rapidly changing and radically altered contemporary world.
This two-year graduate-level program is designed for students who have completed their undergraduate education in music, or its equivalent, and intend to concentrate their energies on the full-time development of their discipline.
This one-year program is designed for students who hold the Bachelor of Music in Composition or its equivalent. Students in this program must maintain a 3.0 grade point average, with no course grade lower than a C (2.0). Work graded C- or below is not acceptable for credit toward the certificate.
Pi Kappa Lambda is a national honor society established in 1918 for the promotion and recognition of scholarship and performance in music. Students of the Thornton School of Music are eligible for election to Eta chapter at the University of Southern California, established in 1923, according to guidelines established by the board of the Eta chapter.
The minor in performing arts provides an interdisciplinary inquiry into the nature and aesthetics of the performing arts. It combines the disciplines of cinematic arts, dance, music and theatre. The minor is a unique course of study that looks at how the performing arts contribute to a culturally literate society. See the USC School of Dramatic Arts section of this catalogue.
Applicants to graduate programs in the Thornton School of Music must fulfill all music admission requirements described at usc.edu/music, in addition to fulfilling all USC graduate admission requirements. See Thornton School of Music Degree Programs and Entrance to the Degree Programs sections of this catalogue for further information.
Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. A performance audition according to the requirements of the Choral Music department is also required.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing. See http://dornsife.usc.edu/2015ge for more information.
Music majors may accumulate a maximum of 16 units of individual instruction at the 300 level toward an undergraduate degree program.
The Bachelor of Music (BM) is a professional degree granted by the Thornton School of Music. The various majors for the degree are listed below, along with specified requirements for each.
All performance majors are required, as indicated in the specific curriculum listings below, to either present a senior recital or complete a culminative project. Both must be completed under approved faculty supervision and guidance. The faculty of the department of the student's major program determine the detailed requirements of these recitals and projects, including content, length, format, and other specifications. In cases in which a performance venue is required in order to present the recital or complete the project, reservations must be made according to the current guidelines of the Music Operations office.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing.
The provost has allowed an exception to the rules governing the new general education requirements for certain groups of students pursuing performance degrees in music. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies or the Bachelor of Music in Performance (in all tracks except organ) may satisfy their social issues and first writing requirement separately by taking WRIT 130 (instead of WRIT 150) in the spring of their freshman year. In addition those pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Performance (vocal arts) may satisfy Category I of the new program with MUHL 331 and MUHL 332.
In all other respects, students in the Thornton School of Music must satisfy the general education requirements as described on the General Education Program page.
Music majors may accumulate a maximum of 16 units of individual instruction at the 300 level toward an undergraduate degree program.
Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, resume, complete academic transcripts, three original compositions, and a complete list of all original compositions including dates and media. If available, audio recordings of the submitted scores should also be included. An on-campus interview with the composition faculty is encouraged but not required. Admission to the BM in Composition is highly competitive. The program is a four-year program, to which transfer students are rarely admitted. Admission to programs in composition is limited to fall semester only.
*Transfer credit may not fulfill the large ensemble requirement.
**Requirement may be fulfilled with MPKS 301 P if proficiency level equivalent to MPKS 350b is demonstrated by examination.
The Bachelor of Music (BM) is a professional degree granted by the Thornton School of Music. The various majors for the degree are listed below, along with specified requirements for each.
All performance majors are required, as indicated in the specific curriculum listings below, to either present a senior recital or complete a culminative project. Both must be completed under approved faculty supervision and guidance. The faculty of the department of the student's major program determine the detailed requirements of these recitals and projects, including content, length, format, and other specifications. In cases in which a performance venue is required in order to present the recital or complete the project, reservations must be made according to the current guidelines of the Music Operations office.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing.
The provost has allowed an exception to the rules governing the new general education requirements for certain groups of students pursuing performance degrees in music. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies or the Bachelor of Music in Performance (in all tracks except organ) may satisfy their social issues and first writing requirement separately by taking WRIT 130 (instead of WRIT 150) in the spring of their freshman year. In addition those pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Performance (vocal arts) may satisfy Category I of the new program with MUHL 331 and MUHL 332.
In all other respects, students in the Thornton School of Music must satisfy the general education requirements as described on the General Education Program page.
Music majors may accumulate a maximum of 16 units of individual instruction at the 300 level toward an undergraduate degree program.
Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. A performance audition is required for admission to this program. Specific audition requirements, along with other entrance requirements, are reviewed on an annual basis and published in the Application Requirements section online at usc.edu/music. Most applicants will also be asked to sit for a written examination consisting of listening to excerpts, basic jazz theory and jazz history. Though applicants are strongly encouraged to perform a live audition, a recent video recording may be submitted in lieu of a live audition if necessary.
*Students must pass a comprehensive performance exam prior to the senior recital, which entails performance and improvisation, from memory, of songs selected from the "Jazz Studies Department Required Tune List."
Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. A performance audition according to the requirements of the department of the applicant's primary instrument or voice is also required.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing. See http://dornsife.usc.edu/2015ge for more information.
Music majors may accumulate a maximum of 16 units of individual instruction at the 300 level toward an undergraduate degree program.
Within the curriculum for the B.A., students may wish to focus in a particular area of music that suits their interest and the faculty's expertise. Students may specialize in one area or may design individual programs of study by choosing various combinations of electives that best meet their needs and career objectives. Relevant courses for each area are posted at usc.edu/music. One such option is listed below.
Vocal Jazz Option: This option is designed for students with a strong interest in the performance of solo and ensemble vocal jazz music. Students should take two semesters of Vocal Jazz Techniques, as well as individual instruction in jazz voice. Students may also perform in vocal ensembles and with instrumental combos.
The Bachelor of Music (BM) is a professional degree granted by the Thornton School of Music. The various majors for the degree are listed below, along with specified requirements for each.
All performance majors are required, as indicated in the specific curriculum listings below, to either present a senior recital or complete a culminative project. Both must be completed under approved faculty supervision and guidance. The faculty of the department of the student's major program determine the detailed requirements of these recitals and projects, including content, length, format, and other specifications. In cases in which a performance venue is required in order to present the recital or complete the project, reservations must be made according to the current guidelines of the Music Operations office.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing.
The provost has allowed an exception to the rules governing the new general education requirements for certain groups of students pursuing performance degrees in music. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies or the Bachelor of Music in Performance (in all tracks except organ) may satisfy their social issues and first writing requirement separately by taking WRIT 130 (instead of WRIT 150) in the spring of their freshman year. In addition those pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Performance (vocal arts) may satisfy Category I of the new program with MUHL 331 and MUHL 332.
In all other respects, students in the Thornton School of Music must satisfy the general education requirements as described on the General Education Program page.
Music majors may accumulate a maximum of 16 units of individual instruction at the 300 level toward an undergraduate degree program.
Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. A performance audition according to the requirements of the department of the applicant's primary instrument or voice is also required.
*All individual instruction units must be taken in the same area in which the students auditioned.
The Bachelor of Science in the Music Industry is a professional degree that prepares students to enter a variety of careers in the music industry of today. Students must fulfill a series of core requirements for the degree.
Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, resume and full academic transcripts. A full academic review will be the primary consideration for admission to this program. In some cases, a phone or in-person interview will be requested by the Thornton admission office.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two writing courses. See http://dornsife.usc.edu/2015ge for more information.
In addition to the above general education requirements, the following courses offered through the USC Marshall School of Business, the USC Leventhal School of Accounting and the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences are required.
The Bachelor of Music (BM) is a professional degree granted by the Thornton School of Music. The various majors for the degree are listed below, along with specified requirements for each.
All performance majors are required, as indicated in the specific curriculum listings below, to either present a senior recital or complete a culminative project. Both must be completed under approved faculty supervision and guidance. The faculty of the department of the student's major program determine the detailed requirements of these recitals and projects, including content, length, format, and other specifications. In cases in which a performance venue is required in order to present the recital or complete the project, reservations must be made according to the current guidelines of the Music Operations office.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing.
The provost has allowed an exception to the rules governing the new general education requirements for certain groups of students pursuing performance degrees in music. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies or the Bachelor of Music in Performance (in all tracks except organ) may satisfy their social issues and first writing requirement separately by taking WRIT 130 (instead of WRIT 150) in the spring of their freshman year. In addition those pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Performance (vocal arts) may satisfy Category I of the new program with MUHL 331 and MUHL 332.
In all other respects, students in the Thornton School of Music must satisfy the general education requirements as described on the General Education Program page.
Music majors may accumulate a maximum of 16 units of individual instruction at the 300 level toward an undergraduate degree program.
Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives and résumé. A performance audition is required for admission to this program. Specific audition requirements, along with other entrance requirements, are reviewed on an annual basis and published in the Application Requirements section of the Thornton Website at usc.edu/music.
*Courses may be chosen from the list or in consultation with the chair of Music Technology
**Prerequisite required
***Keyboardists will substitute a class in drums, guitar or voice
(This plan will follow new General Education requirements effective fall 2015)
The Bachelor of Music (BM) is a professional degree granted by the Thornton School of Music. The various majors for the degree are listed below, along with specified requirements for each.
All performance majors are required, as indicated in the specific curriculum listings below, to either present a senior recital or complete a culminative project. Both must be completed under approved faculty supervision and guidance. The faculty of the department of the student's major program determine the detailed requirements of these recitals and projects, including content, length, format, and other specifications. In cases in which a performance venue is required in order to present the recital or complete the project, reservations must be made according to the current guidelines of the Music Operations office.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing.
The provost has allowed an exception to the rules governing the new general education requirements for certain groups of students pursuing performance degrees in music. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies or the Bachelor of Music in Performance (in all tracks except organ) may satisfy their social issues and first writing requirement separately by taking WRIT 130 (instead of WRIT 150) in the spring of their freshman year. In addition those pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Performance (vocal arts) may satisfy Category I of the new program with MUHL 331 and MUHL 332.
In all other respects, students in the Thornton School of Music must satisfy the general education requirements as described on the General Education Program page.
Music majors may accumulate a maximum of 16 units of individual instruction at the 300 level toward an undergraduate degree program.
Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. A performance audition is required for admission to this program. Specific audition requirements, along with other entrance requirements, are reviewed on an annual basis and published in the Application Requirements section online at usc.edu/music. A recent high-fidelity recording may be submitted in lieu of a live audition if necessary.
*Transfer credit may not fulfill the large ensemble requirement.
The Bachelor of Music (BM) is a professional degree granted by the Thornton School of Music. The various majors for the degree are listed below, along with specified requirements for each.
All performance majors are required, as indicated in the specific curriculum listings below, to either present a senior recital or complete a culminative project. Both must be completed under approved faculty supervision and guidance. The faculty of the department of the student's major program determine the detailed requirements of these recitals and projects, including content, length, format, and other specifications. In cases in which a performance venue is required in order to present the recital or complete the project, reservations must be made according to the current guidelines of the Music Operations office.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing.
The provost has allowed an exception to the rules governing the new general education requirements for certain groups of students pursuing performance degrees in music. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies or the Bachelor of Music in Performance (in all tracks except organ) may satisfy their social issues and first writing requirement separately by taking WRIT 130 (instead of WRIT 150) in the spring of their freshman year. In addition those pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Performance (vocal arts) may satisfy Category I of the new program with MUHL 331 and MUHL 332.
In all other respects, students in the Thornton School of Music must satisfy the general education requirements as described on the General Education Program page.
Music majors may accumulate a maximum of 16 units of individual instruction at the 300 level toward an undergraduate degree program.
Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. A performance audition is required for admission to this program. Specific audition requirements, along with other entrance requirements, are reviewed on an annual basis and published in the Application Requirements section online at usc.edu/music. A recent, high-fidelity recording may be submitted in lieu of a live audition if necessary.
*Required each semester in residence.
The Bachelor of Music (BM) is a professional degree granted by the Thornton School of Music. The various majors for the degree are listed below, along with specified requirements for each.
All performance majors are required, as indicated in the specific curriculum listings below, to either present a senior recital or complete a culminative project. Both must be completed under approved faculty supervision and guidance. The faculty of the department of the student's major program determine the detailed requirements of these recitals and projects, including content, length, format, and other specifications. In cases in which a performance venue is required in order to present the recital or complete the project, reservations must be made according to the current guidelines of the Music Operations office.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing.
The provost has allowed an exception to the rules governing the new general education requirements for certain groups of students pursuing performance degrees in music. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies or the Bachelor of Music in Performance (in all tracks except organ) may satisfy their social issues and first writing requirement separately by taking WRIT 130 (instead of WRIT 150) in the spring of their freshman year. In addition those pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Performance (vocal arts) may satisfy Category I of the new program with MUHL 331 and MUHL 332.
In all other respects, students in the Thornton School of Music must satisfy the general education requirements as described on the General Education Program page.
Music majors may accumulate a maximum of 16 units of individual instruction at the 300 level toward an undergraduate degree program.
Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. A performance audition is required for admission to this program. Specific audition requirements, along with other entrance requirements, are reviewed on an annual basis and published in the Application Requirements section online at usc.edu/music.
*Transfer credit may not fulfill the large ensemble requirement.
The Bachelor of Music (BM) is a professional degree granted by the Thornton School of Music. The various majors for the degree are listed below, along with specified requirements for each.
All performance majors are required, as indicated in the specific curriculum listings below, to either present a senior recital or complete a culminative project. Both must be completed under approved faculty supervision and guidance. The faculty of the department of the student's major program determine the detailed requirements of these recitals and projects, including content, length, format, and other specifications. In cases in which a performance venue is required in order to present the recital or complete the project, reservations must be made according to the current guidelines of the Music Operations office.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing.
The provost has allowed an exception to the rules governing the new general education requirements for certain groups of students pursuing performance degrees in music. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies or the Bachelor of Music in Performance (in all tracks except organ) may satisfy their social issues and first writing requirement separately by taking WRIT 130 (instead of WRIT 150) in the spring of their freshman year. In addition those pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Performance (vocal arts) may satisfy Category I of the new program with MUHL 331 and MUHL 332.
In all other respects, students in the Thornton School of Music must satisfy the general education requirements as described on the General Education Program page.
Music majors may accumulate a maximum of 16 units of individual instruction at the 300 level toward an undergraduate degree program.
Applicants in piano must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, résumé and repertoire list. A performance audition is also required. Current requirements for the audition may be found at usc.edu/music. Follow the links to the Keyboard Studies Department and choose "Application Requirements." Although live auditions are strongly encouraged, a recent, high-fidelity audio or CD recording may be submitted in lieu of a live audition if necessary by applicants living a distance greater than 200 miles from the USC campus.
*Transfer credit may not fulfill the large ensemble requirement
The Bachelor of Music (BM) is a professional degree granted by the Thornton School of Music. The various majors for the degree are listed below, along with specified requirements for each.
All performance majors are required, as indicated in the specific curriculum listings below, to either present a senior recital or complete a culminative project. Both must be completed under approved faculty supervision and guidance. The faculty of the department of the student's major program determine the detailed requirements of these recitals and projects, including content, length, format, and other specifications. In cases in which a performance venue is required in order to present the recital or complete the project, reservations must be made according to the current guidelines of the Music Operations office.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing.
The provost has allowed an exception to the rules governing the new general education requirements for certain groups of students pursuing performance degrees in music. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies or the Bachelor of Music in Performance (in all tracks except organ) may satisfy their social issues and first writing requirement separately by taking WRIT 130 (instead of WRIT 150) in the spring of their freshman year. In addition those pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Performance (vocal arts) may satisfy Category I of the new program with MUHL 331 and MUHL 332.
In all other respects, students in the Thornton School of Music must satisfy the general education requirements as described on the General Education Program page.
Music majors may accumulate a maximum of 16 units of individual instruction at the 300 level toward an undergraduate degree program.
Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, résumé and repertoire list. A performance audition is required for admission to this program. Specific audition requirements, along with other entrance requirements, are reviewed on an annual basis and published in the Application Requirements section of the Thornton Website (usc.edu/music).
*Drummers will substitute a class in guitar or voice.
**Keyboardists will substitute a class in guitar or voice.
The Bachelor of Music (BM) is a professional degree granted by the Thornton School of Music. The various majors for the degree are listed below, along with specified requirements for each.
All performance majors are required, as indicated in the specific curriculum listings below, to either present a senior recital or complete a culminative project. Both must be completed under approved faculty supervision and guidance. The faculty of the department of the student's major program determine the detailed requirements of these recitals and projects, including content, length, format, and other specifications. In cases in which a performance venue is required in order to present the recital or complete the project, reservations must be made according to the current guidelines of the Music Operations office.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing.
The provost has allowed an exception to the rules governing the new general education requirements for certain groups of students pursuing performance degrees in music. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies or the Bachelor of Music in Performance (in all tracks except organ) may satisfy their social issues and first writing requirement separately by taking WRIT 130 (instead of WRIT 150) in the spring of their freshman year. In addition those pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Performance (vocal arts) may satisfy Category I of the new program with MUHL 331 and MUHL 332.
In all other respects, students in the Thornton School of Music must satisfy the general education requirements as described on the General Education Program page.
Music majors may accumulate a maximum of 16 units of individual instruction at the 300 level toward an undergraduate degree program.
Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. A performance audition is required for admission to this program. Specific audition requirements, along with other entrance requirements, are reviewed on an annual basis and published in the Application Requirements section of the Thornton Website (usc.edu/music). A recent, high-fidelity recording may be submitted in lieu of a live audition if necessary.
The Bachelor of Music (BM) is a professional degree granted by the Thornton School of Music. The various majors for the degree are listed below, along with specified requirements for each.
All performance majors are required, as indicated in the specific curriculum listings below, to either present a senior recital or complete a culminative project. Both must be completed under approved faculty supervision and guidance. The faculty of the department of the student's major program determine the detailed requirements of these recitals and projects, including content, length, format, and other specifications. In cases in which a performance venue is required in order to present the recital or complete the project, reservations must be made according to the current guidelines of the Music Operations office.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing.
The provost has allowed an exception to the rules governing the new general education requirements for certain groups of students pursuing performance degrees in music. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies or the Bachelor of Music in Performance (in all tracks except organ) may satisfy their social issues and first writing requirement separately by taking WRIT 130 (instead of WRIT 150) in the spring of their freshman year. In addition those pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Performance (vocal arts) may satisfy Category I of the new program with MUHL 331 and MUHL 332.
In all other respects, students in the Thornton School of Music must satisfy the general education requirements as described on the General Education Program page.
Music majors may accumulate a maximum of 16 units of individual instruction at the 300 level toward an undergraduate degree program.
Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. A performance audition is required for admission to this program. Specific audition requirements, along with other entrance requirements, are reviewed on an annual basis and published in the Application Requirements section online at usc.edu/music. A recent video recording may be submitted in lieu of a live audition if necessary.
*Required each semester in residence
**Violin majors are required to take MPST 301 Viola (2 units) as 2 units of the 6-unit elective requirement.
(4 units total)
*Required each semester in residence.
The Bachelor of Music (BM) is a professional degree granted by the Thornton School of Music. The various majors for the degree are listed below, along with specified requirements for each.
All performance majors are required, as indicated in the specific curriculum listings below, to either present a senior recital or complete a culminative project. Both must be completed under approved faculty supervision and guidance. The faculty of the department of the student's major program determine the detailed requirements of these recitals and projects, including content, length, format, and other specifications. In cases in which a performance venue is required in order to present the recital or complete the project, reservations must be made according to the current guidelines of the Music Operations office.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing.
The provost has allowed an exception to the rules governing the new general education requirements for certain groups of students pursuing performance degrees in music. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies or the Bachelor of Music in Performance (in all tracks except organ) may satisfy their social issues and first writing requirement separately by taking WRIT 130 (instead of WRIT 150) in the spring of their freshman year. In addition those pursuing the Bachelor of Music in Performance (vocal arts) may satisfy Category I of the new program with MUHL 331 and MUHL 332.
In all other respects, students in the Thornton School of Music must satisfy the general education requirements as described on the General Education Program page.
Music majors may accumulate a maximum of 16 units of individual instruction at the 300 level toward an undergraduate degree program.
Applicants must submit the Thornton School of Music Supplementary Application, a statement of objectives, resume and repertoire list. A performance audition is required for admission to this program. Specific audition requirements, along with other entrance requirements, are reviewed on an annual basis and published in the Application Requirements section online at usc.edu/music. A recent video recording may be submitted in lieu of a live audition if necessary.
Foreign language 4 courses from:
*Transfer credit may not fulfill the large ensemble requirement.
This 21-unit minor program in jazz studies incorporates course work in individual instruction, the history of jazz masters, techniques of jazz improvisation and jazz theory for improvisers. The minor is not available to BM jazz studies majors.
Requirements for admission are: GPA per university regulations and an audition.
A minor in the music industry is offered for undergraduate students to provide them with the background necessary to enter varied fields in the music business and to familiarize them with standard practices and procedures. A minimum of 20 units is required for completion of this minor. The minor is not available to music industry majors.
Acceptance into the program might require a personal interview by the Thornton School of Music.
Students admitted to this minor will be expected to have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and to maintain that average with no grade lower than a "C" for all courses taken in the minor.
A successful career in the 21st century music industry often requires that musicians be the songwriter, performer, producer and/or audio engineer on any given project. The minor in Music Production allows students to develop the creative, collaborative and technical skills required to compose, arrange and produce for contemporary music projects.
Acceptance into the program might require a personal interview by the Thornton School of Music to assure that the student has sufficient musical background and skill.
Students admitted to this minor will be expected to have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and to maintain that average with no grade lower than a "C" for all courses taken in the minor.
*Music Industry majors can substitute MTEC 175 and MTEC 176 for MTEC 277.
**Course has prerequisites
A minor in music recording is offered for undergraduate students to provide them with the background necessary to enter the field of recording engineering and to familiarize them with the design needs of recording equipment.
Acceptance into the program might require a personal interview by the Thornton School of Music to assure that the student has sufficient musical background and skill.
Students admitted to this minor will be expected to have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and to maintain that average with no grade lower than a "C" for all courses taken in the minor.
This 26-unit program in musical studies, with an emphasis in performance, incorporates the study of music theory, music history, performance, ensembles and electives. Students may enter the program in their freshman year. An audition is required for this minor, which is not available to music majors.
*Must include 4 upper-division units.
The minor in musical theatre, interdisciplinary in nature, is a 27-unit program incorporating the study of acting, dance or movement, vocal arts and related musical subjects. Admission to the minor requires an audition for music but not for theatre.
*2 units of MPVA 402 may be satisfied by taking THTR 397 Theatre Practicum.
*2 units of MPVA 402 may be satisfied by taking THTR 397 Theatre Practicum
*2 units of MPVA 402 may be satisfied by taking THTR 397 Theatre Practicum
This minor consists of four upper division courses, to be chosen from courses that examine different aspects of popular music. The minor focuses on the study of the repertories and their cultural and social context. Students must be in good academic standing to be admitted. No previous musical experience is required.
Choose four courses (16 units) from the following:
The minor in songwriting incorporates practical instruction in the craft of songwriting and in performance skills, instruction in the technology relevant to songwriting, and critical studies in the relevant repertories.
Requirements for admission: Successful completion of MUSC 255 Songwriting I and an interview with the admission coordinator.
This program is designed for young artists of exceptional ability and musical sensitivity who plan careers as solo performers. The Artist Diploma Program provides young artists with the opportunity to devote their full time to concentrated study and practice for the duration of their assigned programs.
Following the recommendation of the student's major department, a performance audition, consisting of a full-length recital before the Artist Diploma Committee, is required.
A minimum of 16 units at the 754 level (from MPEM, MPGU, MPKS, MPST, MPVA or MPWP) and four full-length recitals are required. This program requires four consecutive semesters of study for completion.
Thirty units of graduate work are required; a minimum of 15 units (excluding thesis or project) must be at the 500 level or higher. All students must satisfy the specified requirements of their major department (see department chair or academic adviser). Students must complete at least 26 semester units at USC, including the thesis or recital. A grade point average of not less than 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate courses in music, and a grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major department. Students who transfer credits must achieve this average on all combined transferred and residence units.
All credits transferred must be the equivalent of corresponding current work at USC. Course work completed at another institution that has been approved by the Thornton School for transfer credit must have been completed within seven years from the date of admission to a master's degree program to be applied toward that degree. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the appropriate Thornton adviser during the first semester in residence.
The time limit for completing the Master of Music degree is five years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.
A composition portfolio is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in composition; a thesis or final project is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in music education. For music education majors, the thesis will consist of a research document written on a topic approved by the music teaching and learning department; the final project will consist of a creative project that will present the arrangement, production or design of innovative ideas, materials or curricula for specific applications in teaching music. Before registering for 594a Thesis, or a similarly required course for a capstone project or portfolio, a student must establish a qualifying exam committee composed of three members of the faculty, approved by the department chair, of which at least two are from the home department. The chair of the qualifying exam committee directly supervises the preparation of the thesis, the final acceptance of which is based upon the unanimous recommendation of all three members of the committee.
One or more public recitals are required of all candidates for the Master of Music degree, as indicated below. Candidates must apply for recital dates, according to the current guidelines of the Music Operations office. Some departments require that a candidate be prepared to play or conduct the recital program for the approval of a faculty committee in advance.
Candidates for the Master of Music must pass a comprehensive review toward the end of their course of study, usually in the final semester. This review, which is administered by the faculty of the major department, consists of an oral or written examination, covering relevant aspects of musical performance, literature, and/or technique.
Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Music degree or its equivalent. Completed course work must include at least the following: Conducting MUCD 340, MUCD 343 and MUCD 441; Music History and Literature MUHL 331 and MUHL 332; Theory and Composition MUCO 232b, MUCO 233b and MUCO 338. One year of German or French is strongly recommended. Applicants must have attained senior standing in a principal performance medium.
A keyboard proficiency test will be given by the choral faculty during the student's first semester in residence to determine if additional study in keyboard is required.
A final oral examination in choral literature, conducting and rehearsal techniques will be administered by the choral music faculty.
Thirty units of graduate work are required; a minimum of 15 units (excluding thesis or project) must be at the 500 level or higher. All students must satisfy the specified requirements of their major department (see department chair or academic adviser). Students must complete at least 26 semester units at USC, including the thesis or recital. A grade point average of not less than 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate courses in music, and a grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major department. Students who transfer credits must achieve this average on all combined transferred and residence units.
All credits transferred must be the equivalent of corresponding current work at USC. Course work completed at another institution that has been approved by the Thornton School for transfer credit must have been completed within seven years from the date of admission to a master's degree program to be applied toward that degree. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the appropriate Thornton adviser during the first semester in residence.
The time limit for completing the Master of Music degree is five years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.
A composition portfolio is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in composition; a thesis or final project is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in music education. For music education majors, the thesis will consist of a research document written on a topic approved by the music teaching and learning department; the final project will consist of a creative project that will present the arrangement, production or design of innovative ideas, materials or curricula for specific applications in teaching music. Before registering for 594a Thesis, or a similarly required course for a capstone project or portfolio, a student must establish a qualifying exam committee composed of three members of the faculty, approved by the department chair, of which at least two are from the home department. The chair of the qualifying exam committee directly supervises the preparation of the thesis, the final acceptance of which is based upon the unanimous recommendation of all three members of the committee.
One or more public recitals are required of all candidates for the Master of Music degree, as indicated below. Candidates must apply for recital dates, according to the current guidelines of the Music Operations office. Some departments require that a candidate be prepared to play or conduct the recital program for the approval of a faculty committee in advance.
Candidates for the Master of Music must pass a comprehensive review toward the end of their course of study, usually in the final semester. This review, which is administered by the faculty of the major department, consists of an oral or written examination, covering relevant aspects of musical performance, literature, and/or technique.
The applicant must hold a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in composition or theory.
Thirty units of graduate work are required; a minimum of 15 units (excluding thesis or project) must be at the 500 level or higher. All students must satisfy the specified requirements of their major department (see department chair or academic adviser). Students must complete at least 26 semester units at USC, including the thesis or recital. A grade point average of not less than 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate courses in music, and a grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major department. Students who transfer credits must achieve this average on all combined transferred and residence units.
All credits transferred must be the equivalent of corresponding current work at USC. Course work completed at another institution that has been approved by the Thornton School for transfer credit must have been completed within seven years from the date of admission to a master's degree program to be applied toward that degree. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the appropriate Thornton adviser during the first semester in residence.
The time limit for completing the Master of Music degree is five years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.
A composition portfolio is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in composition; a thesis or final project is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in music education. For music education majors, the thesis will consist of a research document written on a topic approved by the music teaching and learning department; the final project will consist of a creative project that will present the arrangement, production or design of innovative ideas, materials or curricula for specific applications in teaching music. Before registering for 594a Thesis, or a similarly required course for a capstone project or portfolio, a student must establish a qualifying exam committee composed of three members of the faculty, approved by the department chair, of which at least two are from the home department. The chair of the qualifying exam committee directly supervises the preparation of the thesis, the final acceptance of which is based upon the unanimous recommendation of all three members of the committee.
One or more public recitals are required of all candidates for the Master of Music degree, as indicated below. Candidates must apply for recital dates, according to the current guidelines of the Music Operations office. Some departments require that a candidate be prepared to play or conduct the recital program for the approval of a faculty committee in advance.
Candidates for the Master of Music must pass a comprehensive review toward the end of their course of study, usually in the final semester. This review, which is administered by the faculty of the major department, consists of an oral or written examination, covering relevant aspects of musical performance, literature, and/or technique.
The applicant must hold a bachelor's degree with a music major and have at least one year of experience conducting an orchestra.
This degree is under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Students should also refer to The Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations.
Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of scores on the Graduate Record Examinations, transcripts of previous college courses, a research paper and letters of reference.
Regular (classified) standing is achieved when the general test of the Graduate Record Examinations has been taken, and when the Music Graduate Entrance Examinations have been completed satisfactorily. Remedial course work, if recommended, may be substituted for repetition of examinations.
Students are required to demonstrate a reading knowledge by passing an examination in one foreign language chosen by the student from among French, German, Italian or Latin. This requirement must be passed prior to the comprehensive examination.
Applicants should have an undergraduate degree with a major in music or the equivalent, and a substantial background in languages, arts and letters.
The thesis will include the planning, research, preparation and leadership of a full-length program in early music. This practical work will be supported by a written essay that deals, as appropriate, with historical data sources, authentic performance practices and a stylistic assessment of the repertoire that is performed. In lieu of a comprehensive examination, candidates for the Early Music Performance Emphasis will be required to pass periodic reviews to demonstrate progress.
Thirty units of graduate work are required; a minimum of 15 units (excluding thesis or project) must be at the 500 level or higher. All students must satisfy the specified requirements of their major department (see department chair or academic adviser). Students must complete at least 26 semester units at USC, including the thesis or recital. A grade point average of not less than 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate courses in music, and a grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major department. Students who transfer credits must achieve this average on all combined transferred and residence units.
All credits transferred must be the equivalent of corresponding current work at USC. Course work completed at another institution that has been approved by the Thornton School for transfer credit must have been completed within seven years from the date of admission to a master's degree program to be applied toward that degree. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the appropriate Thornton adviser during the first semester in residence.
The time limit for completing the Master of Music degree is five years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.
A composition portfolio is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in composition; a thesis or final project is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in music education. For music education majors, the thesis will consist of a research document written on a topic approved by the music teaching and learning department; the final project will consist of a creative project that will present the arrangement, production or design of innovative ideas, materials or curricula for specific applications in teaching music. Before registering for 594a Thesis, or a similarly required course for a capstone project or portfolio, a student must establish a qualifying exam committee composed of three members of the faculty, approved by the department chair, of which at least two are from the home department. The chair of the qualifying exam committee directly supervises the preparation of the thesis, the final acceptance of which is based upon the unanimous recommendation of all three members of the committee.
One or more public recitals are required of all candidates for the Master of Music degree, as indicated below. Candidates must apply for recital dates, according to the current guidelines of the Music Operations office. Some departments require that a candidate be prepared to play or conduct the recital program for the approval of a faculty committee in advance.
Candidates for the Master of Music must pass a comprehensive review toward the end of their course of study, usually in the final semester. This review, which is administered by the faculty of the major department, consists of an oral or written examination, covering relevant aspects of musical performance, literature, and/or technique.
The applicant must hold a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in jazz studies or its equivalent.
Thirty units of graduate work are required; a minimum of 15 units (excluding thesis or project) must be at the 500 level or higher. All students must satisfy the specified requirements of their major department (see department chair or academic adviser). Students must complete at least 26 semester units at USC, including the thesis or recital. A grade point average of not less than 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate courses in music, and a grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major department. Students who transfer credits must achieve this average on all combined transferred and residence units.
All credits transferred must be the equivalent of corresponding current work at USC. Course work completed at another institution that has been approved by the Thornton School for transfer credit must have been completed within seven years from the date of admission to a master's degree program to be applied toward that degree. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the appropriate Thornton adviser during the first semester in residence.
The time limit for completing the Master of Music degree is five years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.
A composition portfolio is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in composition; a thesis or final project is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in music education. For music education majors, the thesis will consist of a research document written on a topic approved by the music teaching and learning department; the final project will consist of a creative project that will present the arrangement, production or design of innovative ideas, materials or curricula for specific applications in teaching music. Before registering for 594a Thesis, or a similarly required course for a capstone project or portfolio, a student must establish a qualifying exam committee composed of three members of the faculty, approved by the department chair, of which at least two are from the home department. The chair of the qualifying exam committee directly supervises the preparation of the thesis, the final acceptance of which is based upon the unanimous recommendation of all three members of the committee.
One or more public recitals are required of all candidates for the Master of Music degree, as indicated below. Candidates must apply for recital dates, according to the current guidelines of the Music Operations office. Some departments require that a candidate be prepared to play or conduct the recital program for the approval of a faculty committee in advance.
Candidates for the Master of Music must pass a comprehensive review toward the end of their course of study, usually in the final semester. This review, which is administered by the faculty of the major department, consists of an oral or written examination, covering relevant aspects of musical performance, literature, and/or technique.
The applicant must hold a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in music education and have one year of teaching experience beyond supervised student teaching.
This degree is under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Students should also refer to The Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations.
Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of scores on the Graduate Record Examinations, transcripts of previous college courses, a research paper and letters of reference.
Regular (classified) standing is achieved when the general test of the Graduate Record Examinations has been taken, and when the Music Graduate Entrance Examinations have been completed satisfactorily. Remedial course work, if recommended, may be substituted for repetition of examinations.
Students are required to demonstrate a reading knowledge by passing an examination in one foreign language chosen by the student from among French, German, Italian or Latin. This requirement must be passed prior to the comprehensive examination.
Applicants should have an undergraduate degree with a major in music or the equivalent, and a substantial background in languages, arts and letters.
Thirty units of graduate work are required; a minimum of 15 units (excluding thesis or project) must be at the 500 level or higher. All students must satisfy the specified requirements of their major department (see department chair or academic adviser). Students must complete at least 26 semester units at USC, including the thesis or recital. A grade point average of not less than 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate courses in music, and a grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major department. Students who transfer credits must achieve this average on all combined transferred and residence units.
All credits transferred must be the equivalent of corresponding current work at USC. Course work completed at another institution that has been approved by the Thornton School for transfer credit must have been completed within seven years from the date of admission to a master's degree program to be applied toward that degree. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the appropriate Thornton adviser during the first semester in residence.
The time limit for completing the Master of Music degree is five years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.
A composition portfolio is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in composition; a thesis or final project is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in music education. For music education majors, the thesis will consist of a research document written on a topic approved by the music teaching and learning department; the final project will consist of a creative project that will present the arrangement, production or design of innovative ideas, materials or curricula for specific applications in teaching music. Before registering for 594a Thesis, or a similarly required course for a capstone project or portfolio, a student must establish a qualifying exam committee composed of three members of the faculty, approved by the department chair, of which at least two are from the home department. The chair of the qualifying exam committee directly supervises the preparation of the thesis, the final acceptance of which is based upon the unanimous recommendation of all three members of the committee.
One or more public recitals are required of all candidates for the Master of Music degree, as indicated below. Candidates must apply for recital dates, according to the current guidelines of the Music Operations office. Some departments require that a candidate be prepared to play or conduct the recital program for the approval of a faculty committee in advance.
Candidates for the Master of Music must pass a comprehensive review toward the end of their course of study, usually in the final semester. This review, which is administered by the faculty of the major department, consists of an oral or written examination, covering relevant aspects of musical performance, literature, and/or technique.
The applicant must hold a bachelor's degree with a major in music with guitar as the principal instrument.
Thirty units of graduate work are required; a minimum of 15 units (excluding thesis or project) must be at the 500 level or higher. All students must satisfy the specified requirements of their major department (see department chair or academic adviser). Students must complete at least 26 semester units at USC, including the thesis or recital. A grade point average of not less than 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate courses in music, and a grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major department. Students who transfer credits must achieve this average on all combined transferred and residence units.
All credits transferred must be the equivalent of corresponding current work at USC. Course work completed at another institution that has been approved by the Thornton School for transfer credit must have been completed within seven years from the date of admission to a master's degree program to be applied toward that degree. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the appropriate Thornton adviser during the first semester in residence.
The time limit for completing the Master of Music degree is five years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.
A composition portfolio is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in composition; a thesis or final project is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in music education. For music education majors, the thesis will consist of a research document written on a topic approved by the music teaching and learning department; the final project will consist of a creative project that will present the arrangement, production or design of innovative ideas, materials or curricula for specific applications in teaching music. Before registering for 594a Thesis, or a similarly required course for a capstone project or portfolio, a student must establish a qualifying exam committee composed of three members of the faculty, approved by the department chair, of which at least two are from the home department. The chair of the qualifying exam committee directly supervises the preparation of the thesis, the final acceptance of which is based upon the unanimous recommendation of all three members of the committee.
One or more public recitals are required of all candidates for the Master of Music degree, as indicated below. Candidates must apply for recital dates, according to the current guidelines of the Music Operations office. Some departments require that a candidate be prepared to play or conduct the recital program for the approval of a faculty committee in advance.
Candidates for the Master of Music must pass a comprehensive review toward the end of their course of study, usually in the final semester. This review, which is administered by the faculty of the major department, consists of an oral or written examination, covering relevant aspects of musical performance, literature, and/or technique.
The applicant must hold a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in a wind instrument or percussion or equivalent.
Thirty units of graduate work are required; a minimum of 15 units (excluding thesis or project) must be at the 500 level or higher. All students must satisfy the specified requirements of their major department (see department chair or academic adviser). Students must complete at least 26 semester units at USC, including the thesis or recital. A grade point average of not less than 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate courses in music, and a grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major department. Students who transfer credits must achieve this average on all combined transferred and residence units.
All credits transferred must be the equivalent of corresponding current work at USC. Course work completed at another institution that has been approved by the Thornton School for transfer credit must have been completed within seven years from the date of admission to a master's degree program to be applied toward that degree. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the appropriate Thornton adviser during the first semester in residence.
The time limit for completing the Master of Music degree is five years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.
A composition portfolio is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in composition; a thesis or final project is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in music education. For music education majors, the thesis will consist of a research document written on a topic approved by the music teaching and learning department; the final project will consist of a creative project that will present the arrangement, production or design of innovative ideas, materials or curricula for specific applications in teaching music. Before registering for 594a Thesis, or a similarly required course for a capstone project or portfolio, a student must establish a qualifying exam committee composed of three members of the faculty, approved by the department chair, of which at least two are from the home department. The chair of the qualifying exam committee directly supervises the preparation of the thesis, the final acceptance of which is based upon the unanimous recommendation of all three members of the committee.
One or more public recitals are required of all candidates for the Master of Music degree, as indicated below. Candidates must apply for recital dates, according to the current guidelines of the Music Operations office. Some departments require that a candidate be prepared to play or conduct the recital program for the approval of a faculty committee in advance.
Candidates for the Master of Music must pass a comprehensive review toward the end of their course of study, usually in the final semester. This review, which is administered by the faculty of the major department, consists of an oral or written examination, covering relevant aspects of musical performance, literature, and/or technique.
Applicants must hold the Bachelor of Music degree with a major in piano or keyboard collaborative arts or equivalent background as determined by the collaborative arts faculty. It is strongly suggested that students who have not previously taken courses in Italian, French, English and German diction, or in song literature, enroll in the appropriate course(s) (MPVA 440, MPVA 441, MPVA 479) as part of their electives.
Thirty units of graduate work are required; a minimum of 15 units (excluding thesis or project) must be at the 500 level or higher. All students must satisfy the specified requirements of their major department (see department chair or academic adviser). Students must complete at least 26 semester units at USC, including the thesis or recital. A grade point average of not less than 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate courses in music, and a grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major department. Students who transfer credits must achieve this average on all combined transferred and residence units.
All credits transferred must be the equivalent of corresponding current work at USC. Course work completed at another institution that has been approved by the Thornton School for transfer credit must have been completed within seven years from the date of admission to a master's degree program to be applied toward that degree. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the appropriate Thornton adviser during the first semester in residence.
The time limit for completing the Master of Music degree is five years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.
A composition portfolio is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in composition; a thesis or final project is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in music education. For music education majors, the thesis will consist of a research document written on a topic approved by the music teaching and learning department; the final project will consist of a creative project that will present the arrangement, production or design of innovative ideas, materials or curricula for specific applications in teaching music. Before registering for 594a Thesis, or a similarly required course for a capstone project or portfolio, a student must establish a qualifying exam committee composed of three members of the faculty, approved by the department chair, of which at least two are from the home department. The chair of the qualifying exam committee directly supervises the preparation of the thesis, the final acceptance of which is based upon the unanimous recommendation of all three members of the committee.
One or more public recitals are required of all candidates for the Master of Music degree, as indicated below. Candidates must apply for recital dates, according to the current guidelines of the Music Operations office. Some departments require that a candidate be prepared to play or conduct the recital program for the approval of a faculty committee in advance.
Candidates for the Master of Music must pass a comprehensive review toward the end of their course of study, usually in the final semester. This review, which is administered by the faculty of the major department, consists of an oral or written examination, covering relevant aspects of musical performance, literature, and/or technique.
The applicant must hold a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in organ or equivalent.
Comprehensive review Units: 0
Thirty units of graduate work are required; a minimum of 15 units (excluding thesis or project) must be at the 500 level or higher. All students must satisfy the specified requirements of their major department (see department chair or academic adviser). Students must complete at least 26 semester units at USC, including the thesis or recital. A grade point average of not less than 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate courses in music, and a grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major department. Students who transfer credits must achieve this average on all combined transferred and residence units.
All credits transferred must be the equivalent of corresponding current work at USC. Course work completed at another institution that has been approved by the Thornton School for transfer credit must have been completed within seven years from the date of admission to a master's degree program to be applied toward that degree. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the appropriate Thornton adviser during the first semester in residence.
The time limit for completing the Master of Music degree is five years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.
A composition portfolio is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in composition; a thesis or final project is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in music education. For music education majors, the thesis will consist of a research document written on a topic approved by the music teaching and learning department; the final project will consist of a creative project that will present the arrangement, production or design of innovative ideas, materials or curricula for specific applications in teaching music. Before registering for 594a Thesis, or a similarly required course for a capstone project or portfolio, a student must establish a qualifying exam committee composed of three members of the faculty, approved by the department chair, of which at least two are from the home department. The chair of the qualifying exam committee directly supervises the preparation of the thesis, the final acceptance of which is based upon the unanimous recommendation of all three members of the committee.
One or more public recitals are required of all candidates for the Master of Music degree, as indicated below. Candidates must apply for recital dates, according to the current guidelines of the Music Operations office. Some departments require that a candidate be prepared to play or conduct the recital program for the approval of a faculty committee in advance.
Candidates for the Master of Music must pass a comprehensive review toward the end of their course of study, usually in the final semester. This review, which is administered by the faculty of the major department, consists of an oral or written examination, covering relevant aspects of musical performance, literature, and/or technique.
The applicant must hold a Bachelor of Music degree in piano or equivalent.
Thirty units of graduate work are required; a minimum of 15 units (excluding thesis or project) must be at the 500 level or higher. All students must satisfy the specified requirements of their major department (see department chair or academic adviser). Students must complete at least 26 semester units at USC, including the thesis or recital. A grade point average of not less than 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate courses in music, and a grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major department. Students who transfer credits must achieve this average on all combined transferred and residence units.
All credits transferred must be the equivalent of corresponding current work at USC. Course work completed at another institution that has been approved by the Thornton School for transfer credit must have been completed within seven years from the date of admission to a master's degree program to be applied toward that degree. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the appropriate Thornton adviser during the first semester in residence.
The time limit for completing the Master of Music degree is five years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.
A composition portfolio is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in composition; a thesis or final project is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in music education. For music education majors, the thesis will consist of a research document written on a topic approved by the music teaching and learning department; the final project will consist of a creative project that will present the arrangement, production or design of innovative ideas, materials or curricula for specific applications in teaching music. Before registering for 594a Thesis, or a similarly required course for a capstone project or portfolio, a student must establish a qualifying exam committee composed of three members of the faculty, approved by the department chair, of which at least two are from the home department. The chair of the qualifying exam committee directly supervises the preparation of the thesis, the final acceptance of which is based upon the unanimous recommendation of all three members of the committee.
One or more public recitals are required of all candidates for the Master of Music degree, as indicated below. Candidates must apply for recital dates, according to the current guidelines of the Music Operations office. Some departments require that a candidate be prepared to play or conduct the recital program for the approval of a faculty committee in advance.
Candidates for the Master of Music must pass a comprehensive review toward the end of their course of study, usually in the final semester. This review, which is administered by the faculty of the major department, consists of an oral or written examination, covering relevant aspects of musical performance, literature, and/or technique.
The applicant must hold a bachelor's degree with a major in music with guitar as the principal instrument.
Thirty units of graduate work are required; a minimum of 15 units (excluding thesis or project) must be at the 500 level or higher. All students must satisfy the specified requirements of their major department (see department chair or academic adviser). Students must complete at least 26 semester units at USC, including the thesis or recital. A grade point average of not less than 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate courses in music, and a grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major department. Students who transfer credits must achieve this average on all combined transferred and residence units.
All credits transferred must be the equivalent of corresponding current work at USC. Course work completed at another institution that has been approved by the Thornton School for transfer credit must have been completed within seven years from the date of admission to a master's degree program to be applied toward that degree. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the appropriate Thornton adviser during the first semester in residence.
The time limit for completing the Master of Music degree is five years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.
A composition portfolio is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in composition; a thesis or final project is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in music education. For music education majors, the thesis will consist of a research document written on a topic approved by the music teaching and learning department; the final project will consist of a creative project that will present the arrangement, production or design of innovative ideas, materials or curricula for specific applications in teaching music. Before registering for 594a Thesis, or a similarly required course for a capstone project or portfolio, a student must establish a qualifying exam committee composed of three members of the faculty, approved by the department chair, of which at least two are from the home department. The chair of the qualifying exam committee directly supervises the preparation of the thesis, the final acceptance of which is based upon the unanimous recommendation of all three members of the committee.
One or more public recitals are required of all candidates for the Master of Music degree, as indicated below. Candidates must apply for recital dates, according to the current guidelines of the Music Operations office. Some departments require that a candidate be prepared to play or conduct the recital program for the approval of a faculty committee in advance.
Candidates for the Master of Music must pass a comprehensive review toward the end of their course of study, usually in the final semester. This review, which is administered by the faculty of the major department, consists of an oral or written examination, covering relevant aspects of musical performance, literature, and/or technique.
The applicant must hold a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in a string instrument or equivalent.
Thirty units of graduate work are required; a minimum of 15 units (excluding thesis or project) must be at the 500 level or higher. All students must satisfy the specified requirements of their major department (see department chair or academic adviser). Students must complete at least 26 semester units at USC, including the thesis or recital. A grade point average of not less than 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate courses in music, and a grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major department. Students who transfer credits must achieve this average on all combined transferred and residence units.
All credits transferred must be the equivalent of corresponding current work at USC. Course work completed at another institution that has been approved by the Thornton School for transfer credit must have been completed within seven years from the date of admission to a master's degree program to be applied toward that degree. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the appropriate Thornton adviser during the first semester in residence.
The time limit for completing the Master of Music degree is five years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.
A composition portfolio is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in composition; a thesis or final project is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in music education. For music education majors, the thesis will consist of a research document written on a topic approved by the music teaching and learning department; the final project will consist of a creative project that will present the arrangement, production or design of innovative ideas, materials or curricula for specific applications in teaching music. Before registering for 594a Thesis, or a similarly required course for a capstone project or portfolio, a student must establish a qualifying exam committee composed of three members of the faculty, approved by the department chair, of which at least two are from the home department. The chair of the qualifying exam committee directly supervises the preparation of the thesis, the final acceptance of which is based upon the unanimous recommendation of all three members of the committee.
One or more public recitals are required of all candidates for the Master of Music degree, as indicated below. Candidates must apply for recital dates, according to the current guidelines of the Music Operations office. Some departments require that a candidate be prepared to play or conduct the recital program for the approval of a faculty committee in advance.
Candidates for the Master of Music must pass a comprehensive review toward the end of their course of study, usually in the final semester. This review, which is administered by the faculty of the major department, consists of an oral or written examination, covering relevant aspects of musical performance, literature, and/or technique.
The applicant must hold a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in vocal arts. Students who have not had formal training in foreign language, diction, vocal pedagogy, acting for singers, song literature and in Italian, French or German languages must show competency in these areas through examination or complete appropriate course work with a grade of B or higher.
A final examination in vocal pedagogy, art song and oratorio literature and diction will be administered by the vocal arts faculty. Students are required to write extensive program notes for the degree recital.
USC Opera is an integral part of the Vocal Arts Department, providing career development opportunities for singers, coach/pianists, conductors and directors. The program includes instruction in opera history and literature, coaching techniques, stage direction, body movement for singers, stage training, role study and analysis.
The opera workshop is a repertory experience involving preparation and performance of operatic works and excerpts for performance both on and off the USC campus.
Thirty units of graduate work are required; a minimum of 15 units (excluding thesis or project) must be at the 500 level or higher. All students must satisfy the specified requirements of their major department (see department chair or academic adviser). Students must complete at least 26 semester units at USC, including the thesis or recital. A grade point average of not less than 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate courses in music, and a grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major department. Students who transfer credits must achieve this average on all combined transferred and residence units.
All credits transferred must be the equivalent of corresponding current work at USC. Course work completed at another institution that has been approved by the Thornton School for transfer credit must have been completed within seven years from the date of admission to a master's degree program to be applied toward that degree. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the appropriate Thornton adviser during the first semester in residence.
The time limit for completing the Master of Music degree is five years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.
A composition portfolio is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in composition; a thesis or final project is required of candidates for the Master of Music degree in music education. For music education majors, the thesis will consist of a research document written on a topic approved by the music teaching and learning department; the final project will consist of a creative project that will present the arrangement, production or design of innovative ideas, materials or curricula for specific applications in teaching music. Before registering for 594a Thesis, or a similarly required course for a capstone project or portfolio, a student must establish a qualifying exam committee composed of three members of the faculty, approved by the department chair, of which at least two are from the home department. The chair of the qualifying exam committee directly supervises the preparation of the thesis, the final acceptance of which is based upon the unanimous recommendation of all three members of the committee.
One or more public recitals are required of all candidates for the Master of Music degree, as indicated below. Candidates must apply for recital dates, according to the current guidelines of the Music Operations office. Some departments require that a candidate be prepared to play or conduct the recital program for the approval of a faculty committee in advance.
Candidates for the Master of Music must pass a comprehensive review toward the end of their course of study, usually in the final semester. This review, which is administered by the faculty of the major department, consists of an oral or written examination, covering relevant aspects of musical performance, literature, and/or technique.
Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Music degree or its equivalent. Completed course work must include at least the following or their equivalent: Conducting MUCD 340, MUCD 343 and MUCD 441; Music History and Literature MUHL 331 and MUHL 332; Theory and Composition MUCO 232b, MUCO 233b and MUCO 338. One year of German or French is strongly recommended. Applicants must have attained senior standing in a principal performance medium.
Proficiency tests in keyboard and voice will be given by the choral and sacred music faculty during the student's first semester in residence to determine if additional study in either medium is required.
A final oral examination in sacred music and related areas will be administered by the sacred and choral music faculty.
*Sacred music majors must participate in a choral ensemble chosen from MUEN 508, MUEN 510, MUEN 511 or MUEN 512 each semester if enrolled for 4 or more units. In some cases, large instrumental ensemble courses may be substituted.
**In some cases, MUHL 500-level courses and/or private instruction in organ, piano, voice or guitar may be substituted for MUCM 440, MUCM 541, MUCM 542 and MUCD 541. In some cases, instruction in guitar or another instrument may be substituted for MPKS 501 or MPVA 501.
The graduate program in arts leadership is a two-semester certificate program for artists, arts administrators and cultural workers of all types to develop the skills necessary to become successful leaders in the arts and arts organizations in a rapidly changing and radically altered contemporary world. The program is based in the Thornton School of Music, but it is designed to be applicable for artists/students engaged in any of the arts disciplines who want to develop their leadership skills in the hybrid and holistic environment of the contemporary arts. The program is highly individualized and deeply student centered in its approach, with simultaneous emphases on research, discovery, theory and current practice. With strong faculty mentorship and guidance from the director of the program and other working professionals in the field, students explore the dimensions of the most current issues and ideas while developing specific real-world applications of these ideas to their own practice as artists and leaders.
The program consists of a minimum of 18 units which can be completed in two semesters. The program begins with a 2-unit gateway course (ARTL 500) which introduces the students to the varied, complex and contentious issues in the arts and arts leadership that currently exist in the contemporary arts world. From this experience, students will develop a life plan that examines their own career and life trajectory for the next several years, providing a guidepost for their own personal development in arts leadership. Students will take four core courses including ARTL 501, which focuses on a deep understanding and application of the challenges of executive leadership in the arts and ARTL 502, which looks at major environmental trends affecting the arts and how that impacts the student's leadership role in the arts. Essential to all of these courses is developing the ability to think, speak and write critically about the arts in the contemporary world, key components of strong arts leadership. There is also a two semester practicum, ARTL 510, in which the student creates, develops and completes an actual arts leadership project of his or her own choosing, supported by faculty mentorship and the cohort of other practicum students.
Admission to the program is by application, reviewed and approved by the director of the program. Admission to the practicum requires a project proposal to be created by the student and approved by the director of the program.
*Courses may be chosen from this list or in consultation with the Director of Arts Leadership.
**Prerequisite: PPD 675 and PPD 689
This two-year graduate-level program is designed for students who have completed their undergraduate education in music, or its equivalent, and intend to concentrate their energies on the full-time development of their discipline.
A performance audition is required with repertory to be determined by the student's primary department.
The requirements for this program consist of 16 units of Graduate Certificate Performance (4 units per semester of MPEM 554, MPGU 554, MPKS 554, MPST 554, MPVA 554, MPWP 554 or MUJZ 554). Graduate Certificate Performance encompasses individual instruction, studio class and two ensembles or the equivalent as appropriate to the discipline.
This one-year program is designed for students who hold the Bachelor of Music in Composition or its equivalent. Students in the SMPTV program must maintain a 3.0 GPA (A = 4.0), with no course grade lower than a C (2.0). Work graded C- or below is not acceptable for credit toward the certificate.
Specific entrance requirements are reviewed on an annual basis and published in the Application Requirements section online at usc.edu/music.
DMA applicants must complete the appropriate master of music degree program or its equivalent.
Refer to School of Music Graduate Degrees, Admission Requirements.
Scores from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are required for application and admission to certain Doctor of Musical Arts degree programs. Consult the School of Music Office of Admissions for more information. Detailed requirements are available at the Thornton Website, usc.edu/music. Test scores on the GRE that are more than five years old at the time of application are not accepted.
Before the completion of 16 units beyond the master's degree and before permission to present the second doctoral recital is requested, doctoral students must meet with the Graduate Advisory Committee of the Thornton School of Music to discuss their progress in the program and their goals for the future. In preparation for this interview, students must prepare a dossier according to specific instructions available from the Thornton doctoral adviser. The committee determines the student's continuation in the program, and approves both the student's individualized curriculum (including all fields of concentration) and the members of his or her DMA guidance committee.
Each student is required to complete four areas of concentration: the major field, an academic field (chosen from among musicology, theory and analysis, music teaching and learning, choral music or sacred music), and two elective fields.
The academic and elective fields comprise courses that are determined by the department in which they are administered. Eight to 10 units are taken in the academic field. Six to 8 units are taken in each elective field. The academic field may not duplicate a major or an elective field. No more than two of the four fields of concentration may be under the guidance of the same department within the Thornton School of Music, and at least one of the elective fields must culminate in a substantial written paper or examination. Admission to academic and elective fields is determined by the appropriate department, prior to the Graduate Committee Interview.
Required courses for each major curriculum are listed in the description of major programs below. Required courses for any academic or elective field are determined for their respective fields by the faculty advisers on a student's DMA guidance committee.
A minimum of 65 graduate units beyond the bachelor's degree are required to complete the degree. Fifty-five or more units must be in music, 12 of these beyond the master's level must be in the major. At least 40 of these must be at the 500 level or higher. All course work earned under these requirements for a doctoral degree is considered to be obsolete after 10 years from the date of completion of such work and may not be used to fulfill degree requirements.
A minimum of two years of full-time study beyond the Master of Music degree is required for the Doctor of Musical Arts. At least one year of full-time study beyond the master's degree (6 units or more per semester) must be in residence at USC.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate course units in music. A grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major field. For courses in academic and elective fields, the minimum passing grade is C.
The Degree Progress Department in the Office of Academic Records and Registrar determines whether course work taken elsewhere is available for transfer credit. A maximum of 30 units of transfer credit may be applied toward a doctoral degree in music. Whether such credit is applicable toward a specific requirement in a major or minor field is determined by the Thornton School department in which the subject is taught, pending approval by the dean of the Thornton School. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the Thornton doctoral adviser during the first semester in residence. Transfer work must have been completed within 10 years of admission to the DMA program to be applied toward that degree.
An academic reading knowledge of French, German, Italian or Spanish is required of all students, either by taking a course approved by the Thornton School or by written examination approved by the Thornton School. Departments within the Thornton School may require additional language skills. All language requirements must be fulfilled one semester before entering the third semester in the program. Students with an academic reading knowledge of a language other than English, French, German, Italian or Spanish, may make a written request to the Thornton doctoral adviser to meet this requirement with a different language. In these cases, students must propose and gain the permission of a member of the USC faculty who will agree to create and grade the examination that would ultimately determine fulfillment of the requirement.
The DMA guidance committee is composed of at least five members: two faculty members from the major department, one of whom will serve as chair, and a faculty member from each of the three other areas of concentration. At least three members of a committee must be full-time faculty of rank in the Thornton School.
The guidance committee administers the written and oral parts of the comprehensive examination. The committee continues to serve until the comprehensive examination has been passed, the dissertation topic approved (if applicable) and the student is admitted to candidacy (if applicable). For students in curricula that require recitals, the two major field advisers serve as the recital committee and are responsible for determining the approved format, content, scheduling, and presentation of these performances for credit toward the requirements of the degree.
The comprehensive examination for the DMA is administered by the student's guidance committee. This examination consists of written and oral components and is designed to assess the student's mastery of his or her fields of concentration and readiness for professional independence as a performer, composer, teacher, researcher and/or scholar. The student must obtain permission from the guidance committee to take the comprehensive examination and schedule it at least two months in advance to ensure the committee's availability. The examination must be taken after completion of all required course work for all fields of concentration, except (in some cases) a limited number of the required units of Individual Instruction in the major field. In degree programs that require the presentation of four major recitals, at least two major recitals must be presented prior to the administration of the comprehensive examination. Up to two required recitals may be presented after the comprehensive examination. The dissertation (if required) must be written after the comprehensive examination. Comprehensive examinations will not be scheduled during summer sessions except under extraordinary circumstances and only with the written approval of members of the guidance committee. All portions of the examination must be completed within one month.
The comprehensive examination compriss a substantial culminative work for each field of concentration, as well as an oral examination with the student's guidance committee. The culminative work for each field may be a written examination, paper, project or recital, as appropriate for the particular field. For the academic field and at least one elective field, this culminative requirement must be a substantial written examination or paper. Following the successful completion of all culminative requirements and the approval of each by the corresponding faculty adviser, the student will sit for a two-hour oral examination with the guidance committee. This oral examination covers in greater depth the topics discussed in the written examinations and other requirements for the fields of concentration. The oral examination may also cover new material as determined by the guidance committee.
The two major field advisers and the academic field adviser must be present at the oral examination and render a judgment on the acceptability of the comprehensive examinations as a whole. It is highly preferable that the faculty advisers for the two elective fields participate in the oral examination with the other members of the guidance committee. If, however, there are challenges with scheduling or other issues that are reasonably unresolvable, the participation of the faculty advisers for elective fields is not required for the oral examination if they feel that the candidate has demonstrated knowledge and mastery of material that is appropriate for an elective field in their disciplines.
The examinations will be reported as passing if there is no more than one dissenting vote on the committee. A student must pass both the written and oral portions to pass the comprehensive examination. A pass on the examination cannot be made contingent upon any form of additional work.
If a student fails the comprehensive examination, the guidance committee may permit the student to repeat it once at a mutually satisfactory time within a period of not less than six months nor more than one year from the date of the first oral examination. A student may not take the comprehensive examination more than twice.
The comprehensive examination serves as the qualifying examination for programs that require a dissertation.
For programs that require a dissertation, admission to candidacy occurs after the student has passed the comprehensive examination, upon formal action of the dean of the Thornton School. The dissertation must be completed after admission to candidacy.
A dissertation based on original investigation and/or creative work is required of candidates in composition, music education and choral music. The dissertation must reveal scholarly ability, technical mastery, capacity for independent research and originality in creative thought.
After the guidance committee recommends admission to candidacy and approves the dissertation topic, the committee is reduced to three members. This smaller committee shall be the dissertation committee and will guide the student through the completion of the dissertation. Additional members may be added at the discretion of the chair of the committee if the topic requires special expertise.
The student must register in 794 Dissertation each semester after admission to candidacy until degree requirements (including the dissertation) are completed. Registration for 794 in no less than two regular semesters following admission to candidacy entitles the candidate to supervision by the dissertation committee. If the dissertation is not completed and accepted within two semesters, the candidate must register for 794 each semester thereafter until the document has been accepted. No more than 8 units of credit in 794 may be accumulated regardless of the number of semesters the candidate may be required to register.
A candidate who must withdraw temporarily from registration in 794 for a semester must report this in writing to the Thornton doctoral adviser before the beginning of that semester. As part of that report, the candidate must also petition for a formal leave of absence. During a leave of absence the candidate will not be entitled to assistance from his or her dissertation committee or to the use of university services and facilities. A leave of absence will be granted only under exceptional circumstances.
All dissertations submitted for requirements for graduate degrees must conform to university regulations in format and method of preparation. See the USC Graduate School's guidelines for Theses and Dissertations.
After meeting all requirements including the comprehensive examination, the candidate must defend the dissertation. This defense takes place in order for the committee to determine whether the dissertation should be approved or rejected. While this oral defense is open to the general university community, only the members of the dissertation committee have the authority to recommend its acceptance or rejection. The recommendation must be unanimous in order for the dissertation to be approved.
At least seven weeks before the scheduled date of the defense of the dissertation, written approval by all members of the candidate's dissertation committee, along with a typed copy of the dissertation abstract, must be filed with the dean of the Thornton School of Music.
A candidate may defend the dissertation on the basis of an approved preliminary copy. If the defense is satisfactory and the committee is satisfied with the manuscript as presented, the committee then signs the Approval to Submit Defended and Final Copy of the Doctoral Work form. If additional work is required, the form is left unsigned until the work has been approved.
The final electronic PDF copy of the dissertation, together with signed signature sheet and approval forms, must be presented to the Thesis Editor, the Graduate School, GFS 315, by the Graduate School's submission date and times. Approval of format and acceptance by the Graduate School must be presented to the dean of the Thornton School of Music at least one week before the end of the semester.
Since the abstract of the dissertation is published in Dissertation Abstracts International, it should be written with care and be representative of the final draft of the dissertation.
The time limit for completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is eight years. For students who earned an applicable master's degree within five years prior to admission to the doctoral program, the time limit for completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is six years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.
*Choral music majors are exempt from taking MUCD 441.
Courses with similar content taken for graduate credit at another accredited institution may be substituted, subject to departmental approval. Master's degree credit for ensemble taken at USC may fulfill this requirement, subject to departmental approval.
A keyboard proficiency test will be given by the choral faculty during the student's first semester in residence to determine if additional study in keyboard is required.
*May be taken as part of the master's
degree.
**Choral music majors are not required to take MUCD
441.
DMA applicants must complete the appropriate master of music degree program or its equivalent.
Refer to School of Music Graduate Degrees, Admission Requirements.
Scores from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are required for application and admission to certain Doctor of Musical Arts degree programs. Consult the School of Music Office of Admissions for more information. Detailed requirements are available at the Thornton Website, usc.edu/music. Test scores on the GRE that are more than five years old at the time of application are not accepted.
Before the completion of 16 units beyond the master's degree and before permission to present the second doctoral recital is requested, doctoral students must meet with the Graduate Advisory Committee of the Thornton School of Music to discuss their progress in the program and their goals for the future. In preparation for this interview, students must prepare a dossier according to specific instructions available from the Thornton doctoral adviser. The committee determines the student's continuation in the program, and approves both the student's individualized curriculum (including all fields of concentration) and the members of his or her DMA guidance committee.
Each student is required to complete four areas of concentration: the major field, an academic field (chosen from among musicology, theory and analysis, music teaching and learning, choral music or sacred music), and two elective fields.
The academic and elective fields comprise courses that are determined by the department in which they are administered. Eight to 10 units are taken in the academic field. Six to 8 units are taken in each elective field. The academic field may not duplicate a major or an elective field. No more than two of the four fields of concentration may be under the guidance of the same department within the Thornton School of Music, and at least one of the elective fields must culminate in a substantial written paper or examination. Admission to academic and elective fields is determined by the appropriate department, prior to the Graduate Committee Interview.
Required courses for each major curriculum are listed in the description of major programs below. Required courses for any academic or elective field are determined for their respective fields by the faculty advisers on a student's DMA guidance committee.
A minimum of 65 graduate units beyond the bachelor's degree are required to complete the degree. Fifty-five or more units must be in music, 12 of these beyond the master's level must be in the major. At least 40 of these must be at the 500 level or higher. All course work earned under these requirements for a doctoral degree is considered to be obsolete after 10 years from the date of completion of such work and may not be used to fulfill degree requirements.
A minimum of two years of full-time study beyond the Master of Music degree is required for the Doctor of Musical Arts. At least one year of full-time study beyond the master's degree (6 units or more per semester) must be in residence at USC.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate course units in music. A grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major field. For courses in academic and elective fields, the minimum passing grade is C.
The Degree Progress Department in the Office of Academic Records and Registrar determines whether course work taken elsewhere is available for transfer credit. A maximum of 30 units of transfer credit may be applied toward a doctoral degree in music. Whether such credit is applicable toward a specific requirement in a major or minor field is determined by the Thornton School department in which the subject is taught, pending approval by the dean of the Thornton School. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the Thornton doctoral adviser during the first semester in residence. Transfer work must have been completed within 10 years of admission to the DMA program to be applied toward that degree.
An academic reading knowledge of French, German, Italian or Spanish is required of all students, either by taking a course approved by the Thornton School or by written examination approved by the Thornton School. Departments within the Thornton School may require additional language skills. All language requirements must be fulfilled one semester before entering the third semester in the program. Students with an academic reading knowledge of a language other than English, French, German, Italian or Spanish, may make a written request to the Thornton doctoral adviser to meet this requirement with a different language. In these cases, students must propose and gain the permission of a member of the USC faculty who will agree to create and grade the examination that would ultimately determine fulfillment of the requirement.
The DMA guidance committee is composed of at least five members: two faculty members from the major department, one of whom will serve as chair, and a faculty member from each of the three other areas of concentration. At least three members of a committee must be full-time faculty of rank in the Thornton School.
The guidance committee administers the written and oral parts of the comprehensive examination. The committee continues to serve until the comprehensive examination has been passed, the dissertation topic approved (if applicable) and the student is admitted to candidacy (if applicable). For students in curricula that require recitals, the two major field advisers serve as the recital committee and are responsible for determining the approved format, content, scheduling, and presentation of these performances for credit toward the requirements of the degree.
The comprehensive examination for the DMA is administered by the student's guidance committee. This examination consists of written and oral components and is designed to assess the student's mastery of his or her fields of concentration and readiness for professional independence as a performer, composer, teacher, researcher and/or scholar. The student must obtain permission from the guidance committee to take the comprehensive examination and schedule it at least two months in advance to ensure the committee's availability. The examination must be taken after completion of all required course work for all fields of concentration, except (in some cases) a limited number of the required units of Individual Instruction in the major field. In degree programs that require the presentation of four major recitals, at least two major recitals must be presented prior to the administration of the comprehensive examination. Up to two required recitals may be presented after the comprehensive examination. The dissertation (if required) must be written after the comprehensive examination. Comprehensive examinations will not be scheduled during summer sessions except under extraordinary circumstances and only with the written approval of members of the guidance committee. All portions of the examination must be completed within one month.
The comprehensive examination compriss a substantial culminative work for each field of concentration, as well as an oral examination with the student's guidance committee. The culminative work for each field may be a written examination, paper, project or recital, as appropriate for the particular field. For the academic field and at least one elective field, this culminative requirement must be a substantial written examination or paper. Following the successful completion of all culminative requirements and the approval of each by the corresponding faculty adviser, the student will sit for a two-hour oral examination with the guidance committee. This oral examination covers in greater depth the topics discussed in the written examinations and other requirements for the fields of concentration. The oral examination may also cover new material as determined by the guidance committee.
The two major field advisers and the academic field adviser must be present at the oral examination and render a judgment on the acceptability of the comprehensive examinations as a whole. It is highly preferable that the faculty advisers for the two elective fields participate in the oral examination with the other members of the guidance committee. If, however, there are challenges with scheduling or other issues that are reasonably unresolvable, the participation of the faculty advisers for elective fields is not required for the oral examination if they feel that the candidate has demonstrated knowledge and mastery of material that is appropriate for an elective field in their disciplines.
The examinations will be reported as passing if there is no more than one dissenting vote on the committee. A student must pass both the written and oral portions to pass the comprehensive examination. A pass on the examination cannot be made contingent upon any form of additional work.
If a student fails the comprehensive examination, the guidance committee may permit the student to repeat it once at a mutually satisfactory time within a period of not less than six months nor more than one year from the date of the first oral examination. A student may not take the comprehensive examination more than twice.
The comprehensive examination serves as the qualifying examination for programs that require a dissertation.
For programs that require a dissertation, admission to candidacy occurs after the student has passed the comprehensive examination, upon formal action of the dean of the Thornton School. The dissertation must be completed after admission to candidacy.
A dissertation based on original investigation and/or creative work is required of candidates in composition, music education and choral music. The dissertation must reveal scholarly ability, technical mastery, capacity for independent research and originality in creative thought.
After the guidance committee recommends admission to candidacy and approves the dissertation topic, the committee is reduced to three members. This smaller committee shall be the dissertation committee and will guide the student through the completion of the dissertation. Additional members may be added at the discretion of the chair of the committee if the topic requires special expertise.
The student must register in 794 Dissertation each semester after admission to candidacy until degree requirements (including the dissertation) are completed. Registration for 794 in no less than two regular semesters following admission to candidacy entitles the candidate to supervision by the dissertation committee. If the dissertation is not completed and accepted within two semesters, the candidate must register for 794 each semester thereafter until the document has been accepted. No more than 8 units of credit in 794 may be accumulated regardless of the number of semesters the candidate may be required to register.
A candidate who must withdraw temporarily from registration in 794 for a semester must report this in writing to the Thornton doctoral adviser before the beginning of that semester. As part of that report, the candidate must also petition for a formal leave of absence. During a leave of absence the candidate will not be entitled to assistance from his or her dissertation committee or to the use of university services and facilities. A leave of absence will be granted only under exceptional circumstances.
All dissertations submitted for requirements for graduate degrees must conform to university regulations in format and method of preparation. See the USC Graduate School's guidelines for Theses and Dissertations.
After meeting all requirements including the comprehensive examination, the candidate must defend the dissertation. This defense takes place in order for the committee to determine whether the dissertation should be approved or rejected. While this oral defense is open to the general university community, only the members of the dissertation committee have the authority to recommend its acceptance or rejection. The recommendation must be unanimous in order for the dissertation to be approved.
At least seven weeks before the scheduled date of the defense of the dissertation, written approval by all members of the candidate's dissertation committee, along with a typed copy of the dissertation abstract, must be filed with the dean of the Thornton School of Music.
A candidate may defend the dissertation on the basis of an approved preliminary copy. If the defense is satisfactory and the committee is satisfied with the manuscript as presented, the committee then signs the Approval to Submit Defended and Final Copy of the Doctoral Work form. If additional work is required, the form is left unsigned until the work has been approved.
The final electronic PDF copy of the dissertation, together with signed signature sheet and approval forms, must be presented to the Thesis Editor, the Graduate School, GFS 315, by the Graduate School's submission date and times. Approval of format and acceptance by the Graduate School must be presented to the dean of the Thornton School of Music at least one week before the end of the semester.
Since the abstract of the dissertation is published in Dissertation Abstracts International, it should be written with care and be representative of the final draft of the dissertation.
The time limit for completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is eight years. For students who earned an applicable master's degree within five years prior to admission to the doctoral program, the time limit for completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is six years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.
*Choral music majors are exempt from taking MUCD 441.
Courses with similar content taken for graduate credit at another accredited institution may be substituted, subject to departmental approval. Master's degree credit for ensemble taken at USC may fulfill this requirement, subject to departmental approval.
A keyboard proficiency test will be given by the choral faculty during the student's first semester in residence to determine if additional study in keyboard is required.
DMA applicants must complete the appropriate master of music degree program or its equivalent.
Refer to School of Music Graduate Degrees, Admission Requirements.
Scores from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are required for application and admission to certain Doctor of Musical Arts degree programs. Consult the School of Music Office of Admissions for more information. Detailed requirements are available at the Thornton Website, usc.edu/music. Test scores on the GRE that are more than five years old at the time of application are not accepted.
Before the completion of 16 units beyond the master's degree and before permission to present the second doctoral recital is requested, doctoral students must meet with the Graduate Advisory Committee of the Thornton School of Music to discuss their progress in the program and their goals for the future. In preparation for this interview, students must prepare a dossier according to specific instructions available from the Thornton doctoral adviser. The committee determines the student's continuation in the program, and approves both the student's individualized curriculum (including all fields of concentration) and the members of his or her DMA guidance committee.
Each student is required to complete four areas of concentration: the major field, an academic field (chosen from among musicology, theory and analysis, music teaching and learning, choral music or sacred music), and two elective fields.
The academic and elective fields comprise courses that are determined by the department in which they are administered. Eight to 10 units are taken in the academic field. Six to 8 units are taken in each elective field. The academic field may not duplicate a major or an elective field. No more than two of the four fields of concentration may be under the guidance of the same department within the Thornton School of Music, and at least one of the elective fields must culminate in a substantial written paper or examination. Admission to academic and elective fields is determined by the appropriate department, prior to the Graduate Committee Interview.
Required courses for each major curriculum are listed in the description of major programs below. Required courses for any academic or elective field are determined for their respective fields by the faculty advisers on a student's DMA guidance committee.
A minimum of 65 graduate units beyond the bachelor's degree are required to complete the degree. Fifty-five or more units must be in music, 12 of these beyond the master's level must be in the major. At least 40 of these must be at the 500 level or higher. All course work earned under these requirements for a doctoral degree is considered to be obsolete after 10 years from the date of completion of such work and may not be used to fulfill degree requirements.
A minimum of two years of full-time study beyond the Master of Music degree is required for the Doctor of Musical Arts. At least one year of full-time study beyond the master's degree (6 units or more per semester) must be in residence at USC.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate course units in music. A grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major field. For courses in academic and elective fields, the minimum passing grade is C.
The Degree Progress Department in the Office of Academic Records and Registrar determines whether course work taken elsewhere is available for transfer credit. A maximum of 30 units of transfer credit may be applied toward a doctoral degree in music. Whether such credit is applicable toward a specific requirement in a major or minor field is determined by the Thornton School department in which the subject is taught, pending approval by the dean of the Thornton School. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the Thornton doctoral adviser during the first semester in residence. Transfer work must have been completed within 10 years of admission to the DMA program to be applied toward that degree.
An academic reading knowledge of French, German, Italian or Spanish is required of all students, either by taking a course approved by the Thornton School or by written examination approved by the Thornton School. Departments within the Thornton School may require additional language skills. All language requirements must be fulfilled one semester before entering the third semester in the program. Students with an academic reading knowledge of a language other than English, French, German, Italian or Spanish, may make a written request to the Thornton doctoral adviser to meet this requirement with a different language. In these cases, students must propose and gain the permission of a member of the USC faculty who will agree to create and grade the examination that would ultimately determine fulfillment of the requirement.
The DMA guidance committee is composed of at least five members: two faculty members from the major department, one of whom will serve as chair, and a faculty member from each of the three other areas of concentration. At least three members of a committee must be full-time faculty of rank in the Thornton School.
The guidance committee administers the written and oral parts of the comprehensive examination. The committee continues to serve until the comprehensive examination has been passed, the dissertation topic approved (if applicable) and the student is admitted to candidacy (if applicable). For students in curricula that require recitals, the two major field advisers serve as the recital committee and are responsible for determining the approved format, content, scheduling, and presentation of these performances for credit toward the requirements of the degree.
The comprehensive examination for the DMA is administered by the student's guidance committee. This examination consists of written and oral components and is designed to assess the student's mastery of his or her fields of concentration and readiness for professional independence as a performer, composer, teacher, researcher and/or scholar. The student must obtain permission from the guidance committee to take the comprehensive examination and schedule it at least two months in advance to ensure the committee's availability. The examination must be taken after completion of all required course work for all fields of concentration, except (in some cases) a limited number of the required units of Individual Instruction in the major field. In degree programs that require the presentation of four major recitals, at least two major recitals must be presented prior to the administration of the comprehensive examination. Up to two required recitals may be presented after the comprehensive examination. The dissertation (if required) must be written after the comprehensive examination. Comprehensive examinations will not be scheduled during summer sessions except under extraordinary circumstances and only with the written approval of members of the guidance committee. All portions of the examination must be completed within one month.
The comprehensive examination compriss a substantial culminative work for each field of concentration, as well as an oral examination with the student's guidance committee. The culminative work for each field may be a written examination, paper, project or recital, as appropriate for the particular field. For the academic field and at least one elective field, this culminative requirement must be a substantial written examination or paper. Following the successful completion of all culminative requirements and the approval of each by the corresponding faculty adviser, the student will sit for a two-hour oral examination with the guidance committee. This oral examination covers in greater depth the topics discussed in the written examinations and other requirements for the fields of concentration. The oral examination may also cover new material as determined by the guidance committee.
The two major field advisers and the academic field adviser must be present at the oral examination and render a judgment on the acceptability of the comprehensive examinations as a whole. It is highly preferable that the faculty advisers for the two elective fields participate in the oral examination with the other members of the guidance committee. If, however, there are challenges with scheduling or other issues that are reasonably unresolvable, the participation of the faculty advisers for elective fields is not required for the oral examination if they feel that the candidate has demonstrated knowledge and mastery of material that is appropriate for an elective field in their disciplines.
The examinations will be reported as passing if there is no more than one dissenting vote on the committee. A student must pass both the written and oral portions to pass the comprehensive examination. A pass on the examination cannot be made contingent upon any form of additional work.
If a student fails the comprehensive examination, the guidance committee may permit the student to repeat it once at a mutually satisfactory time within a period of not less than six months nor more than one year from the date of the first oral examination. A student may not take the comprehensive examination more than twice.
The comprehensive examination serves as the qualifying examination for programs that require a dissertation.
For programs that require a dissertation, admission to candidacy occurs after the student has passed the comprehensive examination, upon formal action of the dean of the Thornton School. The dissertation must be completed after admission to candidacy.
A dissertation based on original investigation and/or creative work is required of candidates in composition, music education and choral music. The dissertation must reveal scholarly ability, technical mastery, capacity for independent research and originality in creative thought.
After the guidance committee recommends admission to candidacy and approves the dissertation topic, the committee is reduced to three members. This smaller committee shall be the dissertation committee and will guide the student through the completion of the dissertation. Additional members may be added at the discretion of the chair of the committee if the topic requires special expertise.
The student must register in 794 Dissertation each semester after admission to candidacy until degree requirements (including the dissertation) are completed. Registration for 794 in no less than two regular semesters following admission to candidacy entitles the candidate to supervision by the dissertation committee. If the dissertation is not completed and accepted within two semesters, the candidate must register for 794 each semester thereafter until the document has been accepted. No more than 8 units of credit in 794 may be accumulated regardless of the number of semesters the candidate may be required to register.
A candidate who must withdraw temporarily from registration in 794 for a semester must report this in writing to the Thornton doctoral adviser before the beginning of that semester. As part of that report, the candidate must also petition for a formal leave of absence. During a leave of absence the candidate will not be entitled to assistance from his or her dissertation committee or to the use of university services and facilities. A leave of absence will be granted only under exceptional circumstances.
All dissertations submitted for requirements for graduate degrees must conform to university regulations in format and method of preparation. See the USC Graduate School's guidelines for Theses and Dissertations.
After meeting all requirements including the comprehensive examination, the candidate must defend the dissertation. This defense takes place in order for the committee to determine whether the dissertation should be approved or rejected. While this oral defense is open to the general university community, only the members of the dissertation committee have the authority to recommend its acceptance or rejection. The recommendation must be unanimous in order for the dissertation to be approved.
At least seven weeks before the scheduled date of the defense of the dissertation, written approval by all members of the candidate's dissertation committee, along with a typed copy of the dissertation abstract, must be filed with the dean of the Thornton School of Music.
A candidate may defend the dissertation on the basis of an approved preliminary copy. If the defense is satisfactory and the committee is satisfied with the manuscript as presented, the committee then signs the Approval to Submit Defended and Final Copy of the Doctoral Work form. If additional work is required, the form is left unsigned until the work has been approved.
The final electronic PDF copy of the dissertation, together with signed signature sheet and approval forms, must be presented to the Thesis Editor, the Graduate School, GFS 315, by the Graduate School's submission date and times. Approval of format and acceptance by the Graduate School must be presented to the dean of the Thornton School of Music at least one week before the end of the semester.
Since the abstract of the dissertation is published in Dissertation Abstracts International, it should be written with care and be representative of the final draft of the dissertation.
The time limit for completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is eight years. For students who earned an applicable master's degree within five years prior to admission to the doctoral program, the time limit for completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is six years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.
*Choral music majors are exempt from taking MUCD 441.
Courses with similar content taken for graduate credit at another accredited institution may be substituted, subject to departmental approval. Master's degree credit for ensemble taken at USC may fulfill this requirement, subject to departmental approval.
DMA applicants must complete the appropriate master of music degree program or its equivalent.
Refer to School of Music Graduate Degrees, Admission Requirements.
Scores from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are required for application and admission to certain Doctor of Musical Arts degree programs. Consult the School of Music Office of Admissions for more information. Detailed requirements are available at the Thornton Website, usc.edu/music. Test scores on the GRE that are more than five years old at the time of application are not accepted.
Before the completion of 16 units beyond the master's degree and before permission to present the second doctoral recital is requested, doctoral students must meet with the Graduate Advisory Committee of the Thornton School of Music to discuss their progress in the program and their goals for the future. In preparation for this interview, students must prepare a dossier according to specific instructions available from the Thornton doctoral adviser. The committee determines the student's continuation in the program, and approves both the student's individualized curriculum (including all fields of concentration) and the members of his or her DMA guidance committee.
Each student is required to complete four areas of concentration: the major field, an academic field (chosen from among musicology, theory and analysis, music teaching and learning, choral music or sacred music), and two elective fields.
The academic and elective fields comprise courses that are determined by the department in which they are administered. Eight to 10 units are taken in the academic field. Six to 8 units are taken in each elective field. The academic field may not duplicate a major or an elective field. No more than two of the four fields of concentration may be under the guidance of the same department within the Thornton School of Music, and at least one of the elective fields must culminate in a substantial written paper or examination. Admission to academic and elective fields is determined by the appropriate department, prior to the Graduate Committee Interview.
Required courses for each major curriculum are listed in the description of major programs below. Required courses for any academic or elective field are determined for their respective fields by the faculty advisers on a student's DMA guidance committee.
A minimum of 65 graduate units beyond the bachelor's degree are required to complete the degree. Fifty-five or more units must be in music, 12 of these beyond the master's level must be in the major. At least 40 of these must be at the 500 level or higher. All course work earned under these requirements for a doctoral degree is considered to be obsolete after 10 years from the date of completion of such work and may not be used to fulfill degree requirements.
A minimum of two years of full-time study beyond the Master of Music degree is required for the Doctor of Musical Arts. At least one year of full-time study beyond the master's degree (6 units or more per semester) must be in residence at USC.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate course units in music. A grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major field. For courses in academic and elective fields, the minimum passing grade is C.
The Degree Progress Department in the Office of Academic Records and Registrar determines whether course work taken elsewhere is available for transfer credit. A maximum of 30 units of transfer credit may be applied toward a doctoral degree in music. Whether such credit is applicable toward a specific requirement in a major or minor field is determined by the Thornton School department in which the subject is taught, pending approval by the dean of the Thornton School. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the Thornton doctoral adviser during the first semester in residence. Transfer work must have been completed within 10 years of admission to the DMA program to be applied toward that degree.
An academic reading knowledge of French, German, Italian or Spanish is required of all students, either by taking a course approved by the Thornton School or by written examination approved by the Thornton School. Departments within the Thornton School may require additional language skills. All language requirements must be fulfilled one semester before entering the third semester in the program. Students with an academic reading knowledge of a language other than English, French, German, Italian or Spanish, may make a written request to the Thornton doctoral adviser to meet this requirement with a different language. In these cases, students must propose and gain the permission of a member of the USC faculty who will agree to create and grade the examination that would ultimately determine fulfillment of the requirement.
The DMA guidance committee is composed of at least five members: two faculty members from the major department, one of whom will serve as chair, and a faculty member from each of the three other areas of concentration. At least three members of a committee must be full-time faculty of rank in the Thornton School.
The guidance committee administers the written and oral parts of the comprehensive examination. The committee continues to serve until the comprehensive examination has been passed, the dissertation topic approved (if applicable) and the student is admitted to candidacy (if applicable). For students in curricula that require recitals, the two major field advisers serve as the recital committee and are responsible for determining the approved format, content, scheduling, and presentation of these performances for credit toward the requirements of the degree.
The comprehensive examination for the DMA is administered by the student's guidance committee. This examination consists of written and oral components and is designed to assess the student's mastery of his or her fields of concentration and readiness for professional independence as a performer, composer, teacher, researcher and/or scholar. The student must obtain permission from the guidance committee to take the comprehensive examination and schedule it at least two months in advance to ensure the committee's availability. The examination must be taken after completion of all required course work for all fields of concentration, except (in some cases) a limited number of the required units of Individual Instruction in the major field. In degree programs that require the presentation of four major recitals, at least two major recitals must be presented prior to the administration of the comprehensive examination. Up to two required recitals may be presented after the comprehensive examination. The dissertation (if required) must be written after the comprehensive examination. Comprehensive examinations will not be scheduled during summer sessions except under extraordinary circumstances and only with the written approval of members of the guidance committee. All portions of the examination must be completed within one month.
The comprehensive examination compriss a substantial culminative work for each field of concentration, as well as an oral examination with the student's guidance committee. The culminative work for each field may be a written examination, paper, project or recital, as appropriate for the particular field. For the academic field and at least one elective field, this culminative requirement must be a substantial written examination or paper. Following the successful completion of all culminative requirements and the approval of each by the corresponding faculty adviser, the student will sit for a two-hour oral examination with the guidance committee. This oral examination covers in greater depth the topics discussed in the written examinations and other requirements for the fields of concentration. The oral examination may also cover new material as determined by the guidance committee.
The two major field advisers and the academic field adviser must be present at the oral examination and render a judgment on the acceptability of the comprehensive examinations as a whole. It is highly preferable that the faculty advisers for the two elective fields participate in the oral examination with the other members of the guidance committee. If, however, there are challenges with scheduling or other issues that are reasonably unresolvable, the participation of the faculty advisers for elective fields is not required for the oral examination if they feel that the candidate has demonstrated knowledge and mastery of material that is appropriate for an elective field in their disciplines.
The examinations will be reported as passing if there is no more than one dissenting vote on the committee. A student must pass both the written and oral portions to pass the comprehensive examination. A pass on the examination cannot be made contingent upon any form of additional work.
If a student fails the comprehensive examination, the guidance committee may permit the student to repeat it once at a mutually satisfactory time within a period of not less than six months nor more than one year from the date of the first oral examination. A student may not take the comprehensive examination more than twice.
The comprehensive examination serves as the qualifying examination for programs that require a dissertation.
For programs that require a dissertation, admission to candidacy occurs after the student has passed the comprehensive examination, upon formal action of the dean of the Thornton School. The dissertation must be completed after admission to candidacy.
A dissertation based on original investigation and/or creative work is required of candidates in composition, music education and choral music. The dissertation must reveal scholarly ability, technical mastery, capacity for independent research and originality in creative thought.
After the guidance committee recommends admission to candidacy and approves the dissertation topic, the committee is reduced to three members. This smaller committee shall be the dissertation committee and will guide the student through the completion of the dissertation. Additional members may be added at the discretion of the chair of the committee if the topic requires special expertise.
The student must register in 794 Dissertation each semester after admission to candidacy until degree requirements (including the dissertation) are completed. Registration for 794 in no less than two regular semesters following admission to candidacy entitles the candidate to supervision by the dissertation committee. If the dissertation is not completed and accepted within two semesters, the candidate must register for 794 each semester thereafter until the document has been accepted. No more than 8 units of credit in 794 may be accumulated regardless of the number of semesters the candidate may be required to register.
A candidate who must withdraw temporarily from registration in 794 for a semester must report this in writing to the Thornton doctoral adviser before the beginning of that semester. As part of that report, the candidate must also petition for a formal leave of absence. During a leave of absence the candidate will not be entitled to assistance from his or her dissertation committee or to the use of university services and facilities. A leave of absence will be granted only under exceptional circumstances.
All dissertations submitted for requirements for graduate degrees must conform to university regulations in format and method of preparation. See the USC Graduate School's guidelines for Theses and Dissertations.
After meeting all requirements including the comprehensive examination, the candidate must defend the dissertation. This defense takes place in order for the committee to determine whether the dissertation should be approved or rejected. While this oral defense is open to the general university community, only the members of the dissertation committee have the authority to recommend its acceptance or rejection. The recommendation must be unanimous in order for the dissertation to be approved.
At least seven weeks before the scheduled date of the defense of the dissertation, written approval by all members of the candidate's dissertation committee, along with a typed copy of the dissertation abstract, must be filed with the dean of the Thornton School of Music.
A candidate may defend the dissertation on the basis of an approved preliminary copy. If the defense is satisfactory and the committee is satisfied with the manuscript as presented, the committee then signs the Approval to Submit Defended and Final Copy of the Doctoral Work form. If additional work is required, the form is left unsigned until the work has been approved.
The final electronic PDF copy of the dissertation, together with signed signature sheet and approval forms, must be presented to the Thesis Editor, the Graduate School, GFS 315, by the Graduate School's submission date and times. Approval of format and acceptance by the Graduate School must be presented to the dean of the Thornton School of Music at least one week before the end of the semester.
Since the abstract of the dissertation is published in Dissertation Abstracts International, it should be written with care and be representative of the final draft of the dissertation.
The time limit for completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is eight years. For students who earned an applicable master's degree within five years prior to admission to the doctoral program, the time limit for completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is six years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.
*Choral music majors are exempt from taking MUCD 441.
Courses with similar content taken for graduate credit at another accredited institution may be substituted, subject to departmental approval. Master's degree credit for ensemble taken at USC may fulfill this requirement, subject to departmental approval.
*MUED 500 may be taken as a substitute for MUHL 570 in the basic DMA curriculum.
The Doctor of Philosophy degree with a major in music is granted by the Graduate School. Candidates for the PhD in music should also refer to the Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations.
A substantial background in music and liberal arts is required. Graduate course requirements for the PhD are adapted to the needs and research interests of the individual student. A minimum of 60 post-baccalaureate units is required.
Students are required to demonstrate a reading knowledge by passing an examination in German and one other foreign language chosen by the student from among French, Italian or Latin. With the permission of the chair of the qualifying exam committee, a foreign language relevant to the dissertation may be chosen in place of French, Italian or Latin. The language requirement for the MA degree may be applied toward the PhD Doctoral language requirements should be passed as early as possible, but, at latest, during the fourth semester of course work.
Before the completion of 24 units of graduate work at USC and with the approval of the department chair, students must be interviewed by the curriculum committee of the School of Music. Continuance in course work will be contingent upon approval of the committee. PhD candidates in musicology who did not receive an MA degree from USC must take the MA comprehensive examination in historical musicology prior to the interview. Continuance in course work will be contingent upon passing these examinations.
DMA applicants must complete the appropriate master of music degree program or its equivalent.
Refer to School of Music Graduate Degrees, Admission Requirements.
Scores from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are required for application and admission to certain Doctor of Musical Arts degree programs. Consult the School of Music Office of Admissions for more information. Detailed requirements are available at the Thornton Website, usc.edu/music. Test scores on the GRE that are more than five years old at the time of application are not accepted.
Before the completion of 16 units beyond the master's degree and before permission to present the second doctoral recital is requested, doctoral students must meet with the Graduate Advisory Committee of the Thornton School of Music to discuss their progress in the program and their goals for the future. In preparation for this interview, students must prepare a dossier according to specific instructions available from the Thornton doctoral adviser. The committee determines the student's continuation in the program, and approves both the student's individualized curriculum (including all fields of concentration) and the members of his or her DMA guidance committee.
Each student is required to complete four areas of concentration: the major field, an academic field (chosen from among musicology, theory and analysis, music teaching and learning, choral music or sacred music), and two elective fields.
The academic and elective fields comprise courses that are determined by the department in which they are administered. Eight to 10 units are taken in the academic field. Six to 8 units are taken in each elective field. The academic field may not duplicate a major or an elective field. No more than two of the four fields of concentration may be under the guidance of the same department within the Thornton School of Music, and at least one of the elective fields must culminate in a substantial written paper or examination. Admission to academic and elective fields is determined by the appropriate department, prior to the Graduate Committee Interview.
Required courses for each major curriculum are listed in the description of major programs below. Required courses for any academic or elective field are determined for their respective fields by the faculty advisers on a student's DMA guidance committee.
A minimum of 65 graduate units beyond the bachelor's degree are required to complete the degree. Fifty-five or more units must be in music, 12 of these beyond the master's level must be in the major. At least 40 of these must be at the 500 level or higher. All course work earned under these requirements for a doctoral degree is considered to be obsolete after 10 years from the date of completion of such work and may not be used to fulfill degree requirements.
A minimum of two years of full-time study beyond the Master of Music degree is required for the Doctor of Musical Arts. At least one year of full-time study beyond the master's degree (6 units or more per semester) must be in residence at USC.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate course units in music. A grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major field. For courses in academic and elective fields, the minimum passing grade is C.
The Degree Progress Department in the Office of Academic Records and Registrar determines whether course work taken elsewhere is available for transfer credit. A maximum of 30 units of transfer credit may be applied toward a doctoral degree in music. Whether such credit is applicable toward a specific requirement in a major or minor field is determined by the Thornton School department in which the subject is taught, pending approval by the dean of the Thornton School. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the Thornton doctoral adviser during the first semester in residence. Transfer work must have been completed within 10 years of admission to the DMA program to be applied toward that degree.
An academic reading knowledge of French, German, Italian or Spanish is required of all students, either by taking a course approved by the Thornton School or by written examination approved by the Thornton School. Departments within the Thornton School may require additional language skills. All language requirements must be fulfilled one semester before entering the third semester in the program. Students with an academic reading knowledge of a language other than English, French, German, Italian or Spanish, may make a written request to the Thornton doctoral adviser to meet this requirement with a different language. In these cases, students must propose and gain the permission of a member of the USC faculty who will agree to create and grade the examination that would ultimately determine fulfillment of the requirement.
The DMA guidance committee is composed of at least five members: two faculty members from the major department, one of whom will serve as chair, and a faculty member from each of the three other areas of concentration. At least three members of a committee must be full-time faculty of rank in the Thornton School.
The guidance committee administers the written and oral parts of the comprehensive examination. The committee continues to serve until the comprehensive examination has been passed, the dissertation topic approved (if applicable) and the student is admitted to candidacy (if applicable). For students in curricula that require recitals, the two major field advisers serve as the recital committee and are responsible for determining the approved format, content, scheduling, and presentation of these performances for credit toward the requirements of the degree.
The comprehensive examination for the DMA is administered by the student's guidance committee. This examination consists of written and oral components and is designed to assess the student's mastery of his or her fields of concentration and readiness for professional independence as a performer, composer, teacher, researcher and/or scholar. The student must obtain permission from the guidance committee to take the comprehensive examination and schedule it at least two months in advance to ensure the committee's availability. The examination must be taken after completion of all required course work for all fields of concentration, except (in some cases) a limited number of the required units of Individual Instruction in the major field. In degree programs that require the presentation of four major recitals, at least two major recitals must be presented prior to the administration of the comprehensive examination. Up to two required recitals may be presented after the comprehensive examination. The dissertation (if required) must be written after the comprehensive examination. Comprehensive examinations will not be scheduled during summer sessions except under extraordinary circumstances and only with the written approval of members of the guidance committee. All portions of the examination must be completed within one month.
The comprehensive examination compriss a substantial culminative work for each field of concentration, as well as an oral examination with the student's guidance committee. The culminative work for each field may be a written examination, paper, project or recital, as appropriate for the particular field. For the academic field and at least one elective field, this culminative requirement must be a substantial written examination or paper. Following the successful completion of all culminative requirements and the approval of each by the corresponding faculty adviser, the student will sit for a two-hour oral examination with the guidance committee. This oral examination covers in greater depth the topics discussed in the written examinations and other requirements for the fields of concentration. The oral examination may also cover new material as determined by the guidance committee.
The two major field advisers and the academic field adviser must be present at the oral examination and render a judgment on the acceptability of the comprehensive examinations as a whole. It is highly preferable that the faculty advisers for the two elective fields participate in the oral examination with the other members of the guidance committee. If, however, there are challenges with scheduling or other issues that are reasonably unresolvable, the participation of the faculty advisers for elective fields is not required for the oral examination if they feel that the candidate has demonstrated knowledge and mastery of material that is appropriate for an elective field in their disciplines.
The examinations will be reported as passing if there is no more than one dissenting vote on the committee. A student must pass both the written and oral portions to pass the comprehensive examination. A pass on the examination cannot be made contingent upon any form of additional work.
If a student fails the comprehensive examination, the guidance committee may permit the student to repeat it once at a mutually satisfactory time within a period of not less than six months nor more than one year from the date of the first oral examination. A student may not take the comprehensive examination more than twice.
The comprehensive examination serves as the qualifying examination for programs that require a dissertation.
For programs that require a dissertation, admission to candidacy occurs after the student has passed the comprehensive examination, upon formal action of the dean of the Thornton School. The dissertation must be completed after admission to candidacy.
A dissertation based on original investigation and/or creative work is required of candidates in composition, music education and choral music. The dissertation must reveal scholarly ability, technical mastery, capacity for independent research and originality in creative thought.
After the guidance committee recommends admission to candidacy and approves the dissertation topic, the committee is reduced to three members. This smaller committee shall be the dissertation committee and will guide the student through the completion of the dissertation. Additional members may be added at the discretion of the chair of the committee if the topic requires special expertise.
The student must register in 794 Dissertation each semester after admission to candidacy until degree requirements (including the dissertation) are completed. Registration for 794 in no less than two regular semesters following admission to candidacy entitles the candidate to supervision by the dissertation committee. If the dissertation is not completed and accepted within two semesters, the candidate must register for 794 each semester thereafter until the document has been accepted. No more than 8 units of credit in 794 may be accumulated regardless of the number of semesters the candidate may be required to register.
A candidate who must withdraw temporarily from registration in 794 for a semester must report this in writing to the Thornton doctoral adviser before the beginning of that semester. As part of that report, the candidate must also petition for a formal leave of absence. During a leave of absence the candidate will not be entitled to assistance from his or her dissertation committee or to the use of university services and facilities. A leave of absence will be granted only under exceptional circumstances.
All dissertations submitted for requirements for graduate degrees must conform to university regulations in format and method of preparation. See the USC Graduate School's guidelines for Theses and Dissertations.
After meeting all requirements including the comprehensive examination, the candidate must defend the dissertation. This defense takes place in order for the committee to determine whether the dissertation should be approved or rejected. While this oral defense is open to the general university community, only the members of the dissertation committee have the authority to recommend its acceptance or rejection. The recommendation must be unanimous in order for the dissertation to be approved.
At least seven weeks before the scheduled date of the defense of the dissertation, written approval by all members of the candidate's dissertation committee, along with a typed copy of the dissertation abstract, must be filed with the dean of the Thornton School of Music.
A candidate may defend the dissertation on the basis of an approved preliminary copy. If the defense is satisfactory and the committee is satisfied with the manuscript as presented, the committee then signs the Approval to Submit Defended and Final Copy of the Doctoral Work form. If additional work is required, the form is left unsigned until the work has been approved.
The final electronic PDF copy of the dissertation, together with signed signature sheet and approval forms, must be presented to the Thesis Editor, the Graduate School, GFS 315, by the Graduate School's submission date and times. Approval of format and acceptance by the Graduate School must be presented to the dean of the Thornton School of Music at least one week before the end of the semester.
Since the abstract of the dissertation is published in Dissertation Abstracts International, it should be written with care and be representative of the final draft of the dissertation.
The time limit for completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is eight years. For students who earned an applicable master's degree within five years prior to admission to the doctoral program, the time limit for completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is six years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.
*Choral music majors are exempt from taking MUCD 441.
Courses with similar content taken for graduate credit at another accredited institution may be substituted, subject to departmental approval. Master's degree credit for ensemble taken at USC may fulfill this requirement, subject to departmental approval.
It is the objective of the performance curriculum to combine high standards of performance with intellectual accomplishments appropriate to a university degree. Candidates electing this major must present at least four major public appearances: two solo recitals and two other appropriate appearances. The exact format, content and scheduling of the four appearances are the responsibility of the candidate's faculty advisers for the major field of study.
String and wind instrument and percussion majors must participate in a large ensemble each semester if enrolled in four or more units.
DMA applicants must complete the appropriate master of music degree program or its equivalent.
Refer to School of Music Graduate Degrees, Admission Requirements.
Scores from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are required for application and admission to certain Doctor of Musical Arts degree programs. Consult the School of Music Office of Admissions for more information. Detailed requirements are available at the Thornton Website, usc.edu/music. Test scores on the GRE that are more than five years old at the time of application are not accepted.
Before the completion of 16 units beyond the master's degree and before permission to present the second doctoral recital is requested, doctoral students must meet with the Graduate Advisory Committee of the Thornton School of Music to discuss their progress in the program and their goals for the future. In preparation for this interview, students must prepare a dossier according to specific instructions available from the Thornton doctoral adviser. The committee determines the student's continuation in the program, and approves both the student's individualized curriculum (including all fields of concentration) and the members of his or her DMA guidance committee.
Each student is required to complete four areas of concentration: the major field, an academic field (chosen from among musicology, theory and analysis, music teaching and learning, choral music or sacred music), and two elective fields.
The academic and elective fields comprise courses that are determined by the department in which they are administered. Eight to 10 units are taken in the academic field. Six to 8 units are taken in each elective field. The academic field may not duplicate a major or an elective field. No more than two of the four fields of concentration may be under the guidance of the same department within the Thornton School of Music, and at least one of the elective fields must culminate in a substantial written paper or examination. Admission to academic and elective fields is determined by the appropriate department, prior to the Graduate Committee Interview.
Required courses for each major curriculum are listed in the description of major programs below. Required courses for any academic or elective field are determined for their respective fields by the faculty advisers on a student's DMA guidance committee.
A minimum of 65 graduate units beyond the bachelor's degree are required to complete the degree. Fifty-five or more units must be in music, 12 of these beyond the master's level must be in the major. At least 40 of these must be at the 500 level or higher. All course work earned under these requirements for a doctoral degree is considered to be obsolete after 10 years from the date of completion of such work and may not be used to fulfill degree requirements.
A minimum of two years of full-time study beyond the Master of Music degree is required for the Doctor of Musical Arts. At least one year of full-time study beyond the master's degree (6 units or more per semester) must be in residence at USC.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate course units in music. A grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major field. For courses in academic and elective fields, the minimum passing grade is C.
The Degree Progress Department in the Office of Academic Records and Registrar determines whether course work taken elsewhere is available for transfer credit. A maximum of 30 units of transfer credit may be applied toward a doctoral degree in music. Whether such credit is applicable toward a specific requirement in a major or minor field is determined by the Thornton School department in which the subject is taught, pending approval by the dean of the Thornton School. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the Thornton doctoral adviser during the first semester in residence. Transfer work must have been completed within 10 years of admission to the DMA program to be applied toward that degree.
An academic reading knowledge of French, German, Italian or Spanish is required of all students, either by taking a course approved by the Thornton School or by written examination approved by the Thornton School. Departments within the Thornton School may require additional language skills. All language requirements must be fulfilled one semester before entering the third semester in the program. Students with an academic reading knowledge of a language other than English, French, German, Italian or Spanish, may make a written request to the Thornton doctoral adviser to meet this requirement with a different language. In these cases, students must propose and gain the permission of a member of the USC faculty who will agree to create and grade the examination that would ultimately determine fulfillment of the requirement.
The DMA guidance committee is composed of at least five members: two faculty members from the major department, one of whom will serve as chair, and a faculty member from each of the three other areas of concentration. At least three members of a committee must be full-time faculty of rank in the Thornton School.
The guidance committee administers the written and oral parts of the comprehensive examination. The committee continues to serve until the comprehensive examination has been passed, the dissertation topic approved (if applicable) and the student is admitted to candidacy (if applicable). For students in curricula that require recitals, the two major field advisers serve as the recital committee and are responsible for determining the approved format, content, scheduling, and presentation of these performances for credit toward the requirements of the degree.
The comprehensive examination for the DMA is administered by the student's guidance committee. This examination consists of written and oral components and is designed to assess the student's mastery of his or her fields of concentration and readiness for professional independence as a performer, composer, teacher, researcher and/or scholar. The student must obtain permission from the guidance committee to take the comprehensive examination and schedule it at least two months in advance to ensure the committee's availability. The examination must be taken after completion of all required course work for all fields of concentration, except (in some cases) a limited number of the required units of Individual Instruction in the major field. In degree programs that require the presentation of four major recitals, at least two major recitals must be presented prior to the administration of the comprehensive examination. Up to two required recitals may be presented after the comprehensive examination. The dissertation (if required) must be written after the comprehensive examination. Comprehensive examinations will not be scheduled during summer sessions except under extraordinary circumstances and only with the written approval of members of the guidance committee. All portions of the examination must be completed within one month.
The comprehensive examination compriss a substantial culminative work for each field of concentration, as well as an oral examination with the student's guidance committee. The culminative work for each field may be a written examination, paper, project or recital, as appropriate for the particular field. For the academic field and at least one elective field, this culminative requirement must be a substantial written examination or paper. Following the successful completion of all culminative requirements and the approval of each by the corresponding faculty adviser, the student will sit for a two-hour oral examination with the guidance committee. This oral examination covers in greater depth the topics discussed in the written examinations and other requirements for the fields of concentration. The oral examination may also cover new material as determined by the guidance committee.
The two major field advisers and the academic field adviser must be present at the oral examination and render a judgment on the acceptability of the comprehensive examinations as a whole. It is highly preferable that the faculty advisers for the two elective fields participate in the oral examination with the other members of the guidance committee. If, however, there are challenges with scheduling or other issues that are reasonably unresolvable, the participation of the faculty advisers for elective fields is not required for the oral examination if they feel that the candidate has demonstrated knowledge and mastery of material that is appropriate for an elective field in their disciplines.
The examinations will be reported as passing if there is no more than one dissenting vote on the committee. A student must pass both the written and oral portions to pass the comprehensive examination. A pass on the examination cannot be made contingent upon any form of additional work.
If a student fails the comprehensive examination, the guidance committee may permit the student to repeat it once at a mutually satisfactory time within a period of not less than six months nor more than one year from the date of the first oral examination. A student may not take the comprehensive examination more than twice.
The comprehensive examination serves as the qualifying examination for programs that require a dissertation.
For programs that require a dissertation, admission to candidacy occurs after the student has passed the comprehensive examination, upon formal action of the dean of the Thornton School. The dissertation must be completed after admission to candidacy.
A dissertation based on original investigation and/or creative work is required of candidates in composition, music education and choral music. The dissertation must reveal scholarly ability, technical mastery, capacity for independent research and originality in creative thought.
After the guidance committee recommends admission to candidacy and approves the dissertation topic, the committee is reduced to three members. This smaller committee shall be the dissertation committee and will guide the student through the completion of the dissertation. Additional members may be added at the discretion of the chair of the committee if the topic requires special expertise.
The student must register in 794 Dissertation each semester after admission to candidacy until degree requirements (including the dissertation) are completed. Registration for 794 in no less than two regular semesters following admission to candidacy entitles the candidate to supervision by the dissertation committee. If the dissertation is not completed and accepted within two semesters, the candidate must register for 794 each semester thereafter until the document has been accepted. No more than 8 units of credit in 794 may be accumulated regardless of the number of semesters the candidate may be required to register.
A candidate who must withdraw temporarily from registration in 794 for a semester must report this in writing to the Thornton doctoral adviser before the beginning of that semester. As part of that report, the candidate must also petition for a formal leave of absence. During a leave of absence the candidate will not be entitled to assistance from his or her dissertation committee or to the use of university services and facilities. A leave of absence will be granted only under exceptional circumstances.
All dissertations submitted for requirements for graduate degrees must conform to university regulations in format and method of preparation. See the USC Graduate School's guidelines for Theses and Dissertations.
After meeting all requirements including the comprehensive examination, the candidate must defend the dissertation. This defense takes place in order for the committee to determine whether the dissertation should be approved or rejected. While this oral defense is open to the general university community, only the members of the dissertation committee have the authority to recommend its acceptance or rejection. The recommendation must be unanimous in order for the dissertation to be approved.
At least seven weeks before the scheduled date of the defense of the dissertation, written approval by all members of the candidate's dissertation committee, along with a typed copy of the dissertation abstract, must be filed with the dean of the Thornton School of Music.
A candidate may defend the dissertation on the basis of an approved preliminary copy. If the defense is satisfactory and the committee is satisfied with the manuscript as presented, the committee then signs the Approval to Submit Defended and Final Copy of the Doctoral Work form. If additional work is required, the form is left unsigned until the work has been approved.
The final electronic PDF copy of the dissertation, together with signed signature sheet and approval forms, must be presented to the Thesis Editor, the Graduate School, GFS 315, by the Graduate School's submission date and times. Approval of format and acceptance by the Graduate School must be presented to the dean of the Thornton School of Music at least one week before the end of the semester.
Since the abstract of the dissertation is published in Dissertation Abstracts International, it should be written with care and be representative of the final draft of the dissertation.
The time limit for completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is eight years. For students who earned an applicable master's degree within five years prior to admission to the doctoral program, the time limit for completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is six years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.
*Choral music majors are exempt from taking MUCD 441.
Courses with similar content taken for graduate credit at another accredited institution may be substituted, subject to departmental approval. Master's degree credit for ensemble taken at USC may fulfill this requirement, subject to departmental approval.
DMA applicants must complete the appropriate master of music degree program or its equivalent.
Refer to School of Music Graduate Degrees, Admission Requirements.
Scores from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are required for application and admission to certain Doctor of Musical Arts degree programs. Consult the School of Music Office of Admissions for more information. Detailed requirements are available at the Thornton Website, usc.edu/music. Test scores on the GRE that are more than five years old at the time of application are not accepted.
Before the completion of 16 units beyond the master's degree and before permission to present the second doctoral recital is requested, doctoral students must meet with the Graduate Advisory Committee of the Thornton School of Music to discuss their progress in the program and their goals for the future. In preparation for this interview, students must prepare a dossier according to specific instructions available from the Thornton doctoral adviser. The committee determines the student's continuation in the program, and approves both the student's individualized curriculum (including all fields of concentration) and the members of his or her DMA guidance committee.
Each student is required to complete four areas of concentration: the major field, an academic field (chosen from among musicology, theory and analysis, music teaching and learning, choral music or sacred music), and two elective fields.
The academic and elective fields comprise courses that are determined by the department in which they are administered. Eight to 10 units are taken in the academic field. Six to 8 units are taken in each elective field. The academic field may not duplicate a major or an elective field. No more than two of the four fields of concentration may be under the guidance of the same department within the Thornton School of Music, and at least one of the elective fields must culminate in a substantial written paper or examination. Admission to academic and elective fields is determined by the appropriate department, prior to the Graduate Committee Interview.
Required courses for each major curriculum are listed in the description of major programs below. Required courses for any academic or elective field are determined for their respective fields by the faculty advisers on a student's DMA guidance committee.
A minimum of 65 graduate units beyond the bachelor's degree are required to complete the degree. Fifty-five or more units must be in music, 12 of these beyond the master's level must be in the major. At least 40 of these must be at the 500 level or higher. All course work earned under these requirements for a doctoral degree is considered to be obsolete after 10 years from the date of completion of such work and may not be used to fulfill degree requirements.
A minimum of two years of full-time study beyond the Master of Music degree is required for the Doctor of Musical Arts. At least one year of full-time study beyond the master's degree (6 units or more per semester) must be in residence at USC.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate course units in music. A grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major field. For courses in academic and elective fields, the minimum passing grade is C.
The Degree Progress Department in the Office of Academic Records and Registrar determines whether course work taken elsewhere is available for transfer credit. A maximum of 30 units of transfer credit may be applied toward a doctoral degree in music. Whether such credit is applicable toward a specific requirement in a major or minor field is determined by the Thornton School department in which the subject is taught, pending approval by the dean of the Thornton School. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the Thornton doctoral adviser during the first semester in residence. Transfer work must have been completed within 10 years of admission to the DMA program to be applied toward that degree.
An academic reading knowledge of French, German, Italian or Spanish is required of all students, either by taking a course approved by the Thornton School or by written examination approved by the Thornton School. Departments within the Thornton School may require additional language skills. All language requirements must be fulfilled one semester before entering the third semester in the program. Students with an academic reading knowledge of a language other than English, French, German, Italian or Spanish, may make a written request to the Thornton doctoral adviser to meet this requirement with a different language. In these cases, students must propose and gain the permission of a member of the USC faculty who will agree to create and grade the examination that would ultimately determine fulfillment of the requirement.
The DMA guidance committee is composed of at least five members: two faculty members from the major department, one of whom will serve as chair, and a faculty member from each of the three other areas of concentration. At least three members of a committee must be full-time faculty of rank in the Thornton School.
The guidance committee administers the written and oral parts of the comprehensive examination. The committee continues to serve until the comprehensive examination has been passed, the dissertation topic approved (if applicable) and the student is admitted to candidacy (if applicable). For students in curricula that require recitals, the two major field advisers serve as the recital committee and are responsible for determining the approved format, content, scheduling, and presentation of these performances for credit toward the requirements of the degree.
The comprehensive examination for the DMA is administered by the student's guidance committee. This examination consists of written and oral components and is designed to assess the student's mastery of his or her fields of concentration and readiness for professional independence as a performer, composer, teacher, researcher and/or scholar. The student must obtain permission from the guidance committee to take the comprehensive examination and schedule it at least two months in advance to ensure the committee's availability. The examination must be taken after completion of all required course work for all fields of concentration, except (in some cases) a limited number of the required units of Individual Instruction in the major field. In degree programs that require the presentation of four major recitals, at least two major recitals must be presented prior to the administration of the comprehensive examination. Up to two required recitals may be presented after the comprehensive examination. The dissertation (if required) must be written after the comprehensive examination. Comprehensive examinations will not be scheduled during summer sessions except under extraordinary circumstances and only with the written approval of members of the guidance committee. All portions of the examination must be completed within one month.
The comprehensive examination compriss a substantial culminative work for each field of concentration, as well as an oral examination with the student's guidance committee. The culminative work for each field may be a written examination, paper, project or recital, as appropriate for the particular field. For the academic field and at least one elective field, this culminative requirement must be a substantial written examination or paper. Following the successful completion of all culminative requirements and the approval of each by the corresponding faculty adviser, the student will sit for a two-hour oral examination with the guidance committee. This oral examination covers in greater depth the topics discussed in the written examinations and other requirements for the fields of concentration. The oral examination may also cover new material as determined by the guidance committee.
The two major field advisers and the academic field adviser must be present at the oral examination and render a judgment on the acceptability of the comprehensive examinations as a whole. It is highly preferable that the faculty advisers for the two elective fields participate in the oral examination with the other members of the guidance committee. If, however, there are challenges with scheduling or other issues that are reasonably unresolvable, the participation of the faculty advisers for elective fields is not required for the oral examination if they feel that the candidate has demonstrated knowledge and mastery of material that is appropriate for an elective field in their disciplines.
The examinations will be reported as passing if there is no more than one dissenting vote on the committee. A student must pass both the written and oral portions to pass the comprehensive examination. A pass on the examination cannot be made contingent upon any form of additional work.
If a student fails the comprehensive examination, the guidance committee may permit the student to repeat it once at a mutually satisfactory time within a period of not less than six months nor more than one year from the date of the first oral examination. A student may not take the comprehensive examination more than twice.
The comprehensive examination serves as the qualifying examination for programs that require a dissertation.
For programs that require a dissertation, admission to candidacy occurs after the student has passed the comprehensive examination, upon formal action of the dean of the Thornton School. The dissertation must be completed after admission to candidacy.
A dissertation based on original investigation and/or creative work is required of candidates in composition, music education and choral music. The dissertation must reveal scholarly ability, technical mastery, capacity for independent research and originality in creative thought.
After the guidance committee recommends admission to candidacy and approves the dissertation topic, the committee is reduced to three members. This smaller committee shall be the dissertation committee and will guide the student through the completion of the dissertation. Additional members may be added at the discretion of the chair of the committee if the topic requires special expertise.
The student must register in 794 Dissertation each semester after admission to candidacy until degree requirements (including the dissertation) are completed. Registration for 794 in no less than two regular semesters following admission to candidacy entitles the candidate to supervision by the dissertation committee. If the dissertation is not completed and accepted within two semesters, the candidate must register for 794 each semester thereafter until the document has been accepted. No more than 8 units of credit in 794 may be accumulated regardless of the number of semesters the candidate may be required to register.
A candidate who must withdraw temporarily from registration in 794 for a semester must report this in writing to the Thornton doctoral adviser before the beginning of that semester. As part of that report, the candidate must also petition for a formal leave of absence. During a leave of absence the candidate will not be entitled to assistance from his or her dissertation committee or to the use of university services and facilities. A leave of absence will be granted only under exceptional circumstances.
All dissertations submitted for requirements for graduate degrees must conform to university regulations in format and method of preparation. See the USC Graduate School's guidelines for Theses and Dissertations.
After meeting all requirements including the comprehensive examination, the candidate must defend the dissertation. This defense takes place in order for the committee to determine whether the dissertation should be approved or rejected. While this oral defense is open to the general university community, only the members of the dissertation committee have the authority to recommend its acceptance or rejection. The recommendation must be unanimous in order for the dissertation to be approved.
At least seven weeks before the scheduled date of the defense of the dissertation, written approval by all members of the candidate's dissertation committee, along with a typed copy of the dissertation abstract, must be filed with the dean of the Thornton School of Music.
A candidate may defend the dissertation on the basis of an approved preliminary copy. If the defense is satisfactory and the committee is satisfied with the manuscript as presented, the committee then signs the Approval to Submit Defended and Final Copy of the Doctoral Work form. If additional work is required, the form is left unsigned until the work has been approved.
The final electronic PDF copy of the dissertation, together with signed signature sheet and approval forms, must be presented to the Thesis Editor, the Graduate School, GFS 315, by the Graduate School's submission date and times. Approval of format and acceptance by the Graduate School must be presented to the dean of the Thornton School of Music at least one week before the end of the semester.
Since the abstract of the dissertation is published in Dissertation Abstracts International, it should be written with care and be representative of the final draft of the dissertation.
The time limit for completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is eight years. For students who earned an applicable master's degree within five years prior to admission to the doctoral program, the time limit for completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is six years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.
*Choral music majors are exempt from taking MUCD 441.
Courses with similar content taken for graduate credit at another accredited institution may be substituted, subject to departmental approval. Master's degree credit for ensemble taken at USC may fulfill this requirement, subject to departmental approval.
*Must include MUHL 574 and MUHL 575.
DMA applicants must complete the appropriate master of music degree program or its equivalent.
Refer to School of Music Graduate Degrees, Admission Requirements.
Scores from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are required for application and admission to certain Doctor of Musical Arts degree programs. Consult the School of Music Office of Admissions for more information. Detailed requirements are available at the Thornton Website, usc.edu/music. Test scores on the GRE that are more than five years old at the time of application are not accepted.
Before the completion of 16 units beyond the master's degree and before permission to present the second doctoral recital is requested, doctoral students must meet with the Graduate Advisory Committee of the Thornton School of Music to discuss their progress in the program and their goals for the future. In preparation for this interview, students must prepare a dossier according to specific instructions available from the Thornton doctoral adviser. The committee determines the student's continuation in the program, and approves both the student's individualized curriculum (including all fields of concentration) and the members of his or her DMA guidance committee.
Each student is required to complete four areas of concentration: the major field, an academic field (chosen from among musicology, theory and analysis, music teaching and learning, choral music or sacred music), and two elective fields.
The academic and elective fields comprise courses that are determined by the department in which they are administered. Eight to 10 units are taken in the academic field. Six to 8 units are taken in each elective field. The academic field may not duplicate a major or an elective field. No more than two of the four fields of concentration may be under the guidance of the same department within the Thornton School of Music, and at least one of the elective fields must culminate in a substantial written paper or examination. Admission to academic and elective fields is determined by the appropriate department, prior to the Graduate Committee Interview.
Required courses for each major curriculum are listed in the description of major programs below. Required courses for any academic or elective field are determined for their respective fields by the faculty advisers on a student's DMA guidance committee.
A minimum of 65 graduate units beyond the bachelor's degree are required to complete the degree. Fifty-five or more units must be in music, 12 of these beyond the master's level must be in the major. At least 40 of these must be at the 500 level or higher. All course work earned under these requirements for a doctoral degree is considered to be obsolete after 10 years from the date of completion of such work and may not be used to fulfill degree requirements.
A minimum of two years of full-time study beyond the Master of Music degree is required for the Doctor of Musical Arts. At least one year of full-time study beyond the master's degree (6 units or more per semester) must be in residence at USC.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate course units in music. A grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major field. For courses in academic and elective fields, the minimum passing grade is C.
The Degree Progress Department in the Office of Academic Records and Registrar determines whether course work taken elsewhere is available for transfer credit. A maximum of 30 units of transfer credit may be applied toward a doctoral degree in music. Whether such credit is applicable toward a specific requirement in a major or minor field is determined by the Thornton School department in which the subject is taught, pending approval by the dean of the Thornton School. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the Thornton doctoral adviser during the first semester in residence. Transfer work must have been completed within 10 years of admission to the DMA program to be applied toward that degree.
An academic reading knowledge of French, German, Italian or Spanish is required of all students, either by taking a course approved by the Thornton School or by written examination approved by the Thornton School. Departments within the Thornton School may require additional language skills. All language requirements must be fulfilled one semester before entering the third semester in the program. Students with an academic reading knowledge of a language other than English, French, German, Italian or Spanish, may make a written request to the Thornton doctoral adviser to meet this requirement with a different language. In these cases, students must propose and gain the permission of a member of the USC faculty who will agree to create and grade the examination that would ultimately determine fulfillment of the requirement.
The DMA guidance committee is composed of at least five members: two faculty members from the major department, one of whom will serve as chair, and a faculty member from each of the three other areas of concentration. At least three members of a committee must be full-time faculty of rank in the Thornton School.
The guidance committee administers the written and oral parts of the comprehensive examination. The committee continues to serve until the comprehensive examination has been passed, the dissertation topic approved (if applicable) and the student is admitted to candidacy (if applicable). For students in curricula that require recitals, the two major field advisers serve as the recital committee and are responsible for determining the approved format, content, scheduling, and presentation of these performances for credit toward the requirements of the degree.
The comprehensive examination for the DMA is administered by the student's guidance committee. This examination consists of written and oral components and is designed to assess the student's mastery of his or her fields of concentration and readiness for professional independence as a performer, composer, teacher, researcher and/or scholar. The student must obtain permission from the guidance committee to take the comprehensive examination and schedule it at least two months in advance to ensure the committee's availability. The examination must be taken after completion of all required course work for all fields of concentration, except (in some cases) a limited number of the required units of Individual Instruction in the major field. In degree programs that require the presentation of four major recitals, at least two major recitals must be presented prior to the administration of the comprehensive examination. Up to two required recitals may be presented after the comprehensive examination. The dissertation (if required) must be written after the comprehensive examination. Comprehensive examinations will not be scheduled during summer sessions except under extraordinary circumstances and only with the written approval of members of the guidance committee. All portions of the examination must be completed within one month.
The comprehensive examination compriss a substantial culminative work for each field of concentration, as well as an oral examination with the student's guidance committee. The culminative work for each field may be a written examination, paper, project or recital, as appropriate for the particular field. For the academic field and at least one elective field, this culminative requirement must be a substantial written examination or paper. Following the successful completion of all culminative requirements and the approval of each by the corresponding faculty adviser, the student will sit for a two-hour oral examination with the guidance committee. This oral examination covers in greater depth the topics discussed in the written examinations and other requirements for the fields of concentration. The oral examination may also cover new material as determined by the guidance committee.
The two major field advisers and the academic field adviser must be present at the oral examination and render a judgment on the acceptability of the comprehensive examinations as a whole. It is highly preferable that the faculty advisers for the two elective fields participate in the oral examination with the other members of the guidance committee. If, however, there are challenges with scheduling or other issues that are reasonably unresolvable, the participation of the faculty advisers for elective fields is not required for the oral examination if they feel that the candidate has demonstrated knowledge and mastery of material that is appropriate for an elective field in their disciplines.
The examinations will be reported as passing if there is no more than one dissenting vote on the committee. A student must pass both the written and oral portions to pass the comprehensive examination. A pass on the examination cannot be made contingent upon any form of additional work.
If a student fails the comprehensive examination, the guidance committee may permit the student to repeat it once at a mutually satisfactory time within a period of not less than six months nor more than one year from the date of the first oral examination. A student may not take the comprehensive examination more than twice.
The comprehensive examination serves as the qualifying examination for programs that require a dissertation.
For programs that require a dissertation, admission to candidacy occurs after the student has passed the comprehensive examination, upon formal action of the dean of the Thornton School. The dissertation must be completed after admission to candidacy.
A dissertation based on original investigation and/or creative work is required of candidates in composition, music education and choral music. The dissertation must reveal scholarly ability, technical mastery, capacity for independent research and originality in creative thought.
After the guidance committee recommends admission to candidacy and approves the dissertation topic, the committee is reduced to three members. This smaller committee shall be the dissertation committee and will guide the student through the completion of the dissertation. Additional members may be added at the discretion of the chair of the committee if the topic requires special expertise.
The student must register in 794 Dissertation each semester after admission to candidacy until degree requirements (including the dissertation) are completed. Registration for 794 in no less than two regular semesters following admission to candidacy entitles the candidate to supervision by the dissertation committee. If the dissertation is not completed and accepted within two semesters, the candidate must register for 794 each semester thereafter until the document has been accepted. No more than 8 units of credit in 794 may be accumulated regardless of the number of semesters the candidate may be required to register.
A candidate who must withdraw temporarily from registration in 794 for a semester must report this in writing to the Thornton doctoral adviser before the beginning of that semester. As part of that report, the candidate must also petition for a formal leave of absence. During a leave of absence the candidate will not be entitled to assistance from his or her dissertation committee or to the use of university services and facilities. A leave of absence will be granted only under exceptional circumstances.
All dissertations submitted for requirements for graduate degrees must conform to university regulations in format and method of preparation. See the USC Graduate School's guidelines for Theses and Dissertations.
After meeting all requirements including the comprehensive examination, the candidate must defend the dissertation. This defense takes place in order for the committee to determine whether the dissertation should be approved or rejected. While this oral defense is open to the general university community, only the members of the dissertation committee have the authority to recommend its acceptance or rejection. The recommendation must be unanimous in order for the dissertation to be approved.
At least seven weeks before the scheduled date of the defense of the dissertation, written approval by all members of the candidate's dissertation committee, along with a typed copy of the dissertation abstract, must be filed with the dean of the Thornton School of Music.
A candidate may defend the dissertation on the basis of an approved preliminary copy. If the defense is satisfactory and the committee is satisfied with the manuscript as presented, the committee then signs the Approval to Submit Defended and Final Copy of the Doctoral Work form. If additional work is required, the form is left unsigned until the work has been approved.
The final electronic PDF copy of the dissertation, together with signed signature sheet and approval forms, must be presented to the Thesis Editor, the Graduate School, GFS 315, by the Graduate School's submission date and times. Approval of format and acceptance by the Graduate School must be presented to the dean of the Thornton School of Music at least one week before the end of the semester.
Since the abstract of the dissertation is published in Dissertation Abstracts International, it should be written with care and be representative of the final draft of the dissertation.
The time limit for completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is eight years. For students who earned an applicable master's degree within five years prior to admission to the doctoral program, the time limit for completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is six years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.
*Choral music majors are exempt from taking MUCD 441.
Courses with similar content taken for graduate credit at another accredited institution may be substituted, subject to departmental approval. Master's degree credit for ensemble taken at USC may fulfill this requirement, subject to departmental approval.
The exact format, content and scheduling of the four graduate recitals are the responsibility of the candidate's major professor.
DMA applicants must complete the appropriate master of music degree program or its equivalent.
Refer to School of Music Graduate Degrees, Admission Requirements.
Scores from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are required for application and admission to certain Doctor of Musical Arts degree programs. Consult the School of Music Office of Admissions for more information. Detailed requirements are available at the Thornton Website, usc.edu/music. Test scores on the GRE that are more than five years old at the time of application are not accepted.
Before the completion of 16 units beyond the master's degree and before permission to present the second doctoral recital is requested, doctoral students must meet with the Graduate Advisory Committee of the Thornton School of Music to discuss their progress in the program and their goals for the future. In preparation for this interview, students must prepare a dossier according to specific instructions available from the Thornton doctoral adviser. The committee determines the student's continuation in the program, and approves both the student's individualized curriculum (including all fields of concentration) and the members of his or her DMA guidance committee.
Each student is required to complete four areas of concentration: the major field, an academic field (chosen from among musicology, theory and analysis, music teaching and learning, choral music or sacred music), and two elective fields.
The academic and elective fields comprise courses that are determined by the department in which they are administered. Eight to 10 units are taken in the academic field. Six to 8 units are taken in each elective field. The academic field may not duplicate a major or an elective field. No more than two of the four fields of concentration may be under the guidance of the same department within the Thornton School of Music, and at least one of the elective fields must culminate in a substantial written paper or examination. Admission to academic and elective fields is determined by the appropriate department, prior to the Graduate Committee Interview.
Required courses for each major curriculum are listed in the description of major programs below. Required courses for any academic or elective field are determined for their respective fields by the faculty advisers on a student's DMA guidance committee.
A minimum of 65 graduate units beyond the bachelor's degree are required to complete the degree. Fifty-five or more units must be in music, 12 of these beyond the master's level must be in the major. At least 40 of these must be at the 500 level or higher. All course work earned under these requirements for a doctoral degree is considered to be obsolete after 10 years from the date of completion of such work and may not be used to fulfill degree requirements.
A minimum of two years of full-time study beyond the Master of Music degree is required for the Doctor of Musical Arts. At least one year of full-time study beyond the master's degree (6 units or more per semester) must be in residence at USC.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate course units in music. A grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major field. For courses in academic and elective fields, the minimum passing grade is C.
The Degree Progress Department in the Office of Academic Records and Registrar determines whether course work taken elsewhere is available for transfer credit. A maximum of 30 units of transfer credit may be applied toward a doctoral degree in music. Whether such credit is applicable toward a specific requirement in a major or minor field is determined by the Thornton School department in which the subject is taught, pending approval by the dean of the Thornton School. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the Thornton doctoral adviser during the first semester in residence. Transfer work must have been completed within 10 years of admission to the DMA program to be applied toward that degree.
An academic reading knowledge of French, German, Italian or Spanish is required of all students, either by taking a course approved by the Thornton School or by written examination approved by the Thornton School. Departments within the Thornton School may require additional language skills. All language requirements must be fulfilled one semester before entering the third semester in the program. Students with an academic reading knowledge of a language other than English, French, German, Italian or Spanish, may make a written request to the Thornton doctoral adviser to meet this requirement with a different language. In these cases, students must propose and gain the permission of a member of the USC faculty who will agree to create and grade the examination that would ultimately determine fulfillment of the requirement.
The DMA guidance committee is composed of at least five members: two faculty members from the major department, one of whom will serve as chair, and a faculty member from each of the three other areas of concentration. At least three members of a committee must be full-time faculty of rank in the Thornton School.
The guidance committee administers the written and oral parts of the comprehensive examination. The committee continues to serve until the comprehensive examination has been passed, the dissertation topic approved (if applicable) and the student is admitted to candidacy (if applicable). For students in curricula that require recitals, the two major field advisers serve as the recital committee and are responsible for determining the approved format, content, scheduling, and presentation of these performances for credit toward the requirements of the degree.
The comprehensive examination for the DMA is administered by the student's guidance committee. This examination consists of written and oral components and is designed to assess the student's mastery of his or her fields of concentration and readiness for professional independence as a performer, composer, teacher, researcher and/or scholar. The student must obtain permission from the guidance committee to take the comprehensive examination and schedule it at least two months in advance to ensure the committee's availability. The examination must be taken after completion of all required course work for all fields of concentration, except (in some cases) a limited number of the required units of Individual Instruction in the major field. In degree programs that require the presentation of four major recitals, at least two major recitals must be presented prior to the administration of the comprehensive examination. Up to two required recitals may be presented after the comprehensive examination. The dissertation (if required) must be written after the comprehensive examination. Comprehensive examinations will not be scheduled during summer sessions except under extraordinary circumstances and only with the written approval of members of the guidance committee. All portions of the examination must be completed within one month.
The comprehensive examination compriss a substantial culminative work for each field of concentration, as well as an oral examination with the student's guidance committee. The culminative work for each field may be a written examination, paper, project or recital, as appropriate for the particular field. For the academic field and at least one elective field, this culminative requirement must be a substantial written examination or paper. Following the successful completion of all culminative requirements and the approval of each by the corresponding faculty adviser, the student will sit for a two-hour oral examination with the guidance committee. This oral examination covers in greater depth the topics discussed in the written examinations and other requirements for the fields of concentration. The oral examination may also cover new material as determined by the guidance committee.
The two major field advisers and the academic field adviser must be present at the oral examination and render a judgment on the acceptability of the comprehensive examinations as a whole. It is highly preferable that the faculty advisers for the two elective fields participate in the oral examination with the other members of the guidance committee. If, however, there are challenges with scheduling or other issues that are reasonably unresolvable, the participation of the faculty advisers for elective fields is not required for the oral examination if they feel that the candidate has demonstrated knowledge and mastery of material that is appropriate for an elective field in their disciplines.
The examinations will be reported as passing if there is no more than one dissenting vote on the committee. A student must pass both the written and oral portions to pass the comprehensive examination. A pass on the examination cannot be made contingent upon any form of additional work.
If a student fails the comprehensive examination, the guidance committee may permit the student to repeat it once at a mutually satisfactory time within a period of not less than six months nor more than one year from the date of the first oral examination. A student may not take the comprehensive examination more than twice.
The comprehensive examination serves as the qualifying examination for programs that require a dissertation.
For programs that require a dissertation, admission to candidacy occurs after the student has passed the comprehensive examination, upon formal action of the dean of the Thornton School. The dissertation must be completed after admission to candidacy.
A dissertation based on original investigation and/or creative work is required of candidates in composition, music education and choral music. The dissertation must reveal scholarly ability, technical mastery, capacity for independent research and originality in creative thought.
After the guidance committee recommends admission to candidacy and approves the dissertation topic, the committee is reduced to three members. This smaller committee shall be the dissertation committee and will guide the student through the completion of the dissertation. Additional members may be added at the discretion of the chair of the committee if the topic requires special expertise.
The student must register in 794 Dissertation each semester after admission to candidacy until degree requirements (including the dissertation) are completed. Registration for 794 in no less than two regular semesters following admission to candidacy entitles the candidate to supervision by the dissertation committee. If the dissertation is not completed and accepted within two semesters, the candidate must register for 794 each semester thereafter until the document has been accepted. No more than 8 units of credit in 794 may be accumulated regardless of the number of semesters the candidate may be required to register.
A candidate who must withdraw temporarily from registration in 794 for a semester must report this in writing to the Thornton doctoral adviser before the beginning of that semester. As part of that report, the candidate must also petition for a formal leave of absence. During a leave of absence the candidate will not be entitled to assistance from his or her dissertation committee or to the use of university services and facilities. A leave of absence will be granted only under exceptional circumstances.
All dissertations submitted for requirements for graduate degrees must conform to university regulations in format and method of preparation. See the USC Graduate School's guidelines for Theses and Dissertations.
After meeting all requirements including the comprehensive examination, the candidate must defend the dissertation. This defense takes place in order for the committee to determine whether the dissertation should be approved or rejected. While this oral defense is open to the general university community, only the members of the dissertation committee have the authority to recommend its acceptance or rejection. The recommendation must be unanimous in order for the dissertation to be approved.
At least seven weeks before the scheduled date of the defense of the dissertation, written approval by all members of the candidate's dissertation committee, along with a typed copy of the dissertation abstract, must be filed with the dean of the Thornton School of Music.
A candidate may defend the dissertation on the basis of an approved preliminary copy. If the defense is satisfactory and the committee is satisfied with the manuscript as presented, the committee then signs the Approval to Submit Defended and Final Copy of the Doctoral Work form. If additional work is required, the form is left unsigned until the work has been approved.
The final electronic PDF copy of the dissertation, together with signed signature sheet and approval forms, must be presented to the Thesis Editor, the Graduate School, GFS 315, by the Graduate School's submission date and times. Approval of format and acceptance by the Graduate School must be presented to the dean of the Thornton School of Music at least one week before the end of the semester.
Since the abstract of the dissertation is published in Dissertation Abstracts International, it should be written with care and be representative of the final draft of the dissertation.
The time limit for completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is eight years. For students who earned an applicable master's degree within five years prior to admission to the doctoral program, the time limit for completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is six years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.
*Choral music majors are exempt from taking MUCD 441.
Courses with similar content taken for graduate credit at another accredited institution may be substituted, subject to departmental approval. Master's degree credit for ensemble taken at USC may fulfill this requirement, subject to departmental approval.
DMA applicants must complete the appropriate master of music degree program or its equivalent.
Refer to School of Music Graduate Degrees, Admission Requirements.
Scores from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are required for application and admission to certain Doctor of Musical Arts degree programs. Consult the School of Music Office of Admissions for more information. Detailed requirements are available at the Thornton Website, usc.edu/music. Test scores on the GRE that are more than five years old at the time of application are not accepted.
Before the completion of 16 units beyond the master's degree and before permission to present the second doctoral recital is requested, doctoral students must meet with the Graduate Advisory Committee of the Thornton School of Music to discuss their progress in the program and their goals for the future. In preparation for this interview, students must prepare a dossier according to specific instructions available from the Thornton doctoral adviser. The committee determines the student's continuation in the program, and approves both the student's individualized curriculum (including all fields of concentration) and the members of his or her DMA guidance committee.
Each student is required to complete four areas of concentration: the major field, an academic field (chosen from among musicology, theory and analysis, music teaching and learning, choral music or sacred music), and two elective fields.
The academic and elective fields comprise courses that are determined by the department in which they are administered. Eight to 10 units are taken in the academic field. Six to 8 units are taken in each elective field. The academic field may not duplicate a major or an elective field. No more than two of the four fields of concentration may be under the guidance of the same department within the Thornton School of Music, and at least one of the elective fields must culminate in a substantial written paper or examination. Admission to academic and elective fields is determined by the appropriate department, prior to the Graduate Committee Interview.
Required courses for each major curriculum are listed in the description of major programs below. Required courses for any academic or elective field are determined for their respective fields by the faculty advisers on a student's DMA guidance committee.
A minimum of 65 graduate units beyond the bachelor's degree are required to complete the degree. Fifty-five or more units must be in music, 12 of these beyond the master's level must be in the major. At least 40 of these must be at the 500 level or higher. All course work earned under these requirements for a doctoral degree is considered to be obsolete after 10 years from the date of completion of such work and may not be used to fulfill degree requirements.
A minimum of two years of full-time study beyond the Master of Music degree is required for the Doctor of Musical Arts. At least one year of full-time study beyond the master's degree (6 units or more per semester) must be in residence at USC.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate course units in music. A grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major field. For courses in academic and elective fields, the minimum passing grade is C.
The Degree Progress Department in the Office of Academic Records and Registrar determines whether course work taken elsewhere is available for transfer credit. A maximum of 30 units of transfer credit may be applied toward a doctoral degree in music. Whether such credit is applicable toward a specific requirement in a major or minor field is determined by the Thornton School department in which the subject is taught, pending approval by the dean of the Thornton School. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the Thornton doctoral adviser during the first semester in residence. Transfer work must have been completed within 10 years of admission to the DMA program to be applied toward that degree.
An academic reading knowledge of French, German, Italian or Spanish is required of all students, either by taking a course approved by the Thornton School or by written examination approved by the Thornton School. Departments within the Thornton School may require additional language skills. All language requirements must be fulfilled one semester before entering the third semester in the program. Students with an academic reading knowledge of a language other than English, French, German, Italian or Spanish, may make a written request to the Thornton doctoral adviser to meet this requirement with a different language. In these cases, students must propose and gain the permission of a member of the USC faculty who will agree to create and grade the examination that would ultimately determine fulfillment of the requirement.
The DMA guidance committee is composed of at least five members: two faculty members from the major department, one of whom will serve as chair, and a faculty member from each of the three other areas of concentration. At least three members of a committee must be full-time faculty of rank in the Thornton School.
The guidance committee administers the written and oral parts of the comprehensive examination. The committee continues to serve until the comprehensive examination has been passed, the dissertation topic approved (if applicable) and the student is admitted to candidacy (if applicable). For students in curricula that require recitals, the two major field advisers serve as the recital committee and are responsible for determining the approved format, content, scheduling, and presentation of these performances for credit toward the requirements of the degree.
The comprehensive examination for the DMA is administered by the student's guidance committee. This examination consists of written and oral components and is designed to assess the student's mastery of his or her fields of concentration and readiness for professional independence as a performer, composer, teacher, researcher and/or scholar. The student must obtain permission from the guidance committee to take the comprehensive examination and schedule it at least two months in advance to ensure the committee's availability. The examination must be taken after completion of all required course work for all fields of concentration, except (in some cases) a limited number of the required units of Individual Instruction in the major field. In degree programs that require the presentation of four major recitals, at least two major recitals must be presented prior to the administration of the comprehensive examination. Up to two required recitals may be presented after the comprehensive examination. The dissertation (if required) must be written after the comprehensive examination. Comprehensive examinations will not be scheduled during summer sessions except under extraordinary circumstances and only with the written approval of members of the guidance committee. All portions of the examination must be completed within one month.
The comprehensive examination compriss a substantial culminative work for each field of concentration, as well as an oral examination with the student's guidance committee. The culminative work for each field may be a written examination, paper, project or recital, as appropriate for the particular field. For the academic field and at least one elective field, this culminative requirement must be a substantial written examination or paper. Following the successful completion of all culminative requirements and the approval of each by the corresponding faculty adviser, the student will sit for a two-hour oral examination with the guidance committee. This oral examination covers in greater depth the topics discussed in the written examinations and other requirements for the fields of concentration. The oral examination may also cover new material as determined by the guidance committee.
The two major field advisers and the academic field adviser must be present at the oral examination and render a judgment on the acceptability of the comprehensive examinations as a whole. It is highly preferable that the faculty advisers for the two elective fields participate in the oral examination with the other members of the guidance committee. If, however, there are challenges with scheduling or other issues that are reasonably unresolvable, the participation of the faculty advisers for elective fields is not required for the oral examination if they feel that the candidate has demonstrated knowledge and mastery of material that is appropriate for an elective field in their disciplines.
The examinations will be reported as passing if there is no more than one dissenting vote on the committee. A student must pass both the written and oral portions to pass the comprehensive examination. A pass on the examination cannot be made contingent upon any form of additional work.
If a student fails the comprehensive examination, the guidance committee may permit the student to repeat it once at a mutually satisfactory time within a period of not less than six months nor more than one year from the date of the first oral examination. A student may not take the comprehensive examination more than twice.
The comprehensive examination serves as the qualifying examination for programs that require a dissertation.
For programs that require a dissertation, admission to candidacy occurs after the student has passed the comprehensive examination, upon formal action of the dean of the Thornton School. The dissertation must be completed after admission to candidacy.
A dissertation based on original investigation and/or creative work is required of candidates in composition, music education and choral music. The dissertation must reveal scholarly ability, technical mastery, capacity for independent research and originality in creative thought.
After the guidance committee recommends admission to candidacy and approves the dissertation topic, the committee is reduced to three members. This smaller committee shall be the dissertation committee and will guide the student through the completion of the dissertation. Additional members may be added at the discretion of the chair of the committee if the topic requires special expertise.
The student must register in 794 Dissertation each semester after admission to candidacy until degree requirements (including the dissertation) are completed. Registration for 794 in no less than two regular semesters following admission to candidacy entitles the candidate to supervision by the dissertation committee. If the dissertation is not completed and accepted within two semesters, the candidate must register for 794 each semester thereafter until the document has been accepted. No more than 8 units of credit in 794 may be accumulated regardless of the number of semesters the candidate may be required to register.
A candidate who must withdraw temporarily from registration in 794 for a semester must report this in writing to the Thornton doctoral adviser before the beginning of that semester. As part of that report, the candidate must also petition for a formal leave of absence. During a leave of absence the candidate will not be entitled to assistance from his or her dissertation committee or to the use of university services and facilities. A leave of absence will be granted only under exceptional circumstances.
All dissertations submitted for requirements for graduate degrees must conform to university regulations in format and method of preparation. See the USC Graduate School's guidelines for Theses and Dissertations.
After meeting all requirements including the comprehensive examination, the candidate must defend the dissertation. This defense takes place in order for the committee to determine whether the dissertation should be approved or rejected. While this oral defense is open to the general university community, only the members of the dissertation committee have the authority to recommend its acceptance or rejection. The recommendation must be unanimous in order for the dissertation to be approved.
At least seven weeks before the scheduled date of the defense of the dissertation, written approval by all members of the candidate's dissertation committee, along with a typed copy of the dissertation abstract, must be filed with the dean of the Thornton School of Music.
A candidate may defend the dissertation on the basis of an approved preliminary copy. If the defense is satisfactory and the committee is satisfied with the manuscript as presented, the committee then signs the Approval to Submit Defended and Final Copy of the Doctoral Work form. If additional work is required, the form is left unsigned until the work has been approved.
The final electronic PDF copy of the dissertation, together with signed signature sheet and approval forms, must be presented to the Thesis Editor, the Graduate School, GFS 315, by the Graduate School's submission date and times. Approval of format and acceptance by the Graduate School must be presented to the dean of the Thornton School of Music at least one week before the end of the semester.
Since the abstract of the dissertation is published in Dissertation Abstracts International, it should be written with care and be representative of the final draft of the dissertation.
The time limit for completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is eight years. For students who earned an applicable master's degree within five years prior to admission to the doctoral program, the time limit for completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is six years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.
*Choral music majors are exempt from taking MUCD 441.
Courses with similar content taken for graduate credit at another accredited institution may be substituted, subject to departmental approval. Master's degree credit for ensemble taken at USC may fulfill this requirement, subject to departmental approval.
DMA applicants must complete the appropriate master of music degree program or its equivalent.
Refer to School of Music Graduate Degrees, Admission Requirements.
Scores from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are required for application and admission to certain Doctor of Musical Arts degree programs. Consult the School of Music Office of Admissions for more information. Detailed requirements are available at the Thornton Website, usc.edu/music. Test scores on the GRE that are more than five years old at the time of application are not accepted.
Before the completion of 16 units beyond the master's degree and before permission to present the second doctoral recital is requested, doctoral students must meet with the Graduate Advisory Committee of the Thornton School of Music to discuss their progress in the program and their goals for the future. In preparation for this interview, students must prepare a dossier according to specific instructions available from the Thornton doctoral adviser. The committee determines the student's continuation in the program, and approves both the student's individualized curriculum (including all fields of concentration) and the members of his or her DMA guidance committee.
Each student is required to complete four areas of concentration: the major field, an academic field (chosen from among musicology, theory and analysis, music teaching and learning, choral music or sacred music), and two elective fields.
The academic and elective fields comprise courses that are determined by the department in which they are administered. Eight to 10 units are taken in the academic field. Six to 8 units are taken in each elective field. The academic field may not duplicate a major or an elective field. No more than two of the four fields of concentration may be under the guidance of the same department within the Thornton School of Music, and at least one of the elective fields must culminate in a substantial written paper or examination. Admission to academic and elective fields is determined by the appropriate department, prior to the Graduate Committee Interview.
Required courses for each major curriculum are listed in the description of major programs below. Required courses for any academic or elective field are determined for their respective fields by the faculty advisers on a student's DMA guidance committee.
A minimum of 65 graduate units beyond the bachelor's degree are required to complete the degree. Fifty-five or more units must be in music, 12 of these beyond the master's level must be in the major. At least 40 of these must be at the 500 level or higher. All course work earned under these requirements for a doctoral degree is considered to be obsolete after 10 years from the date of completion of such work and may not be used to fulfill degree requirements.
A minimum of two years of full-time study beyond the Master of Music degree is required for the Doctor of Musical Arts. At least one year of full-time study beyond the master's degree (6 units or more per semester) must be in residence at USC.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for all graduate course units in music. A grade of B or higher is required for all courses in the major field. For courses in academic and elective fields, the minimum passing grade is C.
The Degree Progress Department in the Office of Academic Records and Registrar determines whether course work taken elsewhere is available for transfer credit. A maximum of 30 units of transfer credit may be applied toward a doctoral degree in music. Whether such credit is applicable toward a specific requirement in a major or minor field is determined by the Thornton School department in which the subject is taught, pending approval by the dean of the Thornton School. Transfer credit petitions must be filed with the Thornton doctoral adviser during the first semester in residence. Transfer work must have been completed within 10 years of admission to the DMA program to be applied toward that degree.
An academic reading knowledge of French, German, Italian or Spanish is required of all students, either by taking a course approved by the Thornton School or by written examination approved by the Thornton School. Departments within the Thornton School may require additional language skills. All language requirements must be fulfilled one semester before entering the third semester in the program. Students with an academic reading knowledge of a language other than English, French, German, Italian or Spanish, may make a written request to the Thornton doctoral adviser to meet this requirement with a different language. In these cases, students must propose and gain the permission of a member of the USC faculty who will agree to create and grade the examination that would ultimately determine fulfillment of the requirement.
The DMA guidance committee is composed of at least five members: two faculty members from the major department, one of whom will serve as chair, and a faculty member from each of the three other areas of concentration. At least three members of a committee must be full-time faculty of rank in the Thornton School.
The guidance committee administers the written and oral parts of the comprehensive examination. The committee continues to serve until the comprehensive examination has been passed, the dissertation topic approved (if applicable) and the student is admitted to candidacy (if applicable). For students in curricula that require recitals, the two major field advisers serve as the recital committee and are responsible for determining the approved format, content, scheduling, and presentation of these performances for credit toward the requirements of the degree.
The comprehensive examination for the DMA is administered by the student's guidance committee. This examination consists of written and oral components and is designed to assess the student's mastery of his or her fields of concentration and readiness for professional independence as a performer, composer, teacher, researcher and/or scholar. The student must obtain permission from the guidance committee to take the comprehensive examination and schedule it at least two months in advance to ensure the committee's availability. The examination must be taken after completion of all required course work for all fields of concentration, except (in some cases) a limited number of the required units of Individual Instruction in the major field. In degree programs that require the presentation of four major recitals, at least two major recitals must be presented prior to the administration of the comprehensive examination. Up to two required recitals may be presented after the comprehensive examination. The dissertation (if required) must be written after the comprehensive examination. Comprehensive examinations will not be scheduled during summer sessions except under extraordinary circumstances and only with the written approval of members of the guidance committee. All portions of the examination must be completed within one month.
The comprehensive examination compriss a substantial culminative work for each field of concentration, as well as an oral examination with the student's guidance committee. The culminative work for each field may be a written examination, paper, project or recital, as appropriate for the particular field. For the academic field and at least one elective field, this culminative requirement must be a substantial written examination or paper. Following the successful completion of all culminative requirements and the approval of each by the corresponding faculty adviser, the student will sit for a two-hour oral examination with the guidance committee. This oral examination covers in greater depth the topics discussed in the written examinations and other requirements for the fields of concentration. The oral examination may also cover new material as determined by the guidance committee.
The two major field advisers and the academic field adviser must be present at the oral examination and render a judgment on the acceptability of the comprehensive examinations as a whole. It is highly preferable that the faculty advisers for the two elective fields participate in the oral examination with the other members of the guidance committee. If, however, there are challenges with scheduling or other issues that are reasonably unresolvable, the participation of the faculty advisers for elective fields is not required for the oral examination if they feel that the candidate has demonstrated knowledge and mastery of material that is appropriate for an elective field in their disciplines.
The examinations will be reported as passing if there is no more than one dissenting vote on the committee. A student must pass both the written and oral portions to pass the comprehensive examination. A pass on the examination cannot be made contingent upon any form of additional work.
If a student fails the comprehensive examination, the guidance committee may permit the student to repeat it once at a mutually satisfactory time within a period of not less than six months nor more than one year from the date of the first oral examination. A student may not take the comprehensive examination more than twice.
The comprehensive examination serves as the qualifying examination for programs that require a dissertation.
For programs that require a dissertation, admission to candidacy occurs after the student has passed the comprehensive examination, upon formal action of the dean of the Thornton School. The dissertation must be completed after admission to candidacy.
A dissertation based on original investigation and/or creative work is required of candidates in composition, music education and choral music. The dissertation must reveal scholarly ability, technical mastery, capacity for independent research and originality in creative thought.
After the guidance committee recommends admission to candidacy and approves the dissertation topic, the committee is reduced to three members. This smaller committee shall be the dissertation committee and will guide the student through the completion of the dissertation. Additional members may be added at the discretion of the chair of the committee if the topic requires special expertise.
The student must register in 794 Dissertation each semester after admission to candidacy until degree requirements (including the dissertation) are completed. Registration for 794 in no less than two regular semesters following admission to candidacy entitles the candidate to supervision by the dissertation committee. If the dissertation is not completed and accepted within two semesters, the candidate must register for 794 each semester thereafter until the document has been accepted. No more than 8 units of credit in 794 may be accumulated regardless of the number of semesters the candidate may be required to register.
A candidate who must withdraw temporarily from registration in 794 for a semester must report this in writing to the Thornton doctoral adviser before the beginning of that semester. As part of that report, the candidate must also petition for a formal leave of absence. During a leave of absence the candidate will not be entitled to assistance from his or her dissertation committee or to the use of university services and facilities. A leave of absence will be granted only under exceptional circumstances.
All dissertations submitted for requirements for graduate degrees must conform to university regulations in format and method of preparation. See the USC Graduate School's guidelines for Theses and Dissertations.
After meeting all requirements including the comprehensive examination, the candidate must defend the dissertation. This defense takes place in order for the committee to determine whether the dissertation should be approved or rejected. While this oral defense is open to the general university community, only the members of the dissertation committee have the authority to recommend its acceptance or rejection. The recommendation must be unanimous in order for the dissertation to be approved.
At least seven weeks before the scheduled date of the defense of the dissertation, written approval by all members of the candidate's dissertation committee, along with a typed copy of the dissertation abstract, must be filed with the dean of the Thornton School of Music.
A candidate may defend the dissertation on the basis of an approved preliminary copy. If the defense is satisfactory and the committee is satisfied with the manuscript as presented, the committee then signs the Approval to Submit Defended and Final Copy of the Doctoral Work form. If additional work is required, the form is left unsigned until the work has been approved.
The final electronic PDF copy of the dissertation, together with signed signature sheet and approval forms, must be presented to the Thesis Editor, the Graduate School, GFS 315, by the Graduate School's submission date and times. Approval of format and acceptance by the Graduate School must be presented to the dean of the Thornton School of Music at least one week before the end of the semester.
Since the abstract of the dissertation is published in Dissertation Abstracts International, it should be written with care and be representative of the final draft of the dissertation.
The time limit for completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is eight years. For students who earned an applicable master's degree within five years prior to admission to the doctoral program, the time limit for completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree is six years. Progress is measured from the beginning of the first course at USC applied toward the degree. Extensions will be granted by petition to the Thornton School for only the most compelling reasons.
*Choral music majors are exempt from taking MUCD 441.
Courses with similar content taken for graduate credit at another accredited institution may be substituted, subject to departmental approval. Master's degree credit for ensemble taken at USC may fulfill this requirement, subject to departmental approval.
Proficiency tests in both keyboard and voice will be given by the choral and sacred music faculty during the student's first semester in residence to determine if additional study in either area is required.
and
*Sacred music majors must participate in a choral ensemble chosen from MUEN 508, MUEN 510, MUEN 511 or MUEN 512 each semester if enrolled for 4 or more units.
**Requires one elective field in a performance area.
***If these courses have already been taken toward a Master of Music degree at USC, then 500-level MUHL courses or 500-level MUCO analysis courses should be substituted, on consultation with the Sacred Music faculty.
****MPVA 439 has a prerequisite of MPVA 438. Waiver of MPVA 438 will be determined by the department, pending students' knowledge and background in vocal pedagogy.
Return to: USC Thornton School of Music
As the longest-standing cultural institution in Los Angeles, the USC Thornton School of Music educates students in a real-world context through collaborations with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Los Angeles Opera, Grammy Foundation and others. Ryan Camastra (BM) works with Classical Guitar faculty Pepe Romero during a recent masterclass at the USC Brain and Creativity Institute's Joyce J. Cammilleri Hall.
Since its founding in 1884, the USC Thornton School of Music has become the center of higher education in music in the western United States and ranks among the top schools of music in the nation. Situated in the heart of the vital musical life of Los Angeles, USC Thornton brings together a distinguished faculty and gifted students from around the world. It is in this wonderfully diverse cultural milieu that students are offered instruction in virtually all professional and scholarly branches of music, including instrumental and vocal performance, jazz, popular music performance, music production, early music, conducting, composition, film scoring, music industry, musicology, music teaching and learning, arts leadership, pedagogy, choral and sacred music, conducting and opera. In addition to its major programs, USC Thornton also offers a wide array of music minors and general interest courses for students majoring in other disciplines.
The USC Thornton Symphony, Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, Opera, Wind Ensemble, Popular Music Ensembles, Songwriter Showcases, Jazz Orchestra, Contemporary Music Ensemble, Early Music Ensemble and a wide variety of large and small choral and instrumental ensembles assure students the broadest performing experience. More than 500 formal and informal concerts and recitals are presented on campus each year and the school regularly presents eminent visiting artists and scholars in master classes, workshops, lectures, seminars and in performance.
Los Angeles is the home of numerous musical organizations whose performances contribute immeasurably to the cultural life of the region, and also the home of the nation's major recording, radio, film and television industries. All offer abundant opportunities to the serious young musician.
The Music Complex Building 200
(213) 740-4721
FAX: (213) 740-5950
Email: studentaffairs@thornton.usc.edu
Assistant Dean: Phillip Placenti
The Music Complex Building 200
(213) 740-8986
FAX: (213) 740-8995
Email: uscmusic@thornton.usc.edu
Assistant Dean: Phillip Placenti
Director: Kenneth Foster
Music Faculty Building 416
(213) 740-7418
Chair: Jo-Michael Scheibe
The Music Complex Building 115
(213) 740-7399
Chair: Brian Head
Music Faculty Building 416
(213) 740-7416
Chair: Donald Crockett
Music Faculty Building 308
(213) 740-7416
Chair: Larry Livingston
The Music Complex Building 115
(213) 740-3119
Chair: Bob Mintzer
Ramo Hall of Music 112
(213) 740-7703
Chair: Alan Smith
Music Faculty Building 308
(213) 740-3211
Chair: Joanna Demers
Music Faculty Building 402
(213) 740-6935
Chair: Susan Helfter
The Music Complex Building 117
(213) 740-3224
Email: scmusind@usc.edu
Chair: Ken Lopez
The Music Complex Building G110
(213) 740-3224
Chair: Richard Schmunk
Ramo Hall of Music 112
(213) 740-7703
Director: Ladd Thomas
The Music Complex Building 117
(213) 740-3244
Chair: Patrice Rushen
Ramo Hall of Music 112
(213) 740-7703
Chair: Ralph Kirshbaum
The Music Complex Building 115
(213) 740-7399
Chair: Frank Potenza
Ramo Hall of Music 112
(213) 740-7704
Chair: Ken Cazan
Music Faculty Building 308
(213) 740-7416
Chair: Terry Cravens
Ramo Hall of Music 112
(213) 740-7703
Director: Alan Smith
The Music Complex Building 118
(213) 821-4192
Email: smptv@usc.edu
Director: Daniel Carlin
All departments may be reached by writing to:
USC Thornton School of Music
Music Faculty Building
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0851
FAX: (213) 740-3217
email: uscmusic@usc.edu
usc.edu/music
Robert A. Cutietta, DEd, Dean
Lucinda Carver, DMA, Vice Dean, Division of Classical Performance Studies
Christopher Sampson, MM, Vice Dean, Division of Contemporary Music
Peter Webster, PhD, Vice Dean, Division of Scholarly and Professional Studies
Jeffrey de Caen, MBA, Associate Dean for Operations
Susan Miltner Lopez, MBA, Associate Dean for Administration and Finance
Donald Crockett, PhD, Assistant Dean for Faculty Affairs
A. Phoenix Delgado, MM, Assistant Dean for Advancement
Brian Head, MM, Assistant Dean for Academic Programs
Phillip Placenti, EdD, Assistant Dean for Admission and Student Affairs
Jascha Heifetz Chair in Music and Distinguished Professor of Strings: Midori Goto, MA*
Robert Mann Chair in Strings and Chamber Music: Glenn Dicterow, BA
Bowen H. "Buzz" McCoy and Barbara M. McCoy Endowed Chair in Jazz at the Flora L. Thornton School of Music, Honoring President Steven B. Sample, 10th President of the University of Southern California: Bob Mintzer, BA*
Gregor Piatigorsky Chair in Violoncello: Ralph Kirshbaum, BA
H. Robert Reynolds Chair in Wind Conducting: H. Robert Reynolds, MM
Alice and Eleonore Schoenfeld Endowed Chair in String Instruction: Alice Schoenfeld, Dipl*
Judge Widney Professor of Poetry and Public Culture: Dana Gioia, MA, MBA
Distinguished Professor of Composition: Morten Lauridsen, DMA*
Professors: Arthur C. Bartner, EdD*; Bruce Brown, PhD*; Ken Cazan, BFA*; Terry Cravens, DMA*; Donald Crockett, PhD*; Robert A. Cutietta, DEd; Kevin Fitz-Gerald, Art. Dipl; Gary Glaze, MM*; Stewart Gordon, DMA*; Norman Krieger, Dipl*; Larry Livingston, MM; Thom Mason, DMA*; Ronald McCurdy, PhD; Richard McIlvery, MM; Erica Muhl, DMA*; Tim Page, BA; Alan Pasqua, BM*; John Perry, MM*; Daniel Pollack, MS*; Frank Potenza, MM*; Jo-Michael Scheibe, DMA; Alan Smith, DMA*; Richard Smith, MM; John Thomas, MM; Ladd Thomas, DMus; Frank Ticheli, DMA*
Associate Professors: Joanna Demers, PhD; Yehuda Gilad, Dipl*; Adam Gilbert, PhD; Rod Gilfry, MM; Elizabeth Hynes, BM; Robert Moore, PhD; Cynthia Munzer, BM
Assistant Professors: Lina Bahn, DM; Cristian Grases, DMA; Ted Hearne, MM; Beatriz Ilari, PhD; David Moore, BM; Andrew Norman, Art Dipl; Lisa Vest, PhD
Visiting Professors for 2015/2016: Jeffrey Kahane, MA
Professors of Practice: Daniel Carlin, MM; Lucinda Carver, DMA*; Peter Erskine; Boyde Hood, MM; Joel Timm, DMA; James Walker, BME
Associate Professors of Practice: Bernadene Blaha, MM; Karen Dreyfus, BM; Kenneth Foster, MA; Mark Goldstein, JD; Brian Head, MM*; Veronika Krausas, DMA; Ken Lopez, BA; Brent McMunn, MM; Richard Schmunk, DMA; Nick Strimple, DMA; Scott Tennant, MM
Assistant Professors of Practice: Jeffrey Allen, BA; Steven Cunningham, BS; Andrew Garver, BS*; Rotem Gilbert, DMA*; Susan Helfter, DMA*; William Kanengiser, MM*; Sharon Lavery, MM; Kristy Morrell, DMA*; Antoinette Perry, MM; Stephen Pierce, DMA; Patrice Rushen; Christopher Sampson, MM; Nick Stoubis, MM; Lisa Sylvester, DMA; Paul Young, DMA
Lecturers and Senior Lecturers (Full-time): William Biersach; Paul Chaikin; Jason Goldman; Patrick Kelley; Christopher Roze; Aaron Serfaty; Stephen Trovato
Adjunct Professors: Jeff Brabec; Todd Brabec; Bruce Broughton; Martin Chalifour; Suzi Digby; Douglas Frank; Donald Green; Gimel Keaton; Melissa Manchester; Norman Pearson; H. Robert Reynolds; Cherry Rhodes; Pepe Romero; Carl St. Clair; James Self; Jack Smalley; Michael Tree; Jo Ann Turovsky; Allan Vogel; Peter Webster; Richard Wolf; Michele Zukovsky
Adjunct Associate Professors: Margaret Batjer; Che-Yen Chen; Judith Farmer; David Howard; Andrew Shulman; Tram Sparks; Bing Wang
Adjunct Assistant Professors: David Arnay; James Babor; Christopher Bartz; Jon Burlingame; Leon Ndugu Chancler; Neal Desby; Susan Feldman; Russell Ferrante; Bruce Forman; Sean Friar; Parmer Fuller; Adam Kofler; Shigemi Matsumoto; Vincent Mendoza; Leah Morrison; Darek Oleszkiewicz; Joseph Pereira; Robert Sheppard; Andrea Stolpe; Mark Weiser; Gary Woodward; Robert Young
Adjunct Instructors: Andy Abad; Ambrose Akinmusire; Ted Ancona; Helane Anderson; Robert Anderson; Adriana Balic; Steve Becknell; Amy Bowers; Stacy Brightman; Sean Dougall; Rachel Fine; Rachelle Fox; Cheryl Ann Fulton; Sara Gazarek; Kathleen Grace; Sean Holt; Ben Hong; Maria Jackson; Alphonso Johnson; Aron Kallay; Dax Kimbrough; Patrick Kirst; Tim Kobza; Marion Kuszyk; Edwin Livingston; Andrew Martin; Mary Mattei; Roy McCurdy; Shawn Mouser; Sung-Hwa Park; David Poe; Michael Powers; Isaac Schankler; John Schmidt; Garry Schyman; Paul Sherman; William Skeen; Douglas Tornquist; Carl Verheyen; Vivian Wang; David Wilkinson
Lecturers (Part-time): Alvin Brightbill; Lot Demeyer; Christine Hye-Su Kim; Charles Koster; Jonathan Patterson; Jason Yoshida
Emeritus Professors: Nancy Bricard, MM*; William Dehning, DMA*; James Hopkins, PhD*; Arend Koole, DLitt et Phil; Frederick Lesemann, DMA*; Donald McInnes, MM; William A. Schaefer, MA; Margaret Schaper, MM*; Alice Schoenfeld*; Bryan Simms, PhD*; William Thomson, PhD; James Vail, DMA*
Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Composition: Stephen Hartke, PhD*
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
The Thornton School of Music offers professional and academic degrees at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. These degrees are summarized below.
Bachelor of Music: Students working toward this professional degree have a wide choice of specializations: composition, music industry, instrumental performance, jazz studies, popular music performance, music production and vocal arts. Students can take either a single major program or double majors in several combinations such as piano and composition, string, or percussion instrument. The two majors must be offered by different departments but lead to the same degree (for example, Bachelor of Music). Double majors consisting of two majors in the same department are not permitted. The degree is granted by the Thornton School of Music.
Bachelor of Arts: These degrees are designed for students with a strong music background who wish to combine professional music training with substantial study in other disciplines.
Bachelor of Science: Offered by the Thornton School of Music in the specialized area of music industry.
Minors in Music: Seven different minors in music are offered, each approaching the discipline from a unique perspective and with a distinct curriculum: Jazz Studies, Musical Studies (Performance), Musical Theatre, Music Industry, Music Recording, Popular Music Studies and Songwriting.
Master of Music: This is a professional degree that represents proficiency in one area of musical practice and relevant knowledge in musical literature, performance and technique. It requires a minimum of 30 graduate units, of which 15 must be at the 500 level or higher. Students complete either a thesis or recital(s) as part of the degree requirements. The degree can be earned in choral music, composition, conducting, jazz studies, music education, keyboard collaborative arts, guitar, organ, piano, voice or instrumental performance, or sacred music. The degree is granted by the Thornton School of Music.
Master of Arts: This degree, offered through the Graduate School in conjunction with the Thornton School of Music, stresses music history or early music performance, with emphasis on scholarly research.
Doctor of Musical Arts: This is a professional degree that represents the highest level of expertise in a major field of musical practice and competence in several additional areas. Students may specialize in choral music, composition, jazz studies, music education, vocal or instrumental performance, or sacred music.
Doctor of Philosophy: Conferred by the Graduate School, this is an academic degree in the field of historical musicology. A substantial background in music, research and languages is required.
Admission to a degree program is granted through USC's admission process, described in the Admission section of this catalogue. Supplementary materials are also required for students seeking admission to the Thornton School of Music, which are described online at usc.edu/music.
Applicants to a program within the school are screened by appropriate faculty selection committees that hold auditions, interviews and examine supporting materials. Letters of acceptance are issued by the USC Office of Admission.
A performance audition is required of applicants to most degree and certificate programs in the Thornton School of Music. Detailed information regarding audition requirements for specific Thornton programs is available online at usc.edu/music.
Scores from the general test of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are required for application and admission to the Master of Arts, Doctor of Philosophy and certain Doctor of Musical Arts degrees. (The music subject test is not required.) Test scores on the GRE that are more than five years old at the time of application are not accepted.
Undergraduate transfer students who have had formal study in any of the following areas must take the appropriate placement examination prior to their first registration: aural skills, theory, music history, conducting, analysis, orchestration and performance. The results of these examinations determine placement in appropriate sequential courses.
All students entering a graduate-level degree program (MA, MM, DMA, PhD) at USC Thornton, who have not previously completed a degree at USC Thornton, must take a series of entrance exams in core music subjects. These exams are called Music Graduate Entrance Exams (MGEEs). Information regarding which exams are required for specific majors is available from the Thornton Student Affairs office.
MGEEs are administered during the week prior to the first week of classes each fall and spring semester. Entering students must take all required exams at the scheduled exam time prior to the beginning of their first semester in the program. If any given exam is not passed on the first attempt, that exam can be retaken at the scheduled exam time prior to the beginning of the second semester in the program. If the exam is not passed on the second attempt, the corresponding review course must be successfully completed with a grade of B minus or better before the beginning of the third semester in the program. No MGEE can be attempted after the second semester in the program, regardless of whether the exam has previously been attempted. If students complete any MGEE after their second semester in the program, the score earned on said exam will be invalid. Failure to fulfill all MGEE requirements by the beginning of the third semester – either through exams or review courses – may delay permission to fulfill degree requirements such as recitals, comprehensive or qualifying examinations, thesis projects, and dissertations, and may also have a negative impact on financial aid eligibility.
If a student is not able to take an exam at the scheduled exam time, the exam administrator may choose to administer a similar exam at another scheduled time during the first week of the semester. This alternate exam time will be arranged in rare cases and at the sole discretion of the exam administrator.
The Thornton School of Music adheres to the USC Admission policies regarding TOEFL and IELTS scores. With some exceptions, international applicants from non-English-speaking countries are required to submit these scores by the application deadline. Test scores that are more than two years old at the time of application are not accepted. For any applicant whose first language is not English, regardless of educational background or immigration status, the Thornton School may require as a condition of admission that she or he take the International Student English (ISE) exam, administered by the USC American Language Institute, as well as complete any English language course work that may be prescribed from the results of that exam.
Music courses completed with satisfactory grades at a regionally accredited institution of higher education may be acceptable for transfer. A review of transcripts and course syllabi will be required in order to determine transferability of course work. The Thornton School may also require a student to take a placement test (at no cost) to determine the extent of his or her knowledge in a given area of musical study.
Music courses completed at an institution that is not regionally accredited will generally not be transferable. In exceptional cases, the Thornton School may consider petitions for transfer credit for these courses. The petition review process will include evaluation of transcripts with letter grades, course syllabi for each course for which transfer credit is being requested, and examples of work completed for a grade in those courses. Additional information may also be required in order for the Thornton School to complete a full transfer credit evaluation.
The curriculum requirements for each major are listed under each degree. The USC course classification and numbering system is explained in the Registration section of this catalogue. In addition, music courses sometimes carry the following abbreviations: CD = Conducting; CG = Classical Guitar; HC = Harpsichord; OR = Organ; P = Piano; SG = Studio Guitar; VA = Viola; VC = Voice Coaching; VO = Voice.
To change from one curriculum to another, a student must apply and be approved for the new curriculum by the appropriate department chair and declare the intent to change curriculum through his or her academic adviser in the Thornton School.
Students who have highly specialized interests which may not be met through degree programs may apply for admission to one of the following non-degree programs.
This program is designed for young artists of exceptional ability and musical sensitivity who plan careers as solo performers. The Artist Diploma Program provides young artists the opportunity to devote their full time to concentrated study and practice for the duration of their assigned programs. This program typically requires two to three consecutive years of study for completion.
The graduate program in arts leadership is a two-semester certificate program for artists, arts administrators and cultural workers of all types to develop the skills necessary to become successful leaders in the arts and arts organizations in a rapidly changing and radically altered contemporary world.
This two-year graduate-level program is designed for students who have completed their undergraduate education in music, or its equivalent, and intend to concentrate their energies on the full-time development of their discipline.
This one-year program is designed for students who hold the Bachelor of Music in Composition or its equivalent. Students in this program must maintain a 3.0 grade point average, with no course grade lower than a C (2.0). Work graded C- or below is not acceptable for credit toward the certificate.
Pi Kappa Lambda is a national honor society established in 1918 for the promotion and recognition of scholarship and performance in music. Students of the Thornton School of Music are eligible for election to Eta chapter at the University of Southern California, established in 1923, according to guidelines established by the board of the Eta chapter.
The minor in performing arts provides an interdisciplinary inquiry into the nature and aesthetics of the performing arts. It combines the disciplines of cinematic arts, dance, music and theatre. The minor is a unique course of study that looks at how the performing arts contribute to a culturally literate society. See the USC School of Dramatic Arts section of this catalogue.
Applicants to graduate programs in the Thornton School of Music must fulfill all music admission requirements described at usc.edu/music, in addition to fulfilling all USC graduate admission requirements. See Thornton School of Music Degree Programs and Entrance to the Degree Programs sections of this catalogue for further information.
Ranked in the top 10 by U.S. News & World Report for its PharmD program, the USC School of Pharmacy uniquely covers the full spectrum of pharmaceutical care. At the annual White Coat ceremony, students begin their professional journey and take a "selfie" with their new classmates.
Founded in 1905, the USC School of Pharmacy is the oldest and foremost pharmacy school in Southern California. The school is a national leader known for its progressive curriculum and research excellence. Approximately 50 percent of the practicing pharmacists in Southern California are graduates of USC. The school has an average student body of 735 full-time students in the PharmD program and 250 students pursuing MS, PhD, and DRSc degrees in pharmacology and toxicology, pharmaceutical sciences, health economics, regulatory science and healthcare decision analysis. There are 73 full-time faculty and more than 400 part-time and volunteer faculty at the school.
The school occupies state-of-the-art facilities on the USC Health Sciences Campus in metropolitan Los Angeles, adjacent to the Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center (one of the largest teaching hospitals in the country), the USC Norris Cancer Hospital and the Keck Hospital of USC. USC pharmacy students receive clinical training at these facilities and many other affiliated hospitals, health care clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health care agencies and pharmacies in the Southern California region.
Recognized as one of the most innovative schools of pharmacy, the USC School of Pharmacy serves as a model for other progressive schools. In 1950, USC was the first to establish a Doctor of Pharmacy program. Additional national "firsts" that distinguish the school include: first clinical pharmacy program and first MS in radiopharmacy (both in 1968); first PharmD/MBA dual degree program (1988); first MS and PhD programs in pharmaceutical economics and policy (1994) and first professional doctorate in regulatory science (2008).
Consistently the top private pharmacy school nationwide, the school is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, and the PharmD program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
Health Sciences Campus
John Stauffer Pharmaceutical Sciences Center
1985 Zonal Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9121
(323) 442-1369
FAX: (323) 442-1681
Office of Admission and Student Affairs
(323) 442-1466
Email: pharmadm@usc.edu
Email: pharmfa@usc.edu
pharmacyschool.usc.edu
Glen L. Stimmel, PharmD, Dean
Sarah F. Hamm-Alvarez, PhD, Executive Vice Dean and Vice Dean for Research and Graduate Affairs
Scott Evans, PharmD, Associate Dean, Academic Health Center Programs
Fred G. Weissman, PharmD, JD, Associate Dean, Student/Faculty Affairs and Admission
Michael Z. Wincor, PharmD, Associate Dean, Global Initiatives and Technology
Kathleen H. Besinque, PharmD, MSEd, Assistant Dean, Curriculum and Assessment
Steven Chen, PharmD, Chair, Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Economics & Policy
Curtis Okamoto, PhD, Interim Chair, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
John Stauffer Dean's Chair in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Glen L. Stimmel, PharmD
University Professor and Boyd P. and Elsie D. Welin Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Jean Chen Shih, PhD
Hygeia Centennial Chair in Clinical Pharmacy: Steven Chen, PharmD
Quintiles Chair in Pharmaceutical Development and Regulatory Innovation: Darius Lakdawalla, PhD
R. Pete Vanderveen Endowed Chair in Therapeutic Discovery and Development: Roberta Diaz Brinton, PhD
John A. Biles Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Wei-Chiang Shen, PhD
Charles Krown/Pharmacy Alumni Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Enrique Cadenas, MD, PhD
Provost Professor of Cell and Neurobiology, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Psychology: Pat Levitt, PhD
Provost Professor of Medicine and Pharmacy: Michael Kahn, PhD
Professors: Enrique Cadenas, MD, PhD; Roberta Diaz Brinton, PhD; Dana Goldman, PhD; Sarah F. Hamm-Alvarez, PhD; Joel W. Hay, PhD; Darius N. Lakdawalla, PhD; Michael B. Nichol, PhD; Wei-Chiang Shen, PhD; Jean C. Shih, PhD; Rajindar Sohal, PhD; R. Pete Vanderveen, PhD; Clay C.C. Wang, PhD
Associate Professors: James D. Adams, Jr., PhD; Julio A. Camarero, PhD; Jason N. Doctor, PhD; Roger F. Duncan, PhD; Ian S. Haworth, PhD; Geoffrey Joyce, PhD; Jeffrey S. McCombs, PhD; Curtis T. Okamoto, PhD; Kathleen Rodgers, PhD; Neeraj Sood, PhD; Bangyan Stiles, PhD
Assistant Professors: J. Andrew MacKay, PhD; Bogdan Z. Olenyuk, PhD; Jianming Xie, PhD; Yong (Tiger) Zhang
Lecturer: Rebecca Romero, PhD
Research Associate Professor: Chuanqing Ding, MD, PhD
Research Assistant Professors: Liana Asatryan, PhD; Julianna Hwang, PharmD, PhD; Jennica Zaro, PhD
Professors of Pharmacy: Julie A. Dopheide, PharmD; Frances Richmond, PhD; Glen L. Stimmel, PharmD; Bradley R. Williams, PharmD; Annie Wong-Beringer, PharmD
Associate Professors of Pharmacy: Melvin F. Baron, PharmD, MPA; Paul M. Beringer, PharmD; Kathleen H. Besinque, PharmD, MSEd; Steven Chen, PharmD; Daryl L. Davies, PhD; Kevin L. Forrester, PharmD; William C. Gong, PharmD; Grant D. Lawless, MD, RPh; Cynthia L.L. Lieu, PharmD; Stanley G. Louie, PharmD; Gladys H. Mitani, PharmD; Tien Ng, PharmD; Susie H. Park, PharmD; Irving Steinberg, PharmD; Fred G. Weissman, PharmD, JD; Michael Z. Wincor, PharmD; Frances S. Wong, PharmD
Assistant Professors of Pharmacy: Betty Chan, PharmD; Vivian Chow, PharmD; Marc Cosep, PharmD; Jennifer H. Cupo-Abbott, PharmD; Melissa Durham, PharmD; Emily Han, PharmD; Michael Jamieson, DRSc; Jiwon Kim, PharmD; C. Benson Kuo, PhD; Kum Ja K. Lee, PharmD; May C. Mak, PharmD; Emi Minejima, PharmD; Edith Mirzaian, PharmD; Rory O'Callaghan, PharmD; Eunjoo Pacifici, PharmD, PhD; Paula Phongsamron, PharmD; Candace Tan, PharmD; Florence H. Wong-Yu, PharmD
Lecturers: Leah Amirian, PharmD; Sarah Sae Byul Ma, PharmD
Emeritus Professor and Dean: Timothy M. Chan, PhD
Emeritus Professor: Eric J. Lien, PhD
The School of Pharmacy offers curricula leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and Doctor of Regulatory Science (DRSc) degrees and graduate degrees through the Graduate School including: Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in pharmaceutical sciences, Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in molecular pharmacology and toxicology, Master of Science (MS) in pharmaceutical economics and policy, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in health economics, Master of Science (MS) in Health Care Decision Analysis, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in clinical and experimental therapeutics, Master of Science (MS) in regulatory science, and Master of Science (MS) in management of drug development. Seven dual degree programs, one joint program and numerous certificate programs are also offered, including: PharmD/JD, PharmD/MBA, PharmD/MPH, PharmD/MS in regulatory science, PharmD/MS in gerontology, PharmD/MS in global medicine, PharmD/PhD, PharmD/graduate certificate in gerontology, PharmD/MS in health care decision analysis, and graduate certificates in clinical research design and management, food safety, preclinical drug development, and patient and product safety.
The USC School of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy program is accredited by Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 135 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 4100, Chicago, IL 60603-4810, phone: (312) 664-3575, Fax (312) 664-4652 or (312) 664-7008.
Tuition for School of Pharmacy degree programs (PharmD; MS and PhD in pharmaceutical sciences; MS and PhD in molecular pharmacology and toxicology; MS and PhD in health economics) is charged at a flat rate (which differs from standard USC tuition). See the Tuition and Fees section for fee information. These fees are subject to change.
Doctor of Pharmacy students must pay a $500 non-refundable acceptance deposit that is applicable toward tuition. For deposit information in other degree programs in the School of Pharmacy, please consult appropriate offices.
Theta chapter of Rho Chi, the academic honor society in pharmacy, was established at USC in 1925. Charters for chapters of this organization are granted only to student groups in those colleges that are members in good standing of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Eligibility for membership is based on high attainment in scholarship, character, personality and leadership. All candidates selected for membership must have completed three semesters of the pharmacy program, and they must be approved by the Dean of the School of Pharmacy.
The Phi Lambda Sigma chapter was established at USC in 1988. This national pharmacy leadership society is devoted to identifying, supporting and recognizing the contribution of pharmacy students to their colleges, their classmates, their campuses, their communities and to their chosen profession.
There are limited university-managed accommodations on the Health Sciences Campus. The Blanche and Frank R. Seaver Student Residence, adjacent to the John Stauffer Pharmaceutical Sciences Center, provides dining facilities and a bookstore. For residence information, call (323) 442-1576; for bookstore information, call (323) 442-2674. Students may also live in student housing on the University Park Campus, located about eight miles from the Health Sciences Campus.
Services of the Student Health Center, covered by the mandatory student health fee, include the ambulatory care health services provided by the Student Health Center nursing staff. The Student Health Center is located in the USC Health Care Consultation Center, 1500 San Pablo Street, Suite 104, adjacent to the USC University Hospital, one block northeast of the School of Pharmacy. The telephone number is (323) 442-5980. In addition to the student health fee, all PharmD students must have major medical insurance coverage from the USC Student Health Plan. A student may request a waiver of the USC Student Health Plan if covered by a personal medical plan that meets criteria established by the Health Insurance Office.
The School of Pharmacy, through the Graduate School, offers curricula leading to the MS and PhD degrees in pharmaceutical sciences, in molecular pharmacology and toxicology, and in health economics, as well as a PhD in clinical and experimental therapeutics. The school also offers interdisciplinary MS degrees in regulatory science and in the management of drug development. The MS degree in pharmaceutical economics and policy is offered jointly with the USC Price School of Public Policy and the Department of Economics. In addition, the school offers dual degrees with the schools of law, business, gerontology and medicine as well as other programs. Instructions given in the Admission section of this catalogue are to be followed, but the application and the supplemental information requested should first be submitted to: Graduate Programs Office, USC School of Pharmacy, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90033. Additional information may be obtained by calling (323) 442-1474 or sending email to pharmgrd@usc.edu.
Applicants should possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 and qualifying scores on the GRE in the verbal and quantitative tests are required. In addition to excellent communication skills, applicants should possess knowledge and competence equivalent to one year of acceptable course work in at least three of the following disciplines: mathematics, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, physiology and pharmacology. In addition to the application for admission, three letters of recommendation from faculty members who can evaluate the promise of the applicant for graduate study and a personal statement summarizing career objectives and research interests must be submitted.
Applicants who do not meet all the specific requirements indicated above, but who show unique potential, may be considered for admission with conditions which may be fulfilled during the first semester of enrollment. See The Graduate School section of this catalogue.
Applicants should possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 and qualifying scores on the GRE in verbal and quantitative tests are required. In addition to excellent communication skills, applicants should possess knowledge and competence equivalent to one year of work in at least three of the following disciplines: mathematics, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, physiology, pharmacology, economics, statistics and computer sciences. In addition to the application for admission, the candidate must submit three letters of recommendation from faculty members who can evaluate the promise of the applicant for graduate study and a personal statement summarizing the candidate's career objectives and research interests. Students will be selected for admission on the basis of their academic and scientific record, and, whenever possible, interviews (in person or by phone) with one or more members of the faculty.
Applicants for admission must have achieved a minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate or professional school and adequate scores on the GRE. In addition, applicants will be required to have completed upper division courses in statistical methods, calculus and microeconomics.
Applicants should possess a bachelor's degree in quantitative/biological sciences (or health profession) or an advanced health professional degree (i.e., PharmD, MD, DDS) from an accredited college or university. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 and qualifying scores on the GRE in the verbal and quantitative tests are required. A student currently enrolled in the Pharm.D. program may pursue a PharmD/PhD dual degree following the admission procedure in the Catalogue.
In addition to the application for admission, three letters of recommendation from faculty members who can evaluate the promise of the applicant for graduate study and a personal statement summarizing career objectives and research interests must be submitted.
Applicants who do not meet all the specific requirements indicated above, but who show unique potential, may be considered for admission with conditions, which may be fulfilled during the first semester of enrollment. See The Graduate School section of this catalogue for further information.
Candidates with a bachelor's, master's or PharmD degree are invited to apply. Applicants must have demonstrated proficiency in verbal and written English and aptitude in economics, mathematics, statistics and computer science. Deficiencies in economics and statistical background can be addressed through preliminary course work after admission to the program.
A minimum grade point average of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required. Special attention is given to the grades achieved in economics, statistics and mathematics courses relevant to the program. A qualifying score on the GRE in verbal and quantitative areas is required. Students with GRE scores of 1200 or better will be given priority for financial aid support.
Applicants should possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. Applicants with graduate or professional degrees are encouraged to apply. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 and qualifying scores on the GRE examination are required. The program encourages the participation of part-time students with work experience. Acceptance criteria for those individuals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. English proficiency is essential. Additional requirements for international students are outlined by university regulations under Admission of International Students.
Applicants should possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. Applicants with graduate or professional degrees are encouraged to apply. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 or qualifying scores on the GRE or equivalent examination are required. The program encourages the participation of part-time students with work experience.
Acceptance criteria for those individuals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. English proficiency is essential. Students will be selected for admission, whenever possible, after interviews with one or more members of faculty.
Applicants should possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. Applicants with graduate or professional degrees are encouraged to apply. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 or equivalent and qualifying scores on the GRE or equivalent examination are required. The program encourages the participation of part-time students with work experience. Acceptance criteria for those individuals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. English proficiency is essential.
Applicants should possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. Applicants with graduate or professional degrees are encouraged to apply. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 and qualifying scores on the GRE or equivalent examination are normally required. The program encourages the participation of part-time students who are already working in the industry as well as students who have recently completed or are about to complete an undergraduate program.
Acceptance criteria will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. English proficiency is essential. Applicants who do not meet all the specific requirements indicated above, but who show unique potential, may be considered for admission with conditions, which may be fulfilled during the first semester of enrollment.
All requirements described in this section are also applicable to the admission of international students. In addition, special application and admission procedures are required of international students. Refer to the section on Admission of International Students in this catalogue.
These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Students should also refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and The Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the School of Pharmacy and/or jointly with the Graduate School.
Office of Continuing Professional Development
1985 Zonal Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9121
(323) 442-2403
FAX: (323) 442-3600
Email: pharmce@usc.edu
http://pharmacyschool.usc.edu/programs/ce/
The School of Pharmacy, Office of Continuing Professional Development, is a recognized provider of continuing pharmacy education accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and recognized by the California State Board of Pharmacy and throughout the United States.
The school serves as a primary educational resource for pharmacists in California and as a supplementary resource for other health professionals and pharmacists, nationally and internationally.
Programs are designed to educate pharmacists about current issues in pharmaceutical care, practice management, therapeutics and other topics of professional interest. Continuing education programs are held at the School of Pharmacy and other locations.
For information concerning continuing education programs contact: Office of Continuing Professional Development.
A Master of Science degree in health care decision analysis will be granted upon completion of at least 33 units of formal course work. Students with experience in industry or government can substitute an equivalent amount of formal course work with a research project, subject to the approval from program administrators.
Course requirements normally include a minimum of eight courses (24 units) with emphasis on applied health care policy, business intelligence and technical analysis. Recommended course work and electives include some courses available in other departments of the university and will be selected in consultation with the program advisers according to the areas of intended specialization of the participant in order to meet the credit requirements of the program. Students should develop a specific plan of study in consultation with the graduate advisers before beginning the program.
A grade point average of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0) must be achieved on graduate course work at USC.
A Master of Science degree in the management of drug development will be granted upon completion of at least 32 units of course and research project work. The program is offered on both a full-time and part-time basis, and courses are also available in distance formats. Most students will take six units of directed research as part of this program. Students with appropriate industry or laboratory experience can substitute an equivalent amount of formal course work for the research project with the permission of the program director. Course requirements normally include a minimum of three courses concerned with translational aspects of medical product development. Recommended courses to satisfy this core requirement include RSCI 530, RSCI 531, RSCI 532, PSCI 664 or CXPT 609. The program must also include a minimum of one course in each of: regulatory science, quality assurance, clinical research, business and statistics. Students should develop a specific plan of study in consultation with graduate advisers before beginning the program.
To keep medical products safe and effective, a strong system of quality management is required. Quality is assured through compliance with strict regulations and is assessed by regulatory agencies through audits and inspections. A Master of Science degree in Medical Product Quality is a specialized program designed to prepare individuals to function effectively as quality specialists in pharmaceutical and medical device sectors. The degree will be granted upon completion of at least 32 units of course work, which can include an optional research project in an internship setting. Students with experience in industry or government can substitute an equivalent amount of formal course work for the research project with the permission of the program director. Course requirements normally include a minimum of four courses concerned with the quality aspects of medical product development and manufacturing and a minimum of one course each in regulatory science, risk management, statistics and project management. The program is offered on both a full-time and part-time basis, and courses are also available in distance formats. Students should develop a specific plan of study in consultation with their graduate adviser before beginning the program.
A Master of Science in molecular pharmacology and toxicology will be granted on the basis of completion of at least 24 units of formal course work and presentation of an acceptable thesis (MPTX 594a, MPTX 594b, 4 units) based on the results of an original investigation.
The 24 units of course work must be at the 500-level or above, exclusive of directed research. At least 16 of the 24 required units must be taken from courses offered within the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences (courses within the department have designations of either PSCI or MPTX). The remaining units can be taken from courses offered within the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences or in various related disciplines outside the department if approved by the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Affairs Committee.
The Department of Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy (School of Pharmacy) offers a program of study leading to the MS degree. Applicants must apply to the Graduate School and meet the admissions requirements of the program. This program requires students to demonstrate skills in the analysis of pharmaceutical and health technology innovations, as well as an understanding of contemporary health policy issues.
A minimum of 36 units of graduate level courses is required.
A grade point average of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0) must be achieved on graduate course work at USC.
It is recommended that the student complete the following 36 units of graduate level course work:
Students must complete all recommended courses for the degree within five years of entry into the program.
The student must satisfactorily complete the recommended courses in economics, preventive medicine and public administration prior to enrolling in PMEP 538. The student is also required to complete an empirical research project on a topic relevant to pharmaceutical economics and policy.
A Master of Science in the pharmaceutical sciences will be granted on the basis of completion of at least 24 units of formal course work and presentation of an acceptable thesis (PSCI 594a PSCI 594b, 4 units) based on the results of an original investigation.
The 24 units of course work must be at the 500-level or above, exclusive of directed research. At least 16 of the 24 required units must be taken from courses offered within the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences (courses within the department have designations of either PSCI or MPTX). The remaining units can be taken from courses offered within the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences or in various related disciplines outside the department if approved by the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Affairs Committee.
The graduate certificate in clinical research design and management is designed to strengthen the statistical, research and project management skills of clinical researchers and their associated clinical team members. Students must complete at least 12 units of course work including at least two courses in clinical design and trial management, one course in ethics and one course in a specialized aspect of design, management or statistics, subject to the approval of the program director. The program will include course work delivered in nontraditional formats such as intensive weekend sessions and will use distance learning tools, Webcast lectures and study materials. Courses can be taken on site, by distance or as a blended combination. Students should confirm their specific course work plan in consultation with the graduate advisers before beginning the program. Students who have bachelor's degrees from accredited colleges or universities must submit an application for graduate study through the regulatory science program of the School of Pharmacy. GRE scores are not required for admission to the certificate program. Students are expected to enroll each semester until the program is completed.
The graduate certificate in food safety is a 12-unit program of course work designed to strengthen the knowledge base and functional "toolkit" of individuals who deal with the production and management of food in industry and government. Students are required to take an entry level course that focuses on regulatory requirements for foods and dietary supplements and two additional courses that focus on food science and food/drug toxicology respectively. Final course work will be selected from a small grouping of electives that deal with quality systems or risk management. The program will include course work delivered in nontraditional formats, such as intensive weekend sessions, and will use distance learning tools, Webcast lectures and study materials. Courses can be taken on site, by distance or as a blended combination. Students should confirm their specific course work plan in consultation with the graduate advisers before beginning the program. Students who have bachelor's degrees from accredited colleges or universities must submit an application for graduate study through the regulatory science program of the School of Pharmacy. GRE scores are not required for admission to the certificate program. Students are expected to enroll each semester until the program is completed.
The graduate certificate in patient and product safety is a 12-unit program that educates students in the emerging field of safety and risk management in the health care environment. It is designed to produce graduates who have a particular expertise in the evaluation and mitigation of medical errors and health-care product problems. Course work is typically delivered in nontraditional formats such as intensive weekend sessions and will use distance learning tools, Webcast lectures and study materials. Courses can be taken on site, by distance or as a blended combination. Students should confirm their specific course work plan in consultation with the graduate advisers before beginning the program. Students who have bachelor's degrees from accredited colleges or universities must submit an application for graduate study through the regulatory science program of the School of Pharmacy. GRE scores are not required for admission to the certificate program. Students are expected to enroll each semester until the program is completed.
Students must complete 12 units of specified course work, that normally will include an introductory course in the basic principles of risk management, a second course in the use of risk management tools, and two additional courses in patient and product safety respectively as listed below. In addition, a course in medical ethics is recommended. Most students will take the courses that are listed in the sample student program below, but if students have already strong previous experience in risk management or safety, other statistical or quality courses taught in graduate programs at USC may be substituted with the permission of the program director. The certificate can be completed on a part-time basis but must be finished within five years.
Courses may be selected from the following recommended course list.
The graduate certificate in preclinical drug development provides advanced foundational training in preclinical aspects of drug development, translational research and regulatory control. Students must complete at least 12 units of course work including at least three courses in preclinical design and development (typically, RSCI 530 Translational Medicine: An Overview; RSCI 531 Industrial Approaches to Drug Discovery; RSCI 532 Early Stage Drug Development) and one course in a related aspect of research design, regulation or ethics, subject to the approval of the program director. The program will include course work delivered in nontraditional formats such as intensive weekend sessions and will use distance capabilities, Webcast lectures and study materials. Courses can be taken on site, by distance or as a blended combination. Students should confirm their specific course work plan in consultation with graduate advisers before beginning the program. Students who have baccalaureate degrees from accredited colleges or universities must submit an application for graduate study through the regulatory science program of the School of Pharmacy. GRE scores are not required for admission to the certificate program. Students are expected to enroll each semester until the program is completed.
The Doctor of Pharmacy/Doctor of Philosophy (PharmD/PhD) program is designed to permit qualified PharmD students with a bachelor of science or equivalent degree to pursue research training in the pharmaceutical sciences and toxicology. A student accepted into the joint program must meet all requirements for the PharmD, as well as the requirements for the PhD in the pharmaceutical sciences or toxicology sections listed in this catalogue. A maximum of 20 units from the PharmD program may be credited toward the PhD Up to 12 units of these PharmD courses may, at the discretion of the student's PhD adviser, be counted toward the required 24 units of core course work.
Students applying for the dual degree program must meet the respective admission requirements for each program. This includes having completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a minimum GRE score of 1000. Students will not be given special consideration for admission to either program because they are applying for the dual degree. Students may apply to the dual PharmD/PhD degree program in two ways. First, they may apply at the time they submit their PharmD application by concurrently submitting applications to both programs. Students who elect this approach must identify themselves on both applications as potential dual degree students. Students who are admitted to both programs will be offered admission to the PharmD and will be offered admission to the dual degree program contingent on passing all courses in their first year of the PharmD with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students who are accepted by only one program may choose to attend that program but will not be eligible for the dual degree. Second, students can apply to the dual degree by submitting an application to one of the PhD programs in the School of Pharmacy during their first two years of enrollment in the PharmD prior to the respective published application deadlines for the PhD programs. Students who elect this approach must apply through the PharmD program. Students admitted to the PhD program using this approach will be offered admission to the dual degree contingent on their having maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA in the PharmD program.
The School of Pharmacy and the Master of Public Health program, in recognition of the rapidly changing health care environment, and in response to the growing demand for pharmacists who are knowledgeable in both pharmacy and population-based health care issues, have developed a dual degree program. The joint PharmD/MPH degree will enable graduates to be more responsive to today's health care needs and will provide training for pharmacists who seek to be agents of change within the profession and to assume leadership roles in the pharmacy field and in public health at the local, state and national levels.
Students who are enrolled in the School of Pharmacy must apply to the Master of Public Health program no later than January of their first year. All requirements for admission to the regular MPH program must also be fulfilled by dual degree applicants.
The PharmD/MPH program spans five years (four years of pharmacy school courses and one year of public health courses). Students begin the core MPH courses following the successful completion of the first year of pharmacy school. The last three years of the program are devoted to course work and the clinical rotations of the School of Pharmacy and to the completion of the elective courses and practicum (field experience) of the MPH program.
All students in the PharmD/MPH program must meet course requirements, grade point average requirements and program residency requirements of both programs. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the PharmD curriculum and a 3.0 in the MPH curriculum to meet graduation requirements.
The PharmD and the MPH degrees are awarded simultaneously upon completion of the School of Pharmacy and the Master of Public Health requirements.
Students applying for the dual degree program must meet the respective admission requirements for each program. This includes having completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and having acceptable GRE and TOEFL or IELTS scores as applicable. Students will not be given special consideration for admission to either program because they are applying for the dual degree. Students may apply to the dual PharmD/MPH degree program in two ways. First, they may apply at the time they submit their PharmD application by concurrently submitting applications to both programs. Students who elect this approach must identify themselves on both applications as potential dual degree students. Students who are admitted to both programs will be offered admission to the PharmD and will be offered admission to the dual degree program contingent on passing all courses in their first year of the PharmD with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students who are accepted by only one program may choose to attend that program, but will not be eligible for the dual degree. Second, students can apply to the dual degree by submitting an application to the MPH program during their first year of enrollment in the PharmD prior to the MPH published application deadline. Students who elect this approach must apply through the School of Pharmacy. Students admitted to the MPH program using this approach will be offered admission to the dual degree contingent on passing all courses in their first year of the PharmD with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
The emerging impact of the elderly on the health care system has created a need for health care providers who understand the unique needs of the elderly. As drug therapy remains the primary therapeutic option for chronic disease, the demand for prescription drugs will continue to rise. There is a demand for pharmacists who are equipped to meet the pharmaceutical care needs of this population. Geriatric pharmacy is recognized as a specialty, with board certification through the Commission for Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy. The PharmD/MS, Gerontology program will provide extensive education and training in the unique health care needs of older adults. It will allow student pharmacists with a career interest in geriatrics or gerontology to work with health care planning or delivery organizations to develop and implement progressive pharmaceutical care programs for the elderly.
Students who intend to pursue the dual PharmD/MSG degree must be accepted by both programs. This includes having completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a minimum equivalent GRE score of 1000. Students will not be given special consideration for admission to either program because they are applying for the dual degree. Students may apply to the dual PharmD/MS degree program in two ways. First, they may apply at the time they submit their PharmD application by concurrently submitting applications to both programs. Students who elect this approach must identify themselves on both applications as potential dual degree students. Students who are admitted to both programs will be offered admission to the PharmD and will be offered admission to the dual degree program. Second, students can apply to the dual degree by submitting an application to the MS program during their first year of enrollment in the PharmD prior to the MS published application deadline. Students who elect this approach must apply through the School of Pharmacy. Students admitted to the MS program using this approach will be offered admission to the dual degree contingent on passing all courses in their first year of the PharmD with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students accepted to the dual degree program must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in their Gerontology and PharmD courses.
First year: Required Year I PharmD course work
Second year: Required Gerontology course work
Third year: Required Year II PharmD course work
Fourth year: Required Year III PharmD course work
Fifth year: Required Year IV PharmD course work
Students must complete all requirements for the PharmD (see the Professional Degrees page) and MS, Gerontology degrees as listed in the current catalogue with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA. The specific MS course requirements for the dual PharmD/MS degree are listed on the School of Gerontology Dual Degree Programs page.
The dual degree in Pharmacy and Global Medicine is designed for students who are interested in providing pharmaceutical care to underserved populations around the world. Students enrolled in this dual degree program will benefit from an advanced understanding of the role of, and issues surrounding, modern medicine in developing countries.
Requirements
Students must gain admission to and fulfill the degree requirements for both programs, which include 138 units for the Doctor of Pharmacy and 24 units for the MS in Global Medicine. Six units of GM elective units can be used towards the PharmD elective requirement, and PHRD 503 and PHRD 504 substitute for MEDS 503 and MEDS 504 .
Program Adaptation
Because MEDS 503 and MEDS 504, core requirements for the MS in Global Medicine program, cover the same material as PHRD 503 and PHRD 504, the PharmD/Global Medicine dual degree program substitutes PHRD 503 and PHRD 504 for MEDS 503 and MEDS 504 as core requirements for the dual degree.
Regulatory science is that branch of knowledge which relates the regulatory and legal requirements of biomedical product development to the scientific testing and oversight needed to ensure product safety and efficacy. The program provides an opportunity for advanced preparation in the fields of regulatory affairs, quality assurance and clinical research. Students must complete concurrently all of the requirements established for the respective degrees. The program alternates the courses required for the PharmD program during the fall and spring terms with courses required in summer terms for the MS program. Students will typically take courses in the summers of years two-four. Up to 12 appropriate units of course work from the PharmD program can be applied toward the MS degree. The PharmD and the MS, Regulatory Science degrees will be awarded simultaneously upon completion of requirements for the two programs.
Students applying for the dual degree program must meet the respective admission requirements for each program and must have a baccalaureate degree. Students will not be given special consideration for admission to either program because they are applying for the dual degree. Students may apply to the dual PharmD/MS, Regulatory Science degree program in two ways. First, they may apply at the time they submit their PharmD application by concurrently submitting applications to both programs. Students who elect this approach must identify themselves on both applications as potential dual degree students. Students who are admitted to both programs will be offered admission to the PharmD and will be offered admission to the dual degree program contingent on passing all courses in their first year of the PharmD with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students who are accepted by only one program may choose to attend that program but will not be eligible for the dual degree. Second, students can apply to the dual degree by submitting an application to the MS in Regulatory Science program during their first or second year of enrollment in the PharmD prior to the MS in Regulatory Science published application deadline. Students who elect this approach must apply through the School of Pharmacy. Students admitted to the MS in Regulatory Science using this approach will be offered admission to the dual degree contingent on passing all courses in their PharmD studies with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
The Health Care Decision Analysis (HCDA) program gives students the tools and knowledge to succeed in the complex world of health care data analytics, international access and reimbursement, product pricing and value assessment, insurance operations and design, along with competitive business intelligence. A dual degree of Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Science in Health Care Decision Analysis will be granted upon the completion of the course work required for the PharmD degree, and the HCDA core and elective units. Dual degree students will be credited up to 9 units of appropriate PharmD course work toward the MS, HCDA. Dual degree students will select from a series of HCDA core courses and required electives to meet the MS, HCDA degree requirements. Electives will be considered from the disciplines: applied health care policy, business intelligence, regulatory science, and health care economics, along with all required clerkships and rotations offered though the USC School of Pharmacy. Students should develop a specific plan of study in consultation with program administrators before beginning the program.
Admission to the dual PharmD/JD program is competitive, and involves meeting admission requirements and gaining acceptance to both the School of Pharmacy and the USC Gould School of Law. Students will not be given special consideration for admission to either program because they are applying for the dual degree. Students who have a baccalaureate degree may apply to the dual PharmD/JD degree program in two ways. First, they may apply at the time they submit their PharmD application by concurrently submitting applications to both schools. Students who elect this approach must identify themselves on their PharmD applications as potential dual PharmD/JD degree students. Students who are admitted to both schools will be offered admission to the dual degree contingent on passing all courses in their first year of the PharmD with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students pursuing the dual PharmD/JD degree must notify the law school in a timely fashion that they will be enrolling in the dual PharmD/JD degree program and will not matriculate at the law school until the following year. Students who are accepted by only one school may choose to attend that school but will not be eligible for the dual degree. Second, students can apply to the dual degree by submitting an application to the Gould School of Law during their first year of enrollment in the PharmD program prior to the law school's published application deadline. Students who elect this approach must apply through the School of Pharmacy. Students who are admitted to the law school using this approach would be offered admission to the dual degree contingent on passing all courses in their first year of the PharmD with a minimum 3.0 GPA. See the admissions section of the School of Pharmacy and the Gould School of Law for specific requirements.
PharmD Requirements
Dual degree students must successfully complete 144 units of PharmD and acceptable JD units to receive the PharmD degree. The 144 units must include 132 units of required and elective pharmacy course work plus 12 units of JD course work deemed acceptable to meet PharmD elective requirements. Dual degree students should graduate with their PharmD degrees at the completion of the first semester of the sixth academic year of the dual degree program. Students will be eligible to sit for the Pharmacy Board Exams after completion of the PharmD degree requirements. However, dual degree students will not actually be awarded their PharmD degrees until they complete requirements for both degrees.
Juris Doctor Requirements
Dual degree students must successfully complete 88 units of JD and acceptable PharmD course work during the second to sixth years of the dual degree program to receive the JD degree. The 88 units must be composed of 76 units of JD course work, including satisfaction of the upper-division writing requirement and any other substantive requirements, plus 12 units of PharmD course work deemed acceptable to meet JD elective requirements. No JD credit will be awarded for PharmD course work completed prior to matriculation in the law school. Students cannot receive the JD degree under requirements for the dual degree program without prior or simultaneous completion of the PharmD degree.
Both professions require passing a state board or bar exam to practice the respective professions. Neither of these professional doctoral degrees requires a thesis or comprehensive final exam.
Responding to the growing demand on pharmacists to be knowledgeable in both science and business administration, the USC School of Pharmacy in 1988 helped pioneer an innovation in pharmaceutical education by offering this unique five-year dual degree program.
The PharmD/MBA dual degree program is offered cooperatively by the School of Pharmacy and the USC Marshall School of Business. Students must complete concurrently all requirements established by both schools for their respective degrees.
The program involves completion of the first year in the School of Pharmacy, the second in the Marshall School of Business, and then completion of the balance of both degrees during the third through fifth years. A total of 48 units must be completed in the Marshall School of Business.
First Year: Required Pharmacy School courses.
Second Year: Required MBA courses and graduate business electives.
Third to Fifth Years: remaining Pharmacy courses and graduate business electives sufficient to bring the total units completed in the Marshall School of Business to at least 48. Dual degree students may not count courses taken outside the Marshall School of Business toward the 48 units. The PharmD and the MBA are awarded simultaneously upon completion of the School of Pharmacy and the Marshall School of Business requirements.
Applicants to this program must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and should apply during their first year of pharmacy studies. Only students who have successfully completed one year in the School of Pharmacy will be considered for admission to the Marshall School of Business. See the Marshall School of Business for admission requirements.
The goal of the PhD program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics is to develop a scientist who is engaged in team science through interdisciplinary education; competent in conducting research across clinical and basic science disciplines; and integrates basic investigations and clinical observations in applied research to better understand disease process, advance drug development and evaluate efficacy and toxicity of therapeutic regimens with the goal of improving the safe, effective and economical use of therapeutic modalities by patients.
The program applies an interdisciplinary approach that focuses the graduate studies directly toward translational, rather than basic science, aiming to educate students with the perspective and skill set to identify important connections between fundamental biomedical research and human disease. This program emphasizes cross-training between clinical and basic sciences focusing on the investigation of disease processes, drug development and the efficacy and toxicity of therapeutic regimens. Course requirements and research opportunities for graduate students enrolled in the program provide both experimental (basic) and disease-focused experiences that complement the graduate's research focus.
A minimum of 60 units is required. At least 26 of the 60 units are to be formal graduate course work at the 500- level or above, exclusive of seminars and directed research. Students must complete 14 units of course work before they are eligible for the screening procedure. Additional course work relevant to the research interests of the student may be required by the student's advisers or the student's qualifying exam committee, with an emphasis on cross-training and taking into account the amount and level of previous scientific preparation and the nature of the research dissertation that will be the major endpoint of the program. Specifically, recommended course work differs between students who have an advanced professional degree (Track I) and those who do not (Track II). A maximum of 12 units may be transferred from graduate studies elsewhere.
In the first year, all students (Tracks I and II) are recommended to take 14 units of course work in translational medicine (RSCI 530, 2 units), research design (CXPT 609, 4 units), biostatistics (PM 510, 4 units), and clinical trial design (MPTX 517, 4 units). In the second year, Track I students will take the remaining 12 units of course work as electives based on the background of the student and the proposed research focus of the student. Track II students who do not have an advanced professional degree are recommended to select from the following courses as part of their electives: systems physiology and disease (INTD 572 and INTD 573, 4 units each) or pathology (INTD 550, INTD 551, 4 units each). Other electives that can be chosen are INTD 531, INTD 561, PM 533, PM 538, PM 570, PSCI 661 and PSCI 665.
The remaining 34 of the 60 units required for the PhD degree may be fulfilled with other courses including ethics, interdisciplinary seminar, directed research and dissertation. Note that to become eligible to take the qualifying exam, Track II students must fulfill the prescribed clinical experiences that match the disease-related topic of the student's thesis work as approved by the student's advisers and advisory committee. Students with a bachelor's degree in a health care subject area (e.g., nursing, pharmacy, medicine) will be evaluated on a case basis and may be required to meet the therapeutic course work or clinical experience component described above, as determined by their background and previous experiences.
There is no formal language requirement. However, an individual qualifying exam committee can require competency in a foreign language or a computer language if it is relevant for the student's area of research.
Upon admission, the student will be assigned to a member of the graduate faculty who will serve as his or her temporary adviser until a permanent adviser has been identified. The student's program of study will be under the direction of the qualifying exam committee composed of at least five members, one of whom must be from outside the department. Because of the centrality of research in the PhD program, the student is encouraged to get acquainted with the participating faculty mentors from the day they enter the program, and have selected a research direction, paired graduate advisers (clinical and basic scientists), and qualifying exam committee no later than the third semester of study. The graduate affairs committee will serve as the qualifying exam committee until one is selected.
The performance of each student will be evaluated no later than the end of the second semester of enrollment in the graduate program. This screening procedure is conducted by the student's qualifying exam committee or, if a student has not yet selected a qualifying exam committee, by the graduate affairs committee. The committee reviews the student's progress to date in various areas including course work, research interests, and laboratory performance on his or her research project or laboratory rotations. If a performance deficiency is determined, specific goals will be established that the student must fulfill to continue in the program. Passing this screening procedure is prerequisite to continuation in the PhD program.
Students will be required to pass a comprehensive written and oral examination on the chosen disease-focused area of research emphasis. The examination will encompass basic scientific concepts relevant to the disease under study and the laboratory techniques in that discipline, fundamental principles of clinical research and design, biostatistics, and therapeutics in the chosen disease-focused area of research. The examination is administered by the qualifying exam committee and consists of two parts: a written examination administered to all students at the end of their second year of study and a detailed written proposal and its oral presentation and defense by the student to the qualifying exam committee. The examination process is conducted by the student's advisory committee with oversight by the graduate affairs committee. All course and qualifying examination requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy must be completed within two-and-a-half years after admission. After passing these examinations, the student is admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree.
A dissertation based on original investigation in a relevant scientific area is required for the PhD The dissertation research must represent a significant contribution to science and should demonstrate the candidate's scholarly advancement and competence to undertake independent research. An oral defense of the dissertation will be held after the candidate submits the final draft of the dissertation to the dissertation committee. (See Theses and Dissertations in the Graduate School section.)
Teaching experience is considered an integral part of the training of graduate students. As part of the general requirements for the PhD degree, each student is required to participate in the teaching program of the School of Pharmacy.
The Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy (School of Pharmacy) offers a program of study leading to the PhD degree in Health Economics. The program focuses on microeconomics; econometrics; health economics and policy; public finance; pharmaceutical economics and policy. The program offers one track in microeconomics and a second track in pharmaceutical economics and policy.
Students in the microeconomics track will complete the microeconomic theory and econometric sequence and course work in health economics. They will receive focused training and mentoring in health economics through collaboration on research projects.
There is no formal foreign language requirement. However, competence in the use of one computer programming language is required for the graduate degrees. Such competence can be demonstrated either by course work or examination.
A grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 and typically considerably higher (on a scale of 4.0) must have been achieved on all graduate work at USC for the passing of the screening procedure. The Graduate School requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 on all course work taken as a graduate student at USC.
The PhD in Health Economics requires a minimum of 64 units of graduate-level courses numbered 500 or higher (excluding 794) and a minimum of 4 units of 794. A maximum of two full courses (eight units) or their equivalent may be PMEP 790 Research since directed research will generally be incorporated into most 500- and 600- level courses. Exceptions will be considered on an individual basis. Normally, a full-time graduate student course load is three full courses or their equivalent per semester, with a four-course maximum.
At least one of the econometrics courses must be completed with a grade of B or higher:
Three electives at the 500 level or higher from the School of Pharmacy's Health Economics Program and from the departments of economics, mathematical statistics, biometry, epidemiology, public administration, computer science or other relevant fields are required.
The student will be assigned to a member of the graduate faculty who will serve as his or her temporary adviser until the formation of a qualifying exam committee. The student should consult the health economics director of graduate studies on the appointment of a PhD qualifying exam committee after taking the written screening examinations. The chairman of the student's PhD qualifying exam committee advises the student on matters of curriculum and graduate opportunities. The qualifying exam committee comprises three to five members, at least one of whom can be from outside the department; at least two members must specialize in the student's area of emphasis; and at least three of the members must be suitable for service on the student's dissertation committee. The composition of all PhD qualifying exam committees must be approved by the health economics director of graduate studies. The student must form his or her qualifying exam committee soon after passing the departmental screening procedure.
The student's progress will be reviewed after each semester and before registration for any additional course work to determine if progress has been satisfactory. The screening procedure will include satisfactory performance on written screening exams covering the major topics covered in the recommended course work for each track.
Every student is recommended to take and satisfactorily complete 4 units of research seminars chosen from ECON 693, PMEP 698 or the equivalent. At least one of these seminars must be related to the student's major field, and the same seminar may be taken more than once. Before completing the dissertation, it is recommended that the student present at least one original research paper in a seminar of his or her choice. This paper should typically consist of original results contained in the student's dissertation.
The student is required to register for two units of PMEP 790 and write a research paper on a topic suitable for a dissertation. Typically, the chair of the student's guidance committee directs this work. The resulting essay becomes part of the student's written dissertation proposal which is presented and critiqued during the oral portion of the qualifying examination.
Upon successful completion of the first two years of course and grade requirements, and following passing of required screening procedures, the student takes a general written and oral examination on the chosen area of research emphasis after presenting a detailed written dissertation proposal. After passing these examinations, the student is admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree.
After admission to candidacy, the student forms a dissertation committee comprising three faculty members, one of whom can be from an outside department. The chair of this committee is the dissertation supervisor. The student must register for PMEP 794a, PMEP 794b, PMEP 794c, PMEP 794d, PMEP 794z each semester, excluding summer sessions, until the dissertation and all other degree requirements are completed.
The student is expected to complete a dissertation based on an original investigation. The dissertation must represent a significant contribution to knowledge and must be defended in an oral examination administered by the dissertation committee (see the section on Theses and Dissertations).
Teaching experience is considered an integral part of the training of graduate students. As part of the general requirements for the PhD, all students are required to undergo training as an educator. This will include participating in seminars on educational techniques and hands-on teaching experiences through participation in didactic and small group teaching in the School of Pharmacy or the USC Price School of Public Policy.
The Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy (School of Pharmacy) offers a program of study leading to the PhD degree in Health Economics. The program focuses on microeconomics; econometrics; health economics and policy; public finance; pharmaceutical economics and policy. The program offers one track in microeconomics and a second track in pharmaceutical economics and policy.
Students in the pharmaceutical economics and policy track will specialize in areas such as cost-effectiveness, comparative effectiveness, drug therapy outcomes and organization of pharmaceutical markets. They will receive focused training and mentoring in pharmaceutical economics and policy through collaboration on research projects.
There is no formal foreign language requirement. However, competence in the use of one computer programming language is required for the graduate degrees. Such competence can be demonstrated either by course work or examination.
A grade point average of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0) must have been achieved on graduate course work at USC. ECON 615 or a higher level course in econometrics must be completed with a grade of B or higher.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 64 units of graduate level course work. The following courses are recommended towards fulfilling the 64-unit requirement: ECON 401, ECON 500, ECON 513, ECON 514, ECON 609, ECON 615, PM 511a, PMEP 509, PMEP 519, PMEP 529, PMEP 538, PMEP 539, PMEP 549 and PMEP 698. Students may transfer and substitute up to 24 units of graduate course work from other universities to fulfill the required 64 units of graduate credit subject to the approval of the department.
At least one of the econometrics courses must be completed with a grade of B or higher:
A minimum of three electives at the 500 level or higher from the School of Pharmacy's Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy Program and from the departments of economics, mathematical statistics, biometry, epidemiology, public administration, computer science or other relevant fields are required.
The student will be assigned to a member of the graduate faculty who will serve as his or her temporary adviser until the formation of a qualifying exam committee. The student should consult the pharmaceutical economics and policy director of graduate studies on the appointment of a PhD qualifying exam committee after taking the written qualifying examination. The chairman of the student's PhD qualifying exam committee advises the student on matters of curriculum and graduate opportunities. The qualifying exam committee comprises three to five members, at least one of whom can be from outside the department; at least two members must specialize in the student's area of emphasis; and at least three of the members must be suitable for service on the student's dissertation committee. The composition of all PhD qualifying exam committees must be approved by the pharmaceutical economics and policy director of graduate studies. The student must form his or her qualifying exam committee soon after passing the departmental screening procedure.
The student's progress will be reviewed after each semester and before registration for any additional course work to determine if progress has been satisfactory. The screening procedure may include satisfactory performance on written screening exams covering the major topics covered in the recommended course work for each track.
Every student is recommended to take and satisfactorily complete 4 units of research seminars chosen from PMEP 698 or the equivalent. At least one of these seminars must be related to the student's major field and the same seminar may be taken more than once. Before completing the dissertation, it is recommended that the student present at least one original research paper in a seminar of his or her choice. This paper should typically consist of original results contained in the student's dissertation.
The student is required to register for two units of PMEP 790 and write a research paper on a topic suitable for a dissertation. Typically, the chair of the student's guidance committee directs this work. The resulting essay becomes part of the student's written dissertation proposal which is presented and critiqued during the oral portion of the qualifying examination.
Upon successful completion of the first two years of course work and grade requirements, including the passing of required screening procedures, the student takes a general written and oral examination on the chosen area of research emphasis after presenting a detailed written dissertation proposal. After passing these examinations, the student is admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree.
After admission to candidacy, the student forms a dissertation committee comprising three faculty members, one of whom can be from an outside department. The chair of this committee is the dissertation supervisor. The student must register for PMEP 794a, PMEP 794b, PMEP 794c, PMEP 794d, PMEP 794z each semester, excluding summer sessions, until the dissertation and all other degree requirements are completed.
The student is expected to complete a dissertation based on original investigation. The dissertation must represent a significant contribution to knowledge and must be defended in an oral examination administered by the dissertation committee (see the section on Theses and Dissertations).
Teaching experience is considered an integral part of the training of graduate students. As part of the general requirements for the PhD, all students are required to undergo training as an educator. This will include participating in seminars on educational techniques and hands-on teaching experiences through participation in didactic and small group teaching in the School of Pharmacy.
This program emphasizes basic as well as applied research in various aspects of drug discovery and molecular and behavioral mechanisms of action. Research opportunities span investigations of fundamental molecular and cellular physiological mechanisms, including receptor activity, intracellular signaling and the regulation of gene expression, to the molecular bases of disease and aging, including avenues of pharmacological intervention.
A minimum of 60 units is required for the Doctor of Philosophy degree. At least 24 units of course work are required at the 500-level or above, exclusive of seminar and directed research. The Doctor of Philosophy candidate must select a minimum of 12 units from courses offered in the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences (PPSI), eight of which must be selected from the core 4-unit courses. The remainder of the 24 units may be taken from PPSI courses or from courses offered in other departments that are approved by the PPSI graduate affairs committee. The qualifying exam committee may require more than 24 units of course work. A maximum of 12 units can be transferred from graduate studies elsewhere.
There is no formal language requirement. However, an individual qualifying exam committee can require competency in a foreign language or a computer language if it is relevant for the student's area of research.
Upon admission, the student will be assigned to a member of the graduate faculty who will serve as his or her temporary adviser until a permanent adviser has been identified. The student's program of study will be under the direction of a qualifying exam committee composed of at least five members, one of whom must be from outside the department. The student should select a graduate adviser and qualifying exam committee no later than the third semester in residence. The graduate affairs committee will serve as the qualifying exam committee until one is selected.
The performance of each student will be evaluated no later than the end of the second semester of enrollment in the graduate program. This screening procedure is conducted by the student's qualifying exam committee or, if a student has not yet selected a qualifying exam committee, by the graduate affairs committee. The committee reviews the student's progress to date in various areas including course work, research interests and laboratory performance on his or her research project or laboratory rotations. If a performance deficiency is determined, specific goals will be established that the student must fulfill to continue in the program. Passing this screening procedure is prerequisite to continuation in the PhD program.
Students will be required to pass a comprehensive qualifying examination in major areas of molecular pharmacology, including fundamental principals of molecular and cellular biology. The examination is administered by the qualifying exam committee and consists of two parts: a written examination administered to all students at the end of their second year of study and a written proposal outlining the dissertation goals, and its oral presentation and defense by the student to the qualifying exam committee. The examination process is conducted by the student's advisory committee with oversight by the graduate affairs committee. The qualifying examination must be completed within three years after admission, unless an extension is obtained from the qualifying exam committee.
Beginning in the third year, each graduate student will meet with the qualifying exam committee and present a progress report on his or her research. Prior to the meeting the student will present a short written document describing significant experiments during the past year, problems and projected studies. This document is distributed to the committee members and is included in the student's file. The oral ARA meeting is intended to be a working session between the student and the qualifying exam committee. Experimental results and problems are discussed in this context, as well as a research plan for the next year of work. A satisfactory ARA is required for each year in the graduate program.
A dissertation based on original investigation in a relevant scientific area is required for the PhD The dissertation research should demonstrate the student's ability to undertake independent research through planning, conducting and evaluating experiments. The dissertation research must represent a significant contribution to knowledge. A public oral defense of the dissertation will be held after the candidate submits the final draft of the dissertation to the dissertation committee, and it is approved by the graduate adviser and dissertation committee. For additional details, see Theses and Dissertations.
Teaching experience is considered an integral part of the training of graduate students. As part of the general requirements for the PhD degree, each student is required to participate in the teaching program of the School of Pharmacy.
Application deadline: December 1
The Department of Economics and the Department of Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy (USC School of Pharmacy) jointly offer a program of study leading to the PhD degree and to the MA degree in the process of work toward the PhD degree.
Required courses include both core requirements and area requirements. Core requirements include courses in economic theory, econometrics, and research methods. Area requirements include courses in health economics, pharmaceutical economics, welfare theory and applied econometrics.
For a detailed description of this program, see the School of Pharmacy section of this catalogue.
This program emphasizes basic as well as applied research in drug delivery and targeting, utilizing medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacodynamics, molecular pharmacology, immunology and cell biology.
A minimum of 60 units is required for the Doctor of Philosophy degree. At least 24 units of course work are required at the 500-level or above, exclusive of seminar and directed research. The Doctor of Philosophy candidate must select a minimum of 12 units from courses offered in the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences (PPSI), eight of which must be selected from the core 4-unit courses. The remainder of the 24 units may be taken from PPSI courses or from courses offered in other departments that are approved by the PPSI graduate affairs committee. The qualifying exam committee may require more than 24 units of course work. A maximum of 12 units can be transferred from graduate studies elsewhere.
There is no formal foreign language requirement. However, an individual qualifying exam committee can require competency in a foreign language or some other research tool such as computer language, if this is relevant for the student's area of research.
Upon admission, the student will be assigned to a member of the graduate faculty who will serve as his or her temporary adviser until a permanent adviser has been identified. The student's program of study will be under the direction of a qualifying exam committee composed of at least five members, one of whom must be from outside the department granting the degree. The student should select a graduate adviser and qualifying exam committee no later than the third semester in residence.
The performance of each student will be evaluated no later than the end of the second semester of enrollment in the graduate program. This screening procedure is conducted by the student's qualifying exam committee or, if a student has not selected his or her research adviser at that time, by the Graduate Review Committee of the department. The committee reviews thoroughly the student's progress up to that point in various areas including course work, research interests and laboratory performance on his or her research project or laboratory rotations. If a performance deficiency is detected at that point by the committee, the student will be recommended to either take additional course work or transfer to the Master of Science program. Passing this screening procedure is prerequisite to continuation in the PhD program.
Students will be required to pass a comprehensive qualifying examination in major areas of the pharmaceutical sciences. The examination is administered by the qualifying exam committee and consists of two parts: a written examination and a written proposition outlining a research project, followed by an oral examination based on the proposition and questions dealing with the written examination. All course and qualifying examination requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy must be completed within two and one half years after admission.
A dissertation based on original investigation is required. The research should make a contribution to science and should demonstrate the candidate's scholarly advancement and competence to undertake independent research. An oral defense of the dissertation will be held after the candidate submits the final draft of the dissertation to the dissertation committee (see Theses and Dissertations).
Teaching experience is considered an integral part of the training of graduate students. Thus, as part of the general requirements for the PhD, each student is required to participate in the teaching program of the School of Pharmacy.
The USC School of Pharmacy offers a full-time, four-year course of study leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD). An undergraduate BA or BS degree is required for admission to the program. A description of the curriculum is listed in the following pages. The degree will be conferred only upon successful completion of all Doctor of Pharmacy degree requirements. The USC School of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, which is the sole agency providing accreditation for professional degree programs in pharmacy.
The School of Pharmacy requires applicants to complete both the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) and a supplemental application for admission. The supplemental application is available at pharmacyschool.usc.edu.
Both the PharmCAS and the supplemental applications deadlines are November 1. Applicants are encouraged to follow the instructions carefully for both the PharmCAS and supplemental applications. Applications will not be reviewed until both applications have been received by the Office of Admission and Student Affairs. An on-campus interview is required for admission. Only applicants with complete application files are evaluated for an on-site interview and only highly qualified applicants will be granted interviews. Not all applicants will be invited for an interview. Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the November 1 deadline to allow time for file review.
All documents mailed directly to the School of Pharmacy and received from PharmCAS by the Office of Admission become the property of the university and cannot be returned or duplicated for other than USC's purposes.
The Admission Committee considers several factors in making admissions decisions including: previous academic performance; the on-site interview including a writing component; letters of recommendation; and other components of the completed application. The committee also considers a candidate's motivation to pursue pharmacy, interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, and leadership abilities. While the School of Pharmacy gives equal consideration to every qualified applicant, the school cannot accommodate all qualified candidates who apply for admission.
Because the Doctor of Pharmacy is consistently oversubscribed, the University of Southern California, School of Pharmacy does not admit holders of international visas to the program.
Admission to the School of Pharmacy requires completion of a baccalaureate degree; completion of the specified prerequisite college courses, with a grade of C or better; and a minimum 3.0 (A = 4.0) grade point average, both in the prerequisite courses and cumulative grade point average.
To be eligible for admission to the School of Pharmacy, applicants must take required prerequisite college courses, including general biology (one-year course with laboratory, excluding human anatomy and physiology), general chemistry (one-year course with laboratory, including inorganic and qualitative analysis), organic chemistry (one-year course with laboratory), biochemistry (one course upper division), microbiology (one course), calculus (one semester or two quarters), statistics (one course) and human physiology (one course for science majors). The science requirements should be completed at an accredited four-year university.
Prerequisite courses are subject to change, and applicants are encouraged to check with the school prior to submitting an application.
Upper-division molecular biology, physics (thermodynamics and electromagnetism), microeconomics, statistics (non-business), human behavior in either general psychology, introductory sociology, or cultural anthropology
Grades of pass/no pass or credit/no credit will not be accepted (unless a course is only offered on a pass/no pass basis). Online courses are not accepted for science courses with a laboratory requirement.
Courses must include calculus, general biology, microbiology, human physiology, general chemistry, biochemistry, and organic chemistry. Only courses for science majors are acceptable. It is highly recommended that math and science courses be completed during the regular academic year and not during a summer term.
Applicants may use AP and IB courses to meet certain USC School of Pharmacy prerequisites with the following provisos. AP results are acceptable only with scores of 4 or 5. Results for IB courses are acceptable with a score of 5. Credit for AP or IB courses is limited to a maximum of two courses (total). In addition, the AP or IB courses taken may be applied to a maximum of one semester/one quarter of general chemistry or general biology; they may not be used to satisfy the laboratory requirement. Note: AP/IB courses used to meet prerequisites will be for course credit only (i.e., they will not count toward the GPA). The Admission Committee recommends that applicants enroll in all of the required pre-pharmacy courses. Please contact the School of Pharmacy Office of Admission for specific information.
An in-person interview is required for admission. The PCAT is not required at this time; however, the examination may be required beginning in 2017.
The Trojan Admission Prepharmacy (TAP) program provides priority consideration for admission to the USC School of Pharmacy's four-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program for USC undergraduates who are accepted to the program. The TAP program is designed to attract highly qualified, mature high school seniors applying to USC. Students accepted into the TAP program apply to the Doctor of Pharmacy program during their final year of undergraduate education. Students must meet all regular admission criteria to the School of Pharmacy, including a BA/BS degree from USC, specific academic performance standards (GPA) and complete an on-site interview. Students in the TAP program are required to complete all prerequisite courses at USC and meet regularly with a TAP program adviser. A specific listing of USC courses and a recommended program for TAP participants may be obtained from the School of Pharmacy Office of Admission or online at pharmacyschool.usc.edu/programs/pre/tap.
The completion of the four-year professional curriculum is required for the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. The PharmD curriculum is a "block" program, meaning all students enroll for specified courses each semester and progress as a "class" through the curriculum. Students do not have a choice in the course sequence and must remain full-time students throughout the program. Students have a limited number of elective course choices and a list of electives offered is available to students prior to registration each semester. Student progress is permitted only when the prior semester has been successfully completed. Students should view the curriculum outlined here as advisory only and subject to modification. A minimum of 138 units is required for graduation.
Students enrolled in the Doctor of Pharmacy program are required to hold an Intern Pharmacist license in good standing (clear of restrictions) issued by the California Board of Pharmacy as an intern pharmacist for the entire length of the program. Licensure is required because completion of the pharmacy program requires placement in health care settings for experiential learning during each academic year. The School of Pharmacy has developed technical standards to inform students of the non-academic requirements of the program. Placement in health care settings requires the applicants pass criminal background screening and/or drug screening tests.
The School of Pharmacy has developed technical standards to inform students of specific non-academic requirements of the program.
The pharmacist of tomorrow will provide preventive and therapeutic pharmaceutical care, provide drugs to patients, communicate in health care matters, meet the ethical and legal requirements of the practice of pharmacy and maintain professional expertise.
The curriculum committee of the School of Pharmacy has developed guidelines and patient care competencies consistent with interpretations of this new role. An appropriate and dynamic educational program is needed to develop these competencies. Therefore curriculum changes may be necessary in order to meet scientific advances, population profile changes, increasing health expectations, technological advances, or changes in health services.
Foundation courses in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, social-administrative and clinical sciences comprise the first three years of the program. Students complete Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPE) along with classroom-based courses. The final (fourth) year of the program includes the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE), which are set in health care setting throughout the greater Los Angeles area, and a capstone course leading to a final paper/project.
Various Electives* 0-1 units
Various Electives* 0-3 units
Various One APPE course from list below** 6 units
Electives* 0-4 units
*Elective courses: Students choose elective courses from courses approved by the School of Pharmacy Curriculum Committee and available during that semester. Students will be provided a list of courses approved each year. Students MUST complete a minimum of 3 units of elective courses for the degree.
**APPE courses are described below. Students begin their APPE series during the end of the P3 academic year. Students may be assigned to any of APPE listed below during the P3 year.
All APPE courses must be taken.
Students must take one course from list below.
All students in the Doctor of Pharmacy degree program must meet course requirements, grade point average requirements, licensure requirements, competency assessment requirements (PCOA, OSCE) and program residency requirements. In addition, all students must successfully complete a required "Capstone" project for graduation.
Course requirements (see above for a listing of the required courses): All course requirements must be completed with a grade of "C" or better for letter graded courses and a grade of Credit (defined as A or B quality work) in non-letter graded courses. .
Grade point average requirements: Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 in the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum to meet graduation requirements.
Licensure requirements: All students must obtain and maintain a license in good standing (clear of restrictions) as an Intern Pharmacist issued by the California State Board of Pharmacy at all times during the program.
Competency assessment requirements: Students are required to take and demonstrate satisfactory performance on the national PCOA Exam (Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment). The PCAO exam is administered by the NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy) and is required by ACPE (Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education) for a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. The OCSE (Objective Structured Clinical Exam) is administered by the School of Pharmacy to assess the attainment of clinical practice skills prior to entering APPE courses.
Residency requirements: Students must complete all requirements for the degree within 6 years. The degree will not be conferred until the student has successfully completed all Doctor of Pharmacy degree requirements. Students are subject to the degree requirements in the USC Catalogue current for the semester of their admission into the Doctor of Pharmacy program unless progression is delayed.
Details of the School of Pharmacy registration procedure will be included in the orientation program prior to the first week of classes.
During the didactic portion of the Doctor of Pharmacy program (P1, P2 and P3), a student may only withdraw from the entire block of courses enrolled in a semester and may not selectively withdraw from a single course or group of courses. During the APPE portion of the curriculum, students may not withdraw from an APPE after the completion of the 4th week of a six-week course and must contact the School of Pharmacy Office of Admission and Student Affairs. Procedures for readmission into the program or makeup of incomplete courses are included in the school's brochure on academic policies and procedures.
Return to: USC School of Pharmacy
Regulatory Science Program
USC School of Pharmacy
1540 Alcazar St., CHP 140
Los Angeles, CA 90089
(323) 442-3102
Email: regsci@usc.edu
regulatory.usc.edu
Regulatory science relates the regulatory and legal requirements of biomedical product development to the scientific study needed to establish product safety and efficacy. A Master of Science degree in regulatory science will be granted upon completion of at least 36 units of formal course work, which can include an optional research project in an internship setting. Students with experience in industry or government can substitute an equivalent amount of formal course work for the research project with the permission of the program director. Course requirements normally include a minimum of three courses concerned with regulatory aspects of medical product development and a minimum of one course each in quality assurance, clinical research, business, statistics and law. Recommended course work includes some courses available in other departments of the university. Students should develop a specific plan of study in consultation with the graduate advisers before beginning the program.
The graduate certificate in regulatory and clinical affairs is designed to provide specialized education for individuals interested in developing a systematic understanding of the U.S. regulatory system for medical products. Students must complete at least 12 units of course work including an introductory course in regulatory affairs:
Other courses may be substituted with the approval of the program director. The program will include course work delivered in nontraditional formats such as intensive weekend sessions and will use distance capabilities to capture and Webcast lectures and study materials. Courses can be taken on site, by distance or as a blended combination. Students should confirm their specific course work plan in consultation with the graduate advisers before beginning the program. Students who have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university must submit an application for graduate study through the regulatory science program of the School of Pharmacy. This program is particularly directed at Ph.D. students who wish to take the certificate during their USC studies. GRE scores are not required for admission to the certificate program. Students are expected to enroll each semester until the program is completed.
The Doctor of Regulatory Science program cultivates research, leadership and inquiry skills for advanced students in the emerging profession of global regulatory science. It is designed to produce graduates with expertise in strategic management, policy development and research assessment who can play leadership roles in the public sector, academia and the medical products industry. Participants in this program will take a set of interdependent courses that extend from a strong core of basic regulatory science course work and additionally focus on three main areas — global product strategy, product lifecycle strategy, and project and personnel management. After students have completed foundational course work, they will participate as a cohort that typically has a two-year cycle of classes and an additional year of dissertation research. The program has been designed to meet the needs of individuals who are already working full-time outside of the university. The doctoral degree will be administered by the School of Pharmacy.
The program is designed for individuals with strong professional experience and demonstrated intellectual and leadership capabilities. Applicants are expected to have a GPA of 3.0 on university-level course work and five or more years of professional experience. Admission requirements include university transcripts, a resume, at least three letters of reference, and a one-page personal statement that outlines the background and goals of the applicant. Students are encouraged even at this early stage to identify areas in which they are interested in conducting research. Additional requirements for international students are outlined by university regulations under Admission of International Students. Students are not required to provide GRE scores unless indicated by the program director.
Students with an appropriate graduate or professional degree may use some previous graduate courses as transfer units toward the overall credit requirements of the Doctor of Regulatory Science program with the approval of the program director and under the normal rules of the university. Students who have graduated from the MS program in Regulatory Science can apply all of the previously taken course work toward the doctoral degree. Students with graduate degrees from outside of the regulatory science program are required to take a minimum of 32 units of course work and 4 units of dissertation research to complete the requirements for graduation. The course work requirements will be determined on an individual basis in consultation with the program director and participant's advisers.
The Doctor of Regulatory Science is administered by the School of Pharmacy. It requires participants to complete 64 units that include the following elements:
Additional elective course work will be selected in consultation with the program advisers according to the areas of intended specialization of the participant in order to meet the credit requirements of the program. Typically foundational courses and some electives will be taken in the first two years of the program. Advanced courses in product lifecycle strategy, global strategy and project/personnel management will normally be taken by the doctoral cohort of students during the third and fourth years of the program. Dissertation planning and research will typically commence in the third year of the program, and extend until the successful completion of the dissertation.
Fifteen or more units of foundation courses may be taken as part of the master's program in regulatory science, or with prior approval, from another graduate program with similar objectives. Required foundational courses normally include: MPTX 511 Introduction to Medical Product Regulation; two from MPTX 512 Regulation of Pharmaceutical and Biological Products, MPTX 513 Regulation of Medical Devices and Diagnostics, MPTX 514 Regulation of Food and Dietary Supplements; MPTX 515 Quality Systems and Standards, MPTX 516 Medical Products and the Law; MPTX 517 Structure and Management of Clinical Trials. Other courses may be substituted after the participant's background preparation has been considered.
Eight or more units of course work related to product lifecycle management, from discovery to commercialization, will be drawn from a broad list of courses offered in regulatory science or through the Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy. Included in this list are: PMEP 538 Pharmaceutical Economics; PMEP 539 Economic Assessment of Medical Care; RSCI 601 Biomedical Commerce. Other courses may also be considered in consultation with the supervisors and program director. Students are also encouraged to take courses outside the School of Pharmacy when more specialized courses fit their professional research or development plans.
Eight or more units of course work related to global regulatory strategy could include some of the following courses: MPTX 519 Global Regulation of Medical Products; PPD 571 International Public Policy and Management Seminar; RSCI 604 Regulatory Strategy in Asia; RSCI 608 Regulatory Strategy in Europe and the Americas .
Eight or more units of relevant course work should typically include: MPTX 602 Science, Research and Ethics; RSCI 603 Managing Complex Projects; RSCI 605 Managing Organizations and Human Resources. Graduate courses in other university departments or schools can be substituted with the approval of the program director.
Participants will typically take PMEP 509 Research Design or MPTX 522 Introduction to Clinical Trial Design and Statistics.
In the third year, students are expected to identify a pair of advisers including one USC faculty member and one adviser from industry or the private sector. Students are typically placed in study groups of three or four whose dissertation interests are most similar and whose collective supervisors will oversee their academic and research progress. This committee will form the dissertation committee.
At the completion of the foundational course work, students will undergo a competency review that will include considerations of academic progress. Students are expected to maintain a GPA of 3.0 and will be required to pass a written examination designed to assure the professional competence of the student prior to advancing further in the program. Students who do not pass this preliminary review, administered prior to entering the dissertation and advanced course work phase of the program, will be notified of dismissal from the program in writing by the associate dean for graduate studies in the School of Pharmacy.
Students must enroll in RSCI 794a, RSCI 794b, RSCI 794c, RSCI 794d, RSCI 794z for at least two terms, during which time they will develop a dissertation proposal and conduct the necessary research and analysis in collaboration with the supervisory team. The dissertation committee will approve the thesis plan and monitor its progress. Each student will be required to produce and defend an independent dissertation as a requirement for graduation. A maximum of 6 dissertation units can be applied to satisfy the degree requirement, but students should register for the dissertation units in each term subsequent to the completion of their course work requirements. Institutional Review Board approval is required for all human studies.
Return to: USC School of Pharmacy
Ranked in the top 10 by U.S. News & World Report for its PharmD program, the USC School of Pharmacy uniquely covers the full spectrum of pharmaceutical care. At the annual White Coat ceremony, students begin their professional journey and take a "selfie" with their new classmates.
Founded in 1905, the USC School of Pharmacy is the oldest and foremost pharmacy school in Southern California. The school is a national leader known for its progressive curriculum and research excellence. Approximately 50 percent of the practicing pharmacists in Southern California are graduates of USC. The school has an average student body of 735 full-time students in the PharmD program and 250 students pursuing MS, PhD, and DRSc degrees in pharmacology and toxicology, pharmaceutical sciences, health economics, regulatory science and healthcare decision analysis. There are 73 full-time faculty and more than 400 part-time and volunteer faculty at the school.
The school occupies state-of-the-art facilities on the USC Health Sciences Campus in metropolitan Los Angeles, adjacent to the Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center (one of the largest teaching hospitals in the country), the USC Norris Cancer Hospital and the Keck Hospital of USC. USC pharmacy students receive clinical training at these facilities and many other affiliated hospitals, health care clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health care agencies and pharmacies in the Southern California region.
Recognized as one of the most innovative schools of pharmacy, the USC School of Pharmacy serves as a model for other progressive schools. In 1950, USC was the first to establish a Doctor of Pharmacy program. Additional national "firsts" that distinguish the school include: first clinical pharmacy program and first MS in radiopharmacy (both in 1968); first PharmD/MBA dual degree program (1988); first MS and PhD programs in pharmaceutical economics and policy (1994) and first professional doctorate in regulatory science (2008).
Consistently the top private pharmacy school nationwide, the school is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, and the PharmD program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
Health Sciences Campus
John Stauffer Pharmaceutical Sciences Center
1985 Zonal Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9121
(323) 442-1369
FAX: (323) 442-1681
Office of Admission and Student Affairs
(323) 442-1466
Email: pharmadm@usc.edu
Email: pharmfa@usc.edu
pharmacyschool.usc.edu
Glen L. Stimmel, PharmD, Dean
Sarah F. Hamm-Alvarez, PhD, Executive Vice Dean and Vice Dean for Research and Graduate Affairs
Scott Evans, PharmD, Associate Dean, Academic Health Center Programs
Fred G. Weissman, PharmD, JD, Associate Dean, Student/Faculty Affairs and Admission
Michael Z. Wincor, PharmD, Associate Dean, Global Initiatives and Technology
Kathleen H. Besinque, PharmD, MSEd, Assistant Dean, Curriculum and Assessment
Steven Chen, PharmD, Chair, Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Economics & Policy
Curtis Okamoto, PhD, Interim Chair, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
John Stauffer Dean's Chair in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Glen L. Stimmel, PharmD
University Professor and Boyd P. and Elsie D. Welin Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Jean Chen Shih, PhD
Hygeia Centennial Chair in Clinical Pharmacy: Steven Chen, PharmD
Quintiles Chair in Pharmaceutical Development and Regulatory Innovation: Darius Lakdawalla, PhD
R. Pete Vanderveen Endowed Chair in Therapeutic Discovery and Development: Roberta Diaz Brinton, PhD
John A. Biles Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Wei-Chiang Shen, PhD
Charles Krown/Pharmacy Alumni Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Enrique Cadenas, MD, PhD
Provost Professor of Cell and Neurobiology, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Psychology: Pat Levitt, PhD
Provost Professor of Medicine and Pharmacy: Michael Kahn, PhD
Professors: Enrique Cadenas, MD, PhD; Roberta Diaz Brinton, PhD; Dana Goldman, PhD; Sarah F. Hamm-Alvarez, PhD; Joel W. Hay, PhD; Darius N. Lakdawalla, PhD; Michael B. Nichol, PhD; Wei-Chiang Shen, PhD; Jean C. Shih, PhD; Rajindar Sohal, PhD; R. Pete Vanderveen, PhD; Clay C.C. Wang, PhD
Associate Professors: James D. Adams, Jr., PhD; Julio A. Camarero, PhD; Jason N. Doctor, PhD; Roger F. Duncan, PhD; Ian S. Haworth, PhD; Geoffrey Joyce, PhD; Jeffrey S. McCombs, PhD; Curtis T. Okamoto, PhD; Kathleen Rodgers, PhD; Neeraj Sood, PhD; Bangyan Stiles, PhD
Assistant Professors: J. Andrew MacKay, PhD; Bogdan Z. Olenyuk, PhD; Jianming Xie, PhD; Yong (Tiger) Zhang
Lecturer: Rebecca Romero, PhD
Research Associate Professor: Chuanqing Ding, MD, PhD
Research Assistant Professors: Liana Asatryan, PhD; Julianna Hwang, PharmD, PhD; Jennica Zaro, PhD
Professors of Pharmacy: Julie A. Dopheide, PharmD; Frances Richmond, PhD; Glen L. Stimmel, PharmD; Bradley R. Williams, PharmD; Annie Wong-Beringer, PharmD
Associate Professors of Pharmacy: Melvin F. Baron, PharmD, MPA; Paul M. Beringer, PharmD; Kathleen H. Besinque, PharmD, MSEd; Steven Chen, PharmD; Daryl L. Davies, PhD; Kevin L. Forrester, PharmD; William C. Gong, PharmD; Grant D. Lawless, MD, RPh; Cynthia L.L. Lieu, PharmD; Stanley G. Louie, PharmD; Gladys H. Mitani, PharmD; Tien Ng, PharmD; Susie H. Park, PharmD; Irving Steinberg, PharmD; Fred G. Weissman, PharmD, JD; Michael Z. Wincor, PharmD; Frances S. Wong, PharmD
Assistant Professors of Pharmacy: Betty Chan, PharmD; Vivian Chow, PharmD; Marc Cosep, PharmD; Jennifer H. Cupo-Abbott, PharmD; Melissa Durham, PharmD; Emily Han, PharmD; Michael Jamieson, DRSc; Jiwon Kim, PharmD; C. Benson Kuo, PhD; Kum Ja K. Lee, PharmD; May C. Mak, PharmD; Emi Minejima, PharmD; Edith Mirzaian, PharmD; Rory O'Callaghan, PharmD; Eunjoo Pacifici, PharmD, PhD; Paula Phongsamron, PharmD; Candace Tan, PharmD; Florence H. Wong-Yu, PharmD
Lecturers: Leah Amirian, PharmD; Sarah Sae Byul Ma, PharmD
Emeritus Professor and Dean: Timothy M. Chan, PhD
Emeritus Professor: Eric J. Lien, PhD
The School of Pharmacy offers curricula leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and Doctor of Regulatory Science (DRSc) degrees and graduate degrees through the Graduate School including: Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in pharmaceutical sciences, Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in molecular pharmacology and toxicology, Master of Science (MS) in pharmaceutical economics and policy, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in health economics, Master of Science (MS) in Health Care Decision Analysis, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in clinical and experimental therapeutics, Master of Science (MS) in regulatory science, and Master of Science (MS) in management of drug development. Seven dual degree programs, one joint program and numerous certificate programs are also offered, including: PharmD/JD, PharmD/MBA, PharmD/MPH, PharmD/MS in regulatory science, PharmD/MS in gerontology, PharmD/MS in global medicine, PharmD/PhD, PharmD/graduate certificate in gerontology, PharmD/MS in health care decision analysis, and graduate certificates in clinical research design and management, food safety, preclinical drug development, and patient and product safety.
The USC School of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy program is accredited by Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 135 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 4100, Chicago, IL 60603-4810, phone: (312) 664-3575, Fax (312) 664-4652 or (312) 664-7008.
Tuition for School of Pharmacy degree programs (PharmD; MS and PhD in pharmaceutical sciences; MS and PhD in molecular pharmacology and toxicology; MS and PhD in health economics) is charged at a flat rate (which differs from standard USC tuition). See the Tuition and Fees section for fee information. These fees are subject to change.
Doctor of Pharmacy students must pay a $500 non-refundable acceptance deposit that is applicable toward tuition. For deposit information in other degree programs in the School of Pharmacy, please consult appropriate offices.
Theta chapter of Rho Chi, the academic honor society in pharmacy, was established at USC in 1925. Charters for chapters of this organization are granted only to student groups in those colleges that are members in good standing of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Eligibility for membership is based on high attainment in scholarship, character, personality and leadership. All candidates selected for membership must have completed three semesters of the pharmacy program, and they must be approved by the Dean of the School of Pharmacy.
The Phi Lambda Sigma chapter was established at USC in 1988. This national pharmacy leadership society is devoted to identifying, supporting and recognizing the contribution of pharmacy students to their colleges, their classmates, their campuses, their communities and to their chosen profession.
There are limited university-managed accommodations on the Health Sciences Campus. The Blanche and Frank R. Seaver Student Residence, adjacent to the John Stauffer Pharmaceutical Sciences Center, provides dining facilities and a bookstore. For residence information, call (323) 442-1576; for bookstore information, call (323) 442-2674. Students may also live in student housing on the University Park Campus, located about eight miles from the Health Sciences Campus.
Services of the Student Health Center, covered by the mandatory student health fee, include the ambulatory care health services provided by the Student Health Center nursing staff. The Student Health Center is located in the USC Health Care Consultation Center, 1500 San Pablo Street, Suite 104, adjacent to the USC University Hospital, one block northeast of the School of Pharmacy. The telephone number is (323) 442-5980. In addition to the student health fee, all PharmD students must have major medical insurance coverage from the USC Student Health Plan. A student may request a waiver of the USC Student Health Plan if covered by a personal medical plan that meets criteria established by the Health Insurance Office.
The School of Pharmacy, through the Graduate School, offers curricula leading to the MS and PhD degrees in pharmaceutical sciences, in molecular pharmacology and toxicology, and in health economics, as well as a PhD in clinical and experimental therapeutics. The school also offers interdisciplinary MS degrees in regulatory science and in the management of drug development. The MS degree in pharmaceutical economics and policy is offered jointly with the USC Price School of Public Policy and the Department of Economics. In addition, the school offers dual degrees with the schools of law, business, gerontology and medicine as well as other programs. Instructions given in the Admission section of this catalogue are to be followed, but the application and the supplemental information requested should first be submitted to: Graduate Programs Office, USC School of Pharmacy, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90033. Additional information may be obtained by calling (323) 442-1474 or sending email to pharmgrd@usc.edu.
Applicants should possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 and qualifying scores on the GRE in the verbal and quantitative tests are required. In addition to excellent communication skills, applicants should possess knowledge and competence equivalent to one year of acceptable course work in at least three of the following disciplines: mathematics, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, physiology and pharmacology. In addition to the application for admission, three letters of recommendation from faculty members who can evaluate the promise of the applicant for graduate study and a personal statement summarizing career objectives and research interests must be submitted.
Applicants who do not meet all the specific requirements indicated above, but who show unique potential, may be considered for admission with conditions which may be fulfilled during the first semester of enrollment. See The Graduate School section of this catalogue.
Applicants should possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 and qualifying scores on the GRE in verbal and quantitative tests are required. In addition to excellent communication skills, applicants should possess knowledge and competence equivalent to one year of work in at least three of the following disciplines: mathematics, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, physiology, pharmacology, economics, statistics and computer sciences. In addition to the application for admission, the candidate must submit three letters of recommendation from faculty members who can evaluate the promise of the applicant for graduate study and a personal statement summarizing the candidate's career objectives and research interests. Students will be selected for admission on the basis of their academic and scientific record, and, whenever possible, interviews (in person or by phone) with one or more members of the faculty.
Applicants for admission must have achieved a minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate or professional school and adequate scores on the GRE. In addition, applicants will be required to have completed upper division courses in statistical methods, calculus and microeconomics.
Applicants should possess a bachelor's degree in quantitative/biological sciences (or health profession) or an advanced health professional degree (i.e., PharmD, MD, DDS) from an accredited college or university. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 and qualifying scores on the GRE in the verbal and quantitative tests are required. A student currently enrolled in the Pharm.D. program may pursue a PharmD/PhD dual degree following the admission procedure in the Catalogue.
In addition to the application for admission, three letters of recommendation from faculty members who can evaluate the promise of the applicant for graduate study and a personal statement summarizing career objectives and research interests must be submitted.
Applicants who do not meet all the specific requirements indicated above, but who show unique potential, may be considered for admission with conditions, which may be fulfilled during the first semester of enrollment. See The Graduate School section of this catalogue for further information.
Candidates with a bachelor's, master's or PharmD degree are invited to apply. Applicants must have demonstrated proficiency in verbal and written English and aptitude in economics, mathematics, statistics and computer science. Deficiencies in economics and statistical background can be addressed through preliminary course work after admission to the program.
A minimum grade point average of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required. Special attention is given to the grades achieved in economics, statistics and mathematics courses relevant to the program. A qualifying score on the GRE in verbal and quantitative areas is required. Students with GRE scores of 1200 or better will be given priority for financial aid support.
Applicants should possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. Applicants with graduate or professional degrees are encouraged to apply. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 and qualifying scores on the GRE examination are required. The program encourages the participation of part-time students with work experience. Acceptance criteria for those individuals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. English proficiency is essential. Additional requirements for international students are outlined by university regulations under Admission of International Students.
Applicants should possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. Applicants with graduate or professional degrees are encouraged to apply. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 or qualifying scores on the GRE or equivalent examination are required. The program encourages the participation of part-time students with work experience.
Acceptance criteria for those individuals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. English proficiency is essential. Students will be selected for admission, whenever possible, after interviews with one or more members of faculty.
Applicants should possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. Applicants with graduate or professional degrees are encouraged to apply. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 or equivalent and qualifying scores on the GRE or equivalent examination are required. The program encourages the participation of part-time students with work experience. Acceptance criteria for those individuals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. English proficiency is essential.
Applicants should possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. Applicants with graduate or professional degrees are encouraged to apply. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 and qualifying scores on the GRE or equivalent examination are normally required. The program encourages the participation of part-time students who are already working in the industry as well as students who have recently completed or are about to complete an undergraduate program.
Acceptance criteria will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. English proficiency is essential. Applicants who do not meet all the specific requirements indicated above, but who show unique potential, may be considered for admission with conditions, which may be fulfilled during the first semester of enrollment.
All requirements described in this section are also applicable to the admission of international students. In addition, special application and admission procedures are required of international students. Refer to the section on Admission of International Students in this catalogue.
These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Students should also refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and The Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the School of Pharmacy and/or jointly with the Graduate School.
Office of Continuing Professional Development
1985 Zonal Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9121
(323) 442-2403
FAX: (323) 442-3600
Email: pharmce@usc.edu
http://pharmacyschool.usc.edu/programs/ce/
The School of Pharmacy, Office of Continuing Professional Development, is a recognized provider of continuing pharmacy education accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and recognized by the California State Board of Pharmacy and throughout the United States.
The school serves as a primary educational resource for pharmacists in California and as a supplementary resource for other health professionals and pharmacists, nationally and internationally.
Programs are designed to educate pharmacists about current issues in pharmaceutical care, practice management, therapeutics and other topics of professional interest. Continuing education programs are held at the School of Pharmacy and other locations.
For information concerning continuing education programs contact: Office of Continuing Professional Development.
Professor Marlon Boarnet, senior associate dean for Academic Affairs and director, Graduate Programs in Urban Planning, engages students in a challenging discussion about Los Angeles as a microcosm of future change. The USC Sol Price School of Public Policy is home to more than 200 faculty members from diverse disciplines and backgrounds who contribute to an environment that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, experimentation and collaboration. Photo by Tom Queally.
The USC Price School of Public Policy provides a dynamic learning environment where interdisciplinary education abounds. At USC Price, students choose a program of study from the independent yet related fields of public administration and leadership, public policy, nonprofits and philanthropy, health management and policy, urban planning, real estate development and executive leadership. Students are supported by a committed faculty who contribute to the strong sense of community present in the school.
The school's mission is to improve the quality of life for people and their communities. Faculty engage in solving some of society's most pressing issues — and challenge students to do the same. USC Price is renowned for its expertise in areas such as: sustainability and the environment, health care policy, nonprofit management, housing and real estate, transportation, infrastructure, urban development and land use, social policy, governance, civic engagement, community development, immigration and risk analysis, among others.
Defining characteristics of USC Price are the depth of its academic classroom experience and connecting classroom theory to professional practice through practicums, internships and laboratory work locally, nationally and around the globe. Students graduate with the knowledge, skills and experiences to lead in their chosen field of practice.
Today's complex challenges call for leaders who are able to work across disciplines and across the public, private and nonprofit sectors to find solutions. It is for this multidisciplinary reality that USC Price prepares its students.
USC Price students go on to hold high-ranking appointments in our nation's capital, analyze and determine public policy, design new transportation systems, and redesign city, county, state and federal governance structures — in the United States and abroad.
Ralph and Goldy Lewis Hall 312
(213) 740-0350
FAX: (213) 740-5379
Email: price@usc.edu
usc.edu/schools/price
Jack H. Knott, PhD, Dean
Michael B. Nichol, PhD*, Interim Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs
Marlon Boarnet, PhD, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs
Neeraj Sood, PhD, Vice Dean for Research
Regina T. Nordahl, JD, MBA, SPHR, Associate Dean, Administration
Carol A. Rush, MPA, Associate Dean, Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
John Sonego, MA, Associate Dean for Development and External Relations
C. Erwin and Ione L. Piper Dean's Chair: Jack H. Knott, PhD
University Professor: Kevin Starr, PhD (History)
Wallis Annenberg Chair in Communication and Journalism: Manuel Castells, PhD (Communication)
Judith & John Bedrosian Chair in Governance & Public Enterprise: Raphael Bostic, PhD
Blue Cross of California Chair in Health Care Finance: Glenn A. Melnick, PhD
Margaret and John Ferraro Chair in Effective Local Government: Genevieve Giuliano, PhD*
James Irvine Chair in Urban and Regional Planning: Tridib Banerjee, PhD, FAICP*
Lusk Chair in Real Estate: Richard K. Green, PhD (Business)
Jeffrey J. Miller Chair in Government, Business and the Economy: Elizabeth Graddy, PhD*
Emery Evans Olson Chair in Nonprofit Entrepreneurship & Public Policy: James M. Ferris, PhD
Quintiles Chair in Pharmaceutical and Regulatory Innovation: Darius Lakdawalla, PhD (Pharmacy)
Leonard D. Schaeffer Director's Chair of the USC Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics: Dana Goldman, PhD*
Norman Topping Chair in Medicine and Public Policy: Paul B. Ginsburg, PhD
Borstein Family Endowed Professor of Real Estate: Christian L. Redfearn, PhD
Maria B. Crutcher Professor of Citizenship and Democratic Values: Terry L. Cooper, PhD
Governor Downey Professor of State and Global Policy: Arnold Schwarzenegger
Frances R. and John J. Duggan Distinguished Professor of Public Administration: Shui Yan Tang, PhD*
William M. Keck Professor of Energy Resources: Donald Paul, PhD (Engineering and Earth Sciences)
Dr. Chester A. Newland Professor of Public Administration: Janet Vinzant Denhardt, DPA
Presidential Professor of Health Economics: Daniel McFadden, PhD
Judge Widney Professor: Leonard D. Schaeffer
Judge Widney Professor of Poetry and Public Culture: Dana Gioia, MA, MBA
Professors: Ali E. Abbas, PhD (Engineering); Antonio Bento, PhD; Marlon Boarnet, PhD; Ann Crigler, PhD (Political Science); Howard Greenwald, PhD; Eric Heikkila, PhD; Alan Kreditor, MCP, AICP; Dan Mazmanian, PhD; Martin Krieger, PhD; Jacquelyn McCroskey, PhD (Social Work); James Moore II, PhD (Engineering); Dowell Myers, PhD; Gary Painter, PhD; Manuel Pastor, PhD (Geography and American Studies and Ethnicity); Jane Pisano, PhD; Jon Pynoos, PhD (Gerontology); Alison D. Renteln, PhD* (Political Science); David Sloane, PhD; Robert Suro (Journalism); Detlof von Winterfeldt, PhD (Engineering)
Associate Professors: Elizabeth Currid-Halkett, PhD; Christian Grose, PhD (Political Science); Geoffrey Joyce, PhD (Pharmacy); Annette Kim, PhD; Juliet Musso, PhD*; Rodney Ramcharan, PhD; Christian Redfearn, PhD; Peter Robertson, PhD*; Lisa Schweitzer, PhD; Jeffrey Sellers, PhD (Political Science); Katharine Strunk, PhD (Education); Kathleen Wilber, PhD (Gerontology)
Assistant Professors: Emma Aguila, PhD; Alice Chen, PhD; Jorge De la Roca, PhD; Kathleen Doherty, PhD; Nicolas Duquette, PhD; Nicole Esparza, PhD; Alexandra Graddy-Reed, PhD; Marco Huesch, PhD; Pamela McCann, PhD; Mark D. Phillips, PhD; William Resh, PhD; Abby Wood, PhD; Julie M. Zissimopolous, PhD
Professors (Teaching): Robert Denhardt, PhD; LaVonna B. Lewis, PhD; Dora Vertenten, DPA
Associate Professors (Teaching): Elizabeth Falletta, MRED; Deborah J. Natoli, PhD
Assistant Professors (Teaching): Tara Blanc, PhD (nonresident); William Leach, PhD (nonresident); T.J. McCarthy, PhD; Jennifer Miller, PhD; Kelly Rawlings, PhD (nonresident); Minzi Su, PhD (nonresident); Michael Thom, PhD
Research Professors: Hilda Blanco, PhD; Stephen Hora, DBA; Adam Rose, PhD
Research Associate Professors: Michael Cousineau, PhD (Medicine); Christopher Weare, PhD
Research Assistant Professors: John Romley, PhD; Heather Rosoff, PhD; Dan Wei, PhD
Distinguished Fellow: Stan Ross, Honorary JD
Professors of Practice: Michael E. Harris (Health Services Administration and Policy); Sherry Bebitch Jeffe (Public Policy Communication); Geraldine Knatz, PhD (Public Policy & Engineering); Leonard Mitchell (Economic Development); Mark Pisano (Public Administration); Dan Schnur (Political Science); Antonio R. Villaraigosa (Policy); Frank Zerunyan (Governance)
Adjunct Professors: Janis Breidenbach, MA; Jonathan Brown, DPA; Robert Champion, MRED; Thomas Collins, EdD; Rick Culley, PhD; Tim Gage, MPP; Patrick G. Hays, MHA; Lori Howard, PhD; Stanley Iezman, JD; Robert Ingenito, MA; Jong S. Jun, PhD; Patrick Kapsner, MPA, FACMPE; Michael Keston, MBA; Allan Kotin, MA; Ehud Mouchly, MA; Tomson Ong, JD, PhD, LLM; James Osterling, MBA; Robert Smythe, BS; Erroll Southers, MPA; Donna Staal, DPA; Deborah Torres, MArch; Henry Zaretsky, PhD
Adjunct Associate Professors: Aggie Afarinesh, MPA; P.K. Agarwal, MS; Austin Anderson, MBA; Deepak Bahl, MBA, MPl; William Barcellona, MHA, JD; Bruce Baltin; Vinayak Bharne, MArch; Sandipan Bhattacharjee, MPl; David Brown, JD; Grace Cheng, MSPH; Glenn Daley, M.Phil., MBA; Terri Dickerhoff, MRED; Grace Dyrness, DPDS; Ali Farahani, PhD; James Fawcett, PhD; Veronica Flores, MA; Matt Gainer, MFA; Richard Garcia, DPA; Guillermo Gil, MBA; Todd Gish, PhD; Shawn Godkin, M.Arch; Ray Gonzales, PhD; David Grunwald, JD, MPP; Richard A. Hagy, PhD; Ray Hahn, MHA; Mark Hanson, PhD; Daniel Haverty, DPA; Con Howe, MCP; Donald Hufford, MD; Daniel Inloes, MPL, MPA; Bryan Jackson, JD; Dion Jackson,MBA, MPl, MRED; Daniel Jordan, PhD; Rym Kaki, PhD; Steven Kellenberg, MAUD; William R. Kelly, MPA, MBA, MA; Michael Kodama, MA; Kathy Kolnick, PhD; Alon Kraft, MPl; Jeffrey Kreshek, MBA, MRED; Vi-Nhuan Le, PhD; Richard Little, MS; Kenneth Long; John Loper, MRED; Melissa Lopez, PhD; Robert Manford, DPPD; Marcella Marlowe, PhD; Carl Meyer, MArch; Ryan Millsap, PhD; Donald Morgan, PhD; Bret Nielsen, MRED; Mark E. Oliver, MRED; Ralph Oyaga, MBA, JD; P. Michael Paules, MPA; Katherine Perez, MURP; John Perfitt, MBA; John Raffoul, DPA; Maurice Rahimi, PhD; Ann Reyes Robbins, PhD, JD; Ellen Riley, MBA; Jeanne Ringel, PhD; Shlomi Ronen, MBA; Robert A. Saunders, MRED; Jeffrey Schaffer, MPA; Bonnie Shrewsbury, MA; Susan Sinclair, MBA; Krista Sloniowski, MPl; Jeffrey Smith, PhD; Matthew Smith, MRED; Helene Smookler, PhD; Donald Spivack, MCP; Elwood Tescher, MArch; Halil Toros, PhD; Mark Velez, JD, PhD; Barry Waite, MPA; Jeffrey Wasserman, PhD; Dennis A. Watsabaugh; Clyde Wesp, MD; Chris Wilson, MBA; Jack Wong, MA; Ke Ye, PhD; Diane Yoder, PhD
Frances R. and John J. Duggan Professor Emeritus in Public Administration: Chester A. Newland, PhD
Emeritus Professors: William C. Baer, PhD, AICP; Gerald Caiden, PhD; Robert M. Carter, D.Crim.; T. Ross Clayton, PhD; Lois Friss, Dr.PH; David Lopez-Lee, PhD; Peter Gordon, PhD; David Mars, PhD; Robert C. Myrtle, DPA; E.K. Nelson, DPA; William Petak, DPA; Francine Rabvinovtiz, PhD, AICP; Warren Schmidt, PhD; Gilbert Siegel, PhD; Robert Stallings, PhD; Richard A. Sundeen, PhD*; Robert E. Tranquada, MD; Joseph S. Wholey, PhD; William J. Williams, DPA
Emeritus Associate Professors: Wesley E. Bjur, PhD; Catherine Burke, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
The Price School of Public Policy offers the following degrees:
The Bachelor of Science and the school's master's degrees are also offered jointly as a progressive five-year program and the school participates in the following interdisciplinary minors:
The Master of Planning is offered as a dual master's degree with programs in architecture, landscape architecture, art and curatorial practices in the public sphere, business administration, economics, gerontology, public administration, public health, public policy, real estate development and social work.
The Master of Public Administration is offered as a dual master's degree with programs in planning, gerontology, Jewish nonprofit management, law and social work.
The Master of Real Estate Development is offered as a dual degree with the Master of Business Administration, Juris Doctor and Master of Planning.
The Master of Health Administration is offered as a dual degree with the Master of Science in Gerontology.
The Master of Public Policy is offered as a dual degree with programs in law and planning.
Pi Alpha Alpha is the national honor society for public affairs and administration. Graduate students in the Price School of Public Policy who have completed at least 18 semester units and have earned a 3.7 grade point average are eligible for membership.
Pi Sigma Alpha is the national honor society for students in public administration, political science, and international relations. Students who have completed at least three courses from among these fields and have earned at least a 3.5 grade point average are eligible to apply.
The Price School of Public Policy offers a suite of degrees that allow undergraduate students to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to understand complex health, environmental and urban issues, as well as to potentially enter the professional fields of health and nonprofit management, public policy, real estate development, and urban planning. Students may enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Policy, Planning, and Development or the Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Development. In addition, students can select from a challenging set of minors or possibly the very competitive progressive degrees associated with the Master of Health Administration, Master of Planning and Master of Public Administration.
Freshman and transfer students may indicate their desire to declare a Price School major on their university application. Students enrolled at USC wishing to declare either Price major or to be admitted into the minors must be in good academic standing. Interested current USC students should contact the Admissions and Recruitment Office in RGL 111 for more information.
Students must discuss courses of study with the appropriate undergraduate advisers throughout their college enrollment and need to develop their own individual programs with faculty and staff advisers at the time of first enrollment and throughout their college careers.
The Price School of Public Policy offers students who have demonstrated exceptional academic success the opportunity to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in a progressive degree program. This program allows students to earn both the Bachelor of Science and a master's degree in five years. Further details about progressive degrees can be found on the Requirements for Graduation page.
Admission is available after the completion of 64 units of course work toward the undergraduate degree. Students must apply for admission to the progressive degree program after completing 64 units of applicable course work to their undergraduate programs, but prior to the completion of 96 units of course work (not including AP, IB or courses taken prior to high school graduation). The application for admission to the progressive degree plan must be accompanied by a course proposal plan and two letters of recommendation with one at least from a Price School faculty member.
The Bachelor of Science and master's degree may be awarded separately upon completion of all degree requirements, but the master's degree will not be awarded before the bachelor's degree. Students who elect not to complete the master's, must complete 128 units to earn the bachelor's degree, including 32 units of upper division Price course work (including any graduate Price classes).
All requirements for the progressive degree must be completed within 12 semesters. If not completed within that time, students will no longer be eligible for the master's degree but may still earn the bachelor's.
Graduate courses will not be accepted for transfer credit. Undergraduate classes may be transferred in accordance with university guidelines.
This program covers the most current theories and practice of construction planning and management. The program provides a valuable adjunct credential to professional school students pursuing careers in business administration, public administration, environmental studies, and other areas; and a unique opportunity for professional focus to students in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
Construction activities are complex. In contemporary society, effective planning and management of these activities requires specialized knowledge of the technical, economic and political environment. This program couples the knowledge of how construction activities are organized with a broader understanding of the urban system in which construction projects are embedded. With the exception of statistics, all of the required courses are within the Department of Civil Engineering and the Price School of Public Policy.
Any USC undergraduate who has completed the equivalent of two full-time semesters in good standing is eligible to pursue the minor program. This minor program is rigorous enough to serve as an introductory credential for students subsequently electing to pursue advanced studies in development, urban planning, construction management or allied fields.
See the Department of Civil Engineering for course requirements.
The minor in international policy and management brings together courses from the School of International Relations, dealing with the new global challenges, specific regions of the world, and international organizations and policies, and the Price School of Public Policy, dealing with core management skills and public policy processes. Students will examine the changes and challenges which are transforming the world, and the policy and management skills used to deal with them. To increase their understanding of the context and application of these concepts, students must complete a semester-long internship either in Washington, D.C. (through participation in the Washington, D.C. semester program) or in Los Angeles with an organization that has an international focus.
Students minoring in international policy and management take three courses in international relations, including the gateway course, IR 305 gw Managing New Global Problems; three courses in public policy and management; and an approved internship through the School of International Relations ( IR 491x Field Study). For additional course information, see International Relations.
Applicants for admission to the Master of Health Administration; Executive Master of Health Administration; Executive Master of Leadership; Master of Nonprofit Management and Leadership; Master of Planning; Master of Planning and Development Studies; Master of Public Administration; Master of Public Policy; Master of Public Policy and Management; Master of Real Estate Development; Doctor of Policy, Planning, and Development; Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and Management; and Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Planning and Development must have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited educational institution. In recognition of the increasing diversity of capabilities required as the theories and practices of policy, planning, and development evolve, students from a variety of undergraduate and graduate backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Applicants for admission will be expected to have completed a broad range of undergraduate courses in addition to their academic major or professional concentration. Generally, this will be reflected in completion of courses from the following fields: English; economics (basic theory); political science, history or sociology; physical or natural science; art or philosophy. In addition, mathematics (algebra, calculus, probability theory) and a course in statistics are strongly recommended.
Admission to graduate programs in the Price School of Public Policy is highly selective and competitive. Preference is given to those with a record of high educational achievement and personal qualities favoring success in the fields of planning or development. Applicants must have achieved superior grades during undergraduate and any graduate education. A grade point average of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0) is normally expected as well as satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). The GRE and GMAT are neither accepted nor required for the DPPD or executive MHA programs. Students applying for admission to the Master of Nonprofit Management and Leadership, Master of Planning, Master of Planning and Development Studies or the Master of Real Estate Development program may submit results from the Graduate Management Administration Test (GMAT). MRED applicants may also submit results from the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). In exceptional cases, an applicant who has not met these scholarship requirements may be admitted with conditions of admission.
For specific information on admission requirements and application procedures, contact the Price School of Public Policy, Office of Recruitment and Admissions, at (213) 740-0550. Certificate in Transportation Systems applicants should apply to the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. For additional information, contact the school at (213) 740-0587.
The Degree Progress Department determines whether work done elsewhere is available for consideration for credit toward the USC degree. That office requires official transcripts of all course work done before entering USC. A Graduate Transfer Credit Statement of these official transcripts, done after a student has been admitted to regular status at USC, will indicate which units are available for transfer. These courses do not apply toward the degree unless, and until, the student's major department approves and submits transfer credit to the Degree Progress Department in the Office of Academic Records and Registrar.
Application of any available transfer credits toward a graduate degree will be determined by the director of the particular degree program, based on the semester units available for transfer as shown on the Transfer Credit Statement.
These general guidelines are followed by the admissions evaluator and by faculty members: (1) the work must be completed at an accredited graduate school; (2) the grade must be B or better; (3) the work must be a fair and reasonable equivalent to current USC course work at the graduate level which fits into the logical program for the degree; (4) the units are not more than seven years old at the time of admission to their master's program (or 10 years old for a doctoral program); (5) the units must reflect current knowledge in the field; and (6) the work must be completed prior to admission to the USC program.
USC does not give transfer credit for life experience, credit by examination, noncredit extension courses or thesis course supervision.
Please consult with your degree director before enrolling in courses outside of USC. In many of the Price School's master's degree programs, only courses taken outside of USC prior to admission may be applied to your degree.
The school recognizes that some applicants may have covered the material contained in core courses or courses required for a particular specialization. Under these circumstances, one particular course requirement may be waived, allowing the student to complete a more advanced course in the same area. Students who have a background in a particular area of study may be allowed to substitute other courses. In these situations students do not receive unit credit but are permitted to take course work, which does not repeat earlier academic experiences.
Waiver of content is usually given only in the case of previous academic study of the subject, not in the case of experiential background in the area.
Students who believe they are eligible for content waiver decisions must petition the faculty of the school, providing evidence of the previous work through transcripts, syllabi and other pertinent material. Contact the school's Student Affairs Office for information.
This program is jointly sponsored by the Epstein Industrial and Systems Engineering Department and the Price School of Public Policy, and administered by the Epstein Industrial and Systems Engineering Department. This degree is designed for students with sufficiently quantitative bachelor's degrees in engineering, the sciences or applied social science who are interested in operations management and health care applications, and whose career objectives lead to increasing technical management responsibilities in large health care organizations, particularly hospitals. Students with less quantitative social science or other non-technical backgrounds interested in health administration objectives may also want to consider the Master of Health Administration program in the Price School of Public Policy. For information, see Industrial and Systems Engineering.
USC's Price School of Public Policy offers professional consulting-like experience for graduate students in its core master's degree programs. Participants are presented with a challenging professional assignment and a well-defined client and terms of reference. Students typically work in teams to produce a professional report and related materials that are presented to the client at the close of the assignment. The terms of reference for the lab vary each year depending upon the client, the instructor and the setting, among other considerations.
In principle, these professional labs may be held anywhere, either in Los Angeles, elsewhere in the United States or abroad.
The Price School professional laboratory teaches students to integrate scholarly knowledge with professional practice. Likewise, it helps participants make the transition from the classroom back to a "real world" setting. In the case of international labs, participants also gain a deeper and more direct understanding of how the culture of professional practice can vary from one setting to the next. Through the Price School professional laboratory students build their credentials and experience while also extending their network of professional contacts.
These professional labs are intended primarily for graduate students in public administration, planning, real estate development, public policy and health administration. A distinctive feature of the professional laboratory is that it is intended as an integrative professional experience across the school, so that students from any of these programs may participate fully.
Each summer the Price School offers one or more international labs/workshops. Recent international labs have been held in China, Brazil, Germany, Morocco, Italy and Vietnam. All students are encouraged to take at least one international lab course.
The Hertie School of Governance exchange program is a one-semester exchange program offered during the fall semester. The program will provide opportunities for students to acquire knowledge and skills necessary to become global leaders and succeed in a global market. All instruction is in English; proficiency in a foreign language is not required. Courses completed at the Hertie School of Governance are graded credit/no credit on the student's USC transcript. The courses are selected from a list approved by the Price School of Public Policy. Students must work with their program administrator to understand how the courses will return to their degree.
This 17-unit graduate certificate is jointly sponsored by the Epstein Industrial and Systems Engineering Department and the Price School of Public Policy (Master of Health Administration program), and administered by the Epstein Industrial and Systems Engineering Department. See the Industrial and Systems Engineering Department for course requirements.
This is a four-week intensive training program in the art and science of management. The program is designed to enhance leadership effectiveness and the development of a management generalist perspective.
This five-week laboratory focuses on issues in executive leadership, strategic management, environmental analysis, international finance and economics, computer-based project planning, and implementation of planned change strategies.
A dual degree program is an academic option that allows a student to enroll in two graduate programs simultaneously. Application must be made to both schools, and if accepted to both, the student pursues a specially designed program which combines selected courses from the two academic units. Students are required to seek advisement from both schools. The student will have the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills from two fields of study.
The dual degree program enables the student to integrate a closely related field with planning or development. The purpose of the dual program is to provide an enriched educational experience; accordingly, concurrent course work in the two fields is required.
Since the unit requirements of dual degrees depend upon the mutual transfer of units between the two academic units, no other transfer of credits will be allowed.
Students who decide, at any point, to earn only one of the two degrees must meet all the regular requirements for earning that degree alone.
Students in Master of Planning dual degree programs must fulfill the comprehensive examination and appropriate internship requirements except where noted otherwise.
See the School of Architecture for degree requirements.
The Master of Planning/Master of Advanced Architectural Studies dual degree program facilitates highly related cross-disciplinary studies in architecture and in planning at the master's level. This program offers students interested in developing a career in urban design an opportunity to make more substantial commitments in both disciplines and to achieve a more coherent and extensive knowledge in the design of built environments and public policy. This dual degree program normally requires five semesters in residence.
Qualified students who are admitted to the graduate programs in both the School of Architecture and the USC Price School of Public Policy may complete both degrees in a highly integrated five-semester program. Such students must already possess a five-year professional degree in architecture.
Requirements for completion of the dual degree program are 72 units, including 36 units in architecture and 36 units in planning. See the USC School of Architecture for course requirements.
See the Marshall School of Business for degree requirements.
The dual degree option in planning and landscape architecture (in the USC School of Architecture) trains professionals in policy and design, and to be competent with design problems at different scales, but with a distinctly urban focus. Candidates must be independently admitted to the Master of Planning and Master of Landscape Architecture programs. The dual degree program normally requires between five and seven semesters in residence.
Completion of the dual degree requires 24 units of courses in urban planning, 10 units of thesis option I or II and either 32 units of landscape architecture (for those students admitted with advanced standing); 48 units of landscape architecture (for those students admitted with advanced placement); or 74 units of landscape architecture (for those students admitted to the three-year curriculum). See USC School of Architecture for course requirements.
See the USC Gould School of Law for degree requirements.
See the Marshall School of Business for degree requirements.
For rules governing a second master's degree, see the Requirements for Graduation page. In accordance with these policies, transfer credits will be granted only on the basis of a written petition to the MPA program coordinator and on the basis of credits recognized by USC in a Transfer Credit Statement.
Students may want to prepare for teaching as well as for public service. By careful planning in the upper division of the undergraduate degree and during the graduate years, requirements for a bachelor's degree, a master's degree and the university recommendation for a community college instructorship may be met without unnecessary duplication of effort and waste of time. Those interested in teaching should consult advisers in both the USC Price School of Public Policy and the USC Rossier School of Education before beginning upper division and graduate work.
Regulations governing the Master of Science in Civil Engineering permit some candidates for this degree to take 12 units outside the School of Engineering. Those who wish to do so may take 12 units in public administration. Two courses in this sequence must be selected from among PPD 500, PPD 501a, PPD 501b, PPD 540, PPD 541, PPD 545, PPD 546. One course in this sequence must be selected from among PPD 542, PPD 557, PPD 666. PPD 541 requires PPD 502x and statistics as prerequisites. PPD 546 should be taken last if elected.
This program is designed to prepare competent individuals to administer the long term care needs of America's elderly population. It is jointly offered by the Davis School of Gerontology, the Marshall School of Business, and the Price School of Public Policy. For information see the USC Davis School of Gerontology.
For information, see Industrial and Systems Engineering.
The USC Price School of Public Policy offers the Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and Management (PhD), the Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Planning and Development (PhD) and the Doctor of Policy, Planning, and Development (DPPD). The PhD degrees are designed to prepare individuals for university level teaching and research. The DPPD degree is intended to develop a high level of conceptual and research competence for professional leadership in planning and development. The DPPD is administered by the Price School of Public Policy; the PhD programs are administered by the Graduate School and the faculty of the Price School of Public Policy. PhD students must consult the Graduate School section of this catalogue for regulations and requirements pertaining to its degrees. Students should also consult the Academic Policies section of this catalogue.
Completion of the requirements for all these degrees is assumed to take a minimum of three years of approved graduate study and research beyond the bachelor's degree. For the PhD student, a minimum of 24 graduate units completed in residence on the University Park Campus in Los Angeles is required. DPPD students are required to complete a minimum of 24 units at the University Park Campus. Full-time study is represented by enrollment in 6 units during the semester. Usually the school and the student's qualifying exam committee insist on a clear and mutually understood commitment of time and energy by the student to ensure significant involvement in the doctoral learning experience. For university policies regarding continuous enrollment, leave of absence and readmission, see the Requirements for Graduation page.
Admission to graduate standing for the PhD or DPPD is recommended by the school's admissions committee acting under guidelines established by the Graduate School as outlined in the Graduate School section and the Graduate Admission section. In addition to those guidelines, DPPD students are expected to have a minimum of five years of substantial relevant experience. Students intending to apply should direct questions about the program and all materials for the admission application to Doctoral Programs, Office of Student Affairs, RGL 111, Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0626.
The deadline for applications for admission to the PhD and DPPD programs is December 1. Applications for admission are made once each year for fall semester admission.
The admission decision for PhD students is made using criteria which include verification that the applicant has a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, has maintained a high grade point average in the last 60 units of undergraduate work, and has earned a competitive score on the verbal and quantitative portions of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Other elements of the applicant's educational and experiential background are also evaluated, including performance in other advanced degrees. DPPD applicants must also provide evidence of at least five years of practical administrative or other relevant experience. The GRE and GMAT scores are neither accepted nor required for the DPPD program.
Each applicant should submit the following: (1) one copy of official transcripts of all previous college and university work (be sure that these official transcripts show an awarded degree where appropriate); (2) copies of GRE scores; (3) a 1,000-word essay discussing the applicant's background and reasons for wanting to pursue a PhD degree and identifying his or her personal, educational and professional goals; (4) an up-to-date resume, including academic and professional accomplishments; (5) three letters of recommendation, two from previous instructors, the other from an instructor or from a professional supervisor or colleague. The letters should indicate the applicant's academic and professional accomplishments and potential; (6) a completed USC Graduate Admission Application, along with the nonrefundable application fee; (7) a writing sample of approximately 1,000 words (in addition to the applicant essay); and (8) a completed Price School of Public Policy Supplemental Graduate Application. International applicants are asked to submit additional information. Applicants should carefully choose, and clearly state, the degree objective (PhD or DPPD) for which they are applying, since different sets of admissions criteria exist for each of them.
The application of any available transfer credits toward a graduate degree at USC will be determined by the faculty and the dean of the Price School of Public Policy, based on the semester units available for transfer as shown in the Transfer Credit Statement (determined by the USC Office of Academic Records and Registrar). Refer to Admission with Advanced Standing for more information.
Admission to the university is granted for a specified semester, and it is expected that students will begin their programs during that semester. The school will normally allow students to defer their enrollment up to one year from the admission semester. Students who wish to defer enrollment should notify the school in writing no more than 30 days after the beginning of the semester of admission. Students who do not inform the school in a timely manner of their intent to defer enrollment may be required to reapply for admission.
Please note that more stringent regulations apply to international students. See the Admission and Orientation section of this catalogue.
Acceptance to graduate standing does not in itself imply that the student is admitted or will be admitted to candidacy for an advanced degree. Application for admission as a candidate for an advanced degree is a separate and subsequent step. See the The Graduate School section of this catalogue.
All international applicants for admission to doctoral programs should submit materials to Doctoral Programs, Recruitment and Admissions Office, RGL 111, Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0626. See the Admission of International Students section of this catalogue.
PhD students are required to have a 3.3 overall GPA in first-year courses to continue in the program. DPPD students are required to pass a screening procedure after 16 units of course work. The procedure is designed to ensure that only those students who have demonstrated intellectual and scholarly potential continue in the program.
There are differences between the screening process for PhD and DPPD students. Students should consult the relevant faculty director of the doctoral program in which they are enrolled.
A qualifying exam committee assists the student in outlining an academic program leading toward the degree. Students will form an initial qualifying exam committee by the end of the first fall semester. The committee might not yet include the Graduate School representative from outside the Price School, but must include at least three tenure track the Price School faculty members, one of whom is identified as the chair. This committee bears responsibility for counseling the doctoral student, for approving a course schedule and preliminary and qualifying examinations, and for recommending the student for admission to candidacy. After approval of the student's program and proposed time schedule, the program is submitted in writing to the relevant director. This should be accomplished by the beginning of the second year, following successful screening.
The complete qualifying exam committee must be in place no later than the third semester. The chair should have recognized expertise in the qualifying area and should be a regular participant in the qualifying examination committee for that area. The majority of the members of the qualifying exam committee (typically at least three out of five) should be experts in the area in which the student is qualifying and should be regular participants in the qualifying examination committee. The remaining members should have a clear interest in this area with the exception of the outside member whose primary responsibility is to serve as the representative of the Graduate School, ensuring the university's commitment to the equitable treatment of all students and that the highest quality education standards are upheld.
Students will formalize their relationship with their committees through the development of a work plan which specifies all courses, degree progress, seminar attendance and what was learned from these sessions as well as a research plan that articulates major research questions being explored. At the end of the first year of study, the qualifying exam committee chair reviews and approves the work plan. At the end of the second year, the full qualifying exam committee reviews the work plan and the second year paper.
The Bachelor of Science in Policy, Planning, and Development is an interdisciplinary major that prepares students for graduate study and/or professional careers by engaging them in the analysis of society's political, social and economic issues in such areas as environment, health care and urban life. The major introduces students to theoretical foundations and practical applications through a set of cross-cutting introductory courses and specialized courses in one of five tracks: health policy and management, public policy and law, nonprofits and social innovation, real estate development, or sustainable planning. Students will be introduced to analytical and research tools, including economics, Geographic Information Systems, statistics, urban design, and applied field research. Throughout, the students' education will be connected to professional practice, as exemplified by the mandatory internship. Finally, the major is structured to provide students with sufficient elective credits to explore minors or other programs at USC so they can broaden their education to better prepare themselves for the next stage of their lives.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program requires six courses in different categories, plus writing and diversity requirements, which together comprise the USC Core. See The USC Core and the Requirements for Graduation page for more information.
A minimum grade of C-, 1.7 (A = 4.0) must be earned in each PPD course specifically listed as a degree requirement. In addition, a minimum grade point average of C (2.0) or higher must be achieved to earn all Price degrees. The GPA for all upper division PPD courses applied toward the major must also be a C (2.0) or higher. No more than 16 units of PPD course work may be taken prior to the successful completion of pre-major requirements.
A minimum grade of C, 2.0 (A = 4.0), must be earned in each of the pre-major courses.
All pre-major requirements must be taken for a letter grade.
Students select one track for degree emphasis; they take 28 units (seven courses) from the track selected. Each track includes four required courses and three elective courses. During advisement, students will be given a list of recommended elective courses particularly appropriate for the chosen track, but students have the flexibility to craft the electives out of Price School courses to meet their academic needs. The four requirement courses for each track are listed below.
Required courses:
Required courses:
Required courses:
Required courses:
*Students in the real estate track who select CE 460 as an elective will earn 27 units rather than 28 in the track and will require 27 units of general electives rather than 26 to reach 128 units total.
Required courses:
The faculty director of the undergraduate program may approve students' petitions to substitute or mix track classes if based on an appropriate academic/career rationale.
All students will take four units of a capstone experience during their senior year. This may be fulfilled by taking PPD 431 Undergraduate Policy, Planning, and Development Studio (4) or PPD 497a Senior Thesis, PPD 497b Senior Thesis (2-2). Students wishing to enroll in PPD 497a, PPD 497b must have a 3.7 GPA in PPD courses and an overall 3.5 GPA.
Policy, Planning and Development majors are required to complete 140 hours of internship by enrolling in PPD 301 PPD Practices: Internship Seminar or the Washington, D.C., Semester internship. Internships are matched as closely as possible to the student's interests and skills.
PPD 301 and the internship in a position provide numerous opportunities to develop and formulate future career goals, as well as to gain personal and professional experience while completing the undergraduate degree.
Price School honors are available at graduation to qualified PPD majors and result in a special designation of departmental honors on a student's transcript. Achievement of PPD honors requires a 3.7 GPA in PPD major courses and a 3.5 overall GPA as well as nomination by the professor in the capstone experience. In addition, students must earn an A in their capstone course (PPD 497a, PPD 497b or PPD 431).
The Washington, D.C., Semester program provides an intensive semester of confrontation with the political center of the nation and its complex components. The program offers opportunities for behind-the-scenes work in national government agencies and related organizations, combined with an academic environment and the chance to explore, share and learn with a group of fellow students.
Price School students are trained to look at the interaction between people and place and the consequences for our communities. The Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Development explores the broader context of real estate allowing students to launch their careers by grasping the full structure of the industry and its role in society. The pre-major courses integrate the many disciplines which are the foundation for real estate education, including accounting, economics, and business finance. The real estate core classes taken through the Price School focus on real estate principles, financial analysis, market analysis, land use policy, urban design, and the history of cities. Students also select electives to complement their interests from either the Price School or closely related disciplines. Throughout, the students' education will be connected to professional practice, as exemplified by the mandatory internship. Finally, the major is structured to provide students with sufficient elective credits to explore minors or other programs at USC so they can broaden their education to better prepare themselves for the next stage of their lives.
The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. See The USC Core and the Requirements for Graduation page for more information.
A minimum grade of C, 2.0 (A = 4.0), must be earned in each of the pre-major courses. All pre-major requirements must be taken for a letter grade.
A minimum grade of C-, 1.7 (A = 4.0) must be earned in each Price School course specifically listed as a degree requirement. In addition, a minimum grade point average of C (2.0) or higher must be achieved to earn all Price degrees. The GPA for all upper-division Price courses applied toward the major must also be a C (2.0) or higher. No more than 16 units of Price School course work may be taken prior to the successful completion of pre-major requirements.
*May double count as general education.
Students select up to 12 units of course work from the Price School or in related fields. Elective classes must be approved by the Price School academic adviser.
Students will complete four units of a capstone experience during their senior year. This may be fulfilled by taking PPD 431 Undergraduate Policy, Planning, and Development Studio (4) or PPD 497a Senior Thesis, PPD 497b Senior Thesis (2- 2). Students wishing to enroll in PPD 497a, PPD 497b must have a 3.7 GPA in Price School courses and an overall 3.5 GPA.
Students are required to complete 140 hours of internship by enrolling in PPD 301 PPD Practices: Internship Seminar. Internships are matched as closely as possible to the student's interests and skills. PPD 301 and the internship provide opportunities to develop and formulate future career goals, as well as to gain personal and professional experience while completing the undergraduate degree.
Price School honors are available at graduation to qualified students and result in a special designation of departmental honors on a student's transcript. Achievement of Price School honors requires a 3.7 GPA in Price School major courses, a 3.5 overall GPA, as well as nomination by the professor of the capstone experience. In addition, students must earn an A in their capstone course (PPD 431 or PPD 497a, PPD 497b).
This program covers the most current theories and practice of construction planning and management. The program provides a valuable adjunct credential to professional school students pursuing careers in business administration, public administration, architecture, environmental studies, and other areas; and a unique opportunity for professional focus to students in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
Construction activities are complex. In contemporary society, effective planning and management of these activities requires specialized knowledge of the technical, economic and policy environment. This program couples the knowledge of how construction activities are organized with a broader understanding of the urban system in which construction projects are embedded. With the exception of statistics, all of the required courses are within the Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the USC Price School of Public Policy.
Any USC undergraduate who has completed the equivalent of two full-time semesters in good standing is eligible to pursue the minor program. This minor program is rigorous enough to serve as an introductory credential for students subsequently electing to pursue advanced studies in development, urban planning, construction management, architecture or allied fields.
Seven courses consisting of at least 23 units are required for the minor.
Students must complete an adviser-approved course in statistics. Candidate courses include ECON 317, EE 364, ISE 220, MATH 208, PPD 303, PSYC 274, SOCI 314 and similar courses. The statistics course must be at least 3 units.
*Prerequisite required.
Advisement is provided by the Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Students will normally complete statistics before enrolling in CE 461 but can be permitted to complete statistics as a corequisite subject to adviser approval. Students are advised to take CE 460 and CE 461 before taking CE 462. Students electing PPD 437 must have completed PPD 362.
This 20-unit minor in health administration provides students with a background in administration and management issues in the field of health care and the skills necessary to pursue health-related management opportunities in the for-profit, nonprofit and governmental sectors.
This 16-unit minor in health policy provides students with a background in the policy issues and challenges globally, nationally and locally related to quality, cost and access to health care. Students in this minor will acquire an understanding of these issues and the skills required to influence health policy.
The minor in law and public policy draws upon four fields of study: public policy and management, law, economics and political science. It provides students with an understanding of the political and economic contexts in which laws are made as well as how legal institutions shape policy formulation. Students learn to analyze the consequences of policy and alternatives; the roles played by government, business and nonprofit organizations in public decision making; and the legal bases for various areas of public policy.
Students minoring in law and public policy take six required courses, including the gateway class, PPD 225 Public Policy and Management, and one elective. The latter enables the student to focus on a specific area of law.
*Prerequisite required
This four-course minor enables students to learn about the nonprofit sector — its organizations, philanthropy and voluntary action. The three course core provides: (1) an overview of the nonprofit sector and philanthropy and its role in the United States, including its historical and theoretical foundations, its various components and its relation to public policy; (2) a focus on voluntary action and service as one means for social change and problem-solving; and (3) insights into the management of nonprofit organizations. Students select an elective that extends their understanding to the role of nongovernmental organizations in international affairs or to the role of public relations for nonprofits.
This minor is intended for students who plan (1) to work in a nonprofit or charitable organization, whether it is a large organization such as United Way, a small social service agency, an environmental advocacy group, a museum or a religious organization, (2) to participate with nonprofits as a volunteer throughout their lives or (3) pursue further graduate work in a service-related profession.
*Prerequisite: JOUR 250
This minor provides students with an overview of the field of real estate development — its principles, market analysis, finance and history, as well as the opportunity to pursue more specialized interests and skills through a set of electives (including courses in architecture, civil engineering and business). It is a 23–24 unit minor, requiring four core courses and two electives. The minor is intended for any students with interests in careers in real estate development or other areas that might be related to real estate development, such as local government, non-profit housing and land use enterprises, urban economics, public-private partnerships or related entrepreneurial ventures.
*Prerequisite: MATH 117 and PPD 362
**7 units if CE 460 is selected
The 24-unit minor in urban policy and planning focuses on the application of public policy, urban planning and public management to the analysis and solution of urban problems. It draws upon the interdisciplinary faculty and programs of the Price School of Public Policy and includes foundational courses that introduce students to the nature of urban phenomena and the analysis and solution of urban problems. The minor also introduces students to the professional and academic fields of either urban planning and development or public policy and public management. In addition, based on their specific interests, students have the opportunity to explore in greater depth three areas and approaches of urban problem-solving. This minor is appropriate for students interested in expanding their understanding of the fields of urban planning and public policy and management as potential professional careers as well as increasing their comprehension of the analysis and solution of urban problems.
Students select two courses from this list. They are encouraged through advisement to consider course clusters that reflect special interests.
The Master of Real Estate Development program is a carefully integrated program that brings together the three main elements of real estate development: design, finance and policy. It is a one-year full-time or two-year evening executive program of study designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills they require to compete successfully in the development industry. The curriculum encompasses eight areas of study with which developers must be conversant, including real estate law, economics, finance, market analysis, negotiation, planning, architecture and engineering. Courses are taught by full-time faculty members from the Price School of Public Policy. In addition, practicing developers, lawyers, planners and other professionals make regular contributions to the course of study, helping students link learning to practice.
The program of graduate study for the professional degree requires successful completion of the core curriculum (36 units), elective courses (8 units) and a comprehensive examination. Students must complete a total of 44 units.
The core comprises 13 lecture-seminar courses that combine lectures, projects, case analyses, and exercises which allow students to experience all facets of the developer's tasks and problems. The integrative project, RED 575, provides problem solving exercises and the evaluation of actual development situations. Courses emphasize various design, regulatory and fiscal problems associated with urban development and the developer's role in improving development standards in the industry.
Eight units of elective course work are required for the Master of Real Estate Development. These courses may be taken in the schools of Public Policy, Architecture, Business, Law and the Department of Civil Engineering. Admission to some classes requires advanced prerequisites and is subject to availability and approval of the instructor.
Successful completion of a comprehensive written and oral examination is required of all students seeking the Master of Real Estate Development degree. The examination explicitly covers the core courses. It is normally administered late in the spring semester by a faculty committee appointed by the dean. Students who fail the examination once may take it again within one year. The examination may not be repeated more than once.
The Master of Real Estate Development may be completed on either a full-time or part-time basis. Both options begin in the summer session in June. The full-time program requires 11 months of study. The evening executive option is completed over a two-year period. Students are also expected to participate fully in all extracurricular activities associated with the Master of Real Estate Development program, including the weekly speaker series.
Students who wish to take a leave of absence for a semester or longer must request it from the dean in writing; such leaves may be granted for up to one year.
Students must have an approved laptop computer as required by instructors and must demonstrate calculator and spreadsheet skills.
The time limit within which students in the program must complete the requirements for the Master of Real Estate Development is governed by the following regulations:
All requirements for the Master of Real Estate Development must be completed within five calendar years from the first course at USC applied toward the degree.
University regulations prohibit the acceptance of credits for courses taken toward a Master of Real Estate Development degree more than seven years after the date they were successfully completed.
While enrolled in the program, a student must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 for all courses taken toward the degree.
Any student with a cumulative grade point average of below 3.0 for all courses taken in the program will be placed on academic probation. A student may be disqualified to continue toward a graduate degree if the student has been on academic probation for two consecutive semesters. Whether or not on academic probation or warning, a student may be disqualified at any time from continuing in the program if the dean of the school, after consultation with the faculty, determines that the student is deficient in academic achievement or in another qualification required for the attainment of the Master of Real Estate Development degree.
Courses taken toward other degree programs, if determined by the dean to be equivalent to courses in the curriculum, may be accepted for subject credit only. All students are required to complete 44 units while enrolled in the Master of Real Estate Development program. The acceptance of previous course work for subject credit will enable the student to take additional elective courses.
The Executive MHA Program offers clinical and management professionals an opportunity to advance their careers in health care and to more effectively improve health services within their communities. Mid- to senior-level professionals who have the ambition and potential to serve as industry leaders in the highly dynamic and competitive health care environment are encouraged to consider the Executive MHA degree. The Executive MHA is geared to those who have demonstrated capabilities, yet who will benefit from expanded skills and competencies that will enable them to lead.
Participants sharpen their business acumen by gaining exposure to and in-depth knowledge of the latest theories and the best in contemporary health management practice. A practical, problem-solving approach ensures that skills can immediately be applied on the job.
Applicants for the Executive Master of Health Administration apply directly to the program. A minimum of five years of experience with progressively greater levels of responsibility in health care or a related field is required for entry into the Executive MHA program. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in undergraduate course work is required. Allowances may be made when justified by exceptional work experience and letters of recommendation.
A basic competence in accounting is required for the Executive MHA program. The accounting prerequisite must be satisfied before enrolling in HMGT 565 Managing the Organization's Financial Health. This prerequisite may be met in one of three ways: (1) completing the non-credit Executive MHA accounting workshop with a passing score; (2) demonstrating prior work experience or (3) completing prior course work at an accredited academic institution in accounting and finance.
The Executive MHA offers a hybrid online/in-residence executive education program that will prepare the graduate to meet career objectives. The program provides students with the flexibility to meet program requirements while maintaining full-time administrative positions, but also emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach to executive education. In addition to the synchronous and asynchronous learning modules included in each course, students will participate in five-day, in-residence sessions at the University Park Campus twice during the program. The first in-residence session will occur before the midpoint of the program, and the second session will be a capstone experience in the last semester of the program. The Executive MHA degree program does not require a supervised field placement (residency) in a health care organization.
The curriculum of the EMHA is organized around five themes: thriving in transformational times through innovative leadership; delivering cost-effective care in an era of value-based purchasing; providing efficient management and administration; developing and implementing strategies to enhance patient safety and quality of care; and demonstrating organizational and clinical effectiveness through health information technology. These integrated themes and the associated content provide graduates with a comprehensive approach that expands their understanding of the key principles and applications necessary to function in a senior administrative leadership role.
Participants in the executive program gain practical skills. Emphasis is given to executive decision-making; development of sound planning, analytical and leadership capabilities; and strong interpersonal communication. More specifically, Executive MHA graduates will achieve advanced competency in disciplines which include economics and finance, health care regulation, business development, operations, strategic analysis and management, organizational design, quality and outcomes assessment, and information management. Our graduates will model effective leadership and management in a rapidly evolving health care environment.
The core faculty is drawn from the USC Price School of Public Policy and includes senior, experienced faculty, along with nationally renowned academic specialists and health care experts. The opportunity to interact with health care's leading thinkers, policymakers and practitioners is an essential component of the Executive MHA program.
The Executive MHA office is located in Ralph and Goldy Lewis Hall, Room 307, Price School of Public Policy, (213) 740-2984, email emha@usc.edu.
The issues surrounding the delivery and financing of health services have an enormous impact on individuals and the communities in which we live. The health care industry now accounts for more than 15 percent of the U.S. economy. Fast-moving developments in technology, economics, ethics, finance, policy, management and globalization are driving changes in the health sector. Effective health leadership requires an understanding of governance systems and the complex interplay between the public, private and nonprofit sectors as well as the dual imperatives of both the clinical and business facets of health care delivery. As the health care system changes, career opportunities abound. The field has a tremendous need for leaders, managers and analysts — in hospitals, health plans, physician practices, health-related enterprises, community health organizations, social advocacy groups, and regulatory and legislative agencies.
The Price School of Public Policy's multidisciplinary nature, with degree programs in public policy, public administration, urban planning, and international policy, adds breadth that distinguishes USC's MHA degree, providing students with an understanding of the larger social context in which the health sector is embedded and how it intersects and interacts with other social policy issues.
The Price School programs in health management and policy offer two degree options — the Master of Health Administration and the Executive Master of Health Administration. These degrees position the student to acquire the knowledge, skills and applied experience to shape health policy and lead health organizations. Requirements for the Executive MHA differ from those of the traditional MHA and are found on the program page.
The Master of Health Administration builds a solid foundation emphasizing managerial, analytical and public policy skills for those entering the health field, while the Executive Master of Health Administration deepens professional skills and permits those already working in the health field to advance to higher levels of leadership.
The MHA curriculum incorporates five major areas of competence: management/operations/leadership; health policy analysis; health finance; health information technology; and, health care quality. Each student will be exposed to these core areas and will specialize in two of them. The program prepares students for management positions in hospitals; managed care systems; physician groups; ambulatory care systems, government agencies concerned with health care policy, planning, quality assurance and regulation; and private firms involved in health care consulting, finance, performance assessment and evaluation.
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants may take courses on limited standing pending formal admission to the master's degree program.
Applicants with bachelor's degrees must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in their undergraduate course work and a score of at least 500 on the verbal and at least 500 on the quantitative sections of the GRE. Deviations from these minimums will be allowed when justified by exceptional work experience, letters of recommendation or improvement in academic performance during the third and fourth years of undergraduate study.
A basic competence in descriptive and inferential statistics is also required for the MHA program. The statistics prerequisite must be satisfied within the first 12 units or before enrolling in PPD 557 Modeling and Operations Research. This prerequisite may be met in one of two ways: (1) entering students must have passed an undergraduate inferential statistics class, with a grade of "B" or better, at an approved university within three years of matriculation, or (2) completing PPD 502 x Statistical Foundations for Public Management and Policy with a grade of "B" or better (this course credit may not count toward the MHA degree).
Students taking courses who have not been admitted to the school are designated limited status students. These students may be waiting for part of their application package materials to arrive; or they may be investigating whether an MHA may be right for them.
To be considered for limited status reenrollment, interested students need to complete the Price School of Public Policy Limited Student Application for Enrollment form and submit official or unofficial copies of their transcripts from their bachelor's degree granting institution. Students with a 3.0 grade point average (A = 4.0) may enroll in up to 8 units of graduate courses in the Price School of Public Policy.
Price School of Public Policy Limited Student Application for Enrollment forms may be obtained from the Admissions Office, USC Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California, RGL 111, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0626, telephone (213) 740-6842. Limited students may only enroll during the in-person registration period (the week before classes begin).
Limited status students may apply only 8 units of appropriate graduate work toward the MHA after admission. Units beyond these first 8 must be petitioned for through the school. Students on limited status are encouraged to complete the application and admission process before completing those first 8 units.
Information regarding the Certificate Program in Health Management and Policy Programs can be found on the Graduate Certificates page.
Curriculum for the MHA includes 48 units (40 required units and 8 elective units). In addition, a supervised field placement (residency) in a health service organization is required. The MHA degree is designed to be completed in two years of full-time study, but can be extended for those who work while going to school. Evening classes and classes that meet in an intensive, workshop format of two to four sequential days of training are designed to accommodate working professionals.
In addition to the 40 required units, students are required to take 8 units of electives. Elective courses will be taken in two of the five specialization areas: management/operations/leadership; health policy analysis; health finance; health information technology; and health care quality. The two specializations will be selected by the student with the advice and written consent of the MHA program director and faculty adviser.
The MHA student is required to complete a 1,000 hour residency at a health care organization, generally during the second year of study. This residency may be reduced, but must include at least 500 hours, depending on the health care experience of the student. The residency is designed to provide the student with practical administrative experience that complements program course work.
The International Public Policy and Management (IPPAM) Program offers a Master of International Public Policy and Management (IPPM). The degree is designed for managers, planners and analysts involved in social sector programs who want to strengthen their management skills and further develop their policy analysis capabilities. For professionals working in the social sectors, IPPAM offers an opportunity to deepen their conceptual understanding of the forces driving change in their sectors and to develop an analytical approach for accessing and reshaping social policy. The program is well-suited for mid-career professionals working in the social sectors, such as physicians, nurses and pharmacists in the health professions; educators and administrators in the teaching professions; government regulators, managers and staff; community organizers, aid workers and others working in the NGO sector; and reporters and others in the news professions interested in covering social issues.
This program is specifically designed for international students and U.S. students who wish to work in international settings, including the Pacific Rim, Latin America and countries in other regions with evolving social systems.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 32 units. All students must fulfill core requirements (18 units) in fundamental policy analysis and management disciplines and an additional 14 units in an area of concentration chosen by the student. The core requirements include: PPD 501a Economics for Policy, Planning and Development; PPD 542 Policy and Program Evaluation; PPD 569 Applied International Policy Analysis and Management Project; PPD 570 Applied Statistics for Planning, Policy and Management; and PPD 571 International Public Policy and Management Seminar.
Students select an area of concentration in which they complete a set of recommended elective courses. Each concentration allows students to pursue in depth one or more areas of particular relevance to their career goals. The concentration areas enable students in the interdisciplinary IPPAM program to establish a second "home" in one of the school's programs, such as health administration or urban planning. Students are required to consult with IPPAM faculty advisers to choose elective courses from a recommended list of courses relevant to the IPPM degree.
Through the integrated curriculum, participants gain practical skills, which are developed within an appropriate conceptual context. Many of the courses and applied projects integrate examples and data from the student's home countries. Program graduates will have achieved advanced competency in disciplines that include public sector economics, applied methods for public policy analysis, evaluation and management.
Core faculty are drawn from the Price School of Public Policy and include senior, experienced faculty along with leading practitioners and experts in applied fields such as community development, international trade policy, health care policy, and so forth. In addition to the participation of distinguished visiting scholars as guest lecturers in class sessions, the program features an international seminar on public policy and management with guest lectures by policy makers. The opportunity to interact with leading scholars, policy makers, and practitioners from the United States and abroad is an essential component of the program.
The program begins in mid-June with intensive English language workshops and the course in applied statistics. The language workshop can be waived for students with 250+ computer-based TOEFL scores or 600+ paper-based TOEFL scores, or a score of 6.5 on the IELTS exam with no less than a score of 6 on each band score. In the fall semester, international students transition into the regular program consisting of required courses and electives in their chosen concentration area. Some international students may be required to enroll in additional English language workshops depending on how they score on required English exams. Most students can expect to complete the program in 13 months. The intensive nature of the program is designed for full-time students who take a leave from work while enrolled in the program. This approach minimizes the amount of time that professionals must be away from their full-time careers to pursue an advanced degree.
Applicants should have at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited university and three to seven years of significant professional experience. The IPPAM Program office is located in the Price School of Public Policy, Von KleinSmid Center, Room 253, phone (213) 740-0547, fax (213) 821-1331, email ippam@usc.edu.
The Executive Master of Leadership Program offers professionals from a variety of fields including public administration, public policy, planning, law enforcement, transportation and other public, nonprofit and business organizations, with at least five years of professional experience, the opportunity to build leadership skills at five levels: individual, team, organizational, community and institutional. The program design offers participants insight into the mechanisms that facilitate effective personal and organizational networks, as well as collaborative problem-solving strategies and practices.
The program follows a cohort model for the four required core courses. The degree curriculum has three distinguishing features: a design to connect ethics with leading through core values; an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary problem-solving approach; and transformational leadership that connects the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
Applicants for the Executive Master of Leadership apply directly to the program. A minimum of five years of experience with progressively greater levels of responsibility is required for entry into the program.
Candidates for admission must have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum 3.0 grade point average. Exceptions to the minimum GPA requirement may be made when justified by exceptional work experience and letters of recommendation.
Applicants must submit a standard USC graduate application and fee along with official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Letters of recommendation, a current resume, an essay and an interview will also be required.
Students are required to complete 28 units of graduate work — 16 units of required core courses and 12 units of electives.
In addition to these 16 required units, students are required to take 12 units of electives.
Elective courses will be selected in consultation with the faculty adviser based on the student's individual learning/development plan. Students will choose these electives in order to concentrate in a particular area of study. The following are examples of concentrations that are available: public management, nonprofit policy and management, urban planning, transportation, public policy and political management. The Price School of Public Policy offers a wide range of electives to students each semester.In addition to these 16 required units, students are required to take 12 units of electives. Elective courses will be selected in consultation with the faculty adviser based on the student's individual learning/development plan. Students will choose these electives in order to concentrate in a particular area of study. The following are examples of concentrations that are available: public management, nonprofit policy and management, urban planning, transportation, public policy and political management. The Price School of Public Policy offers a wide range of electives to students each semester.
The Master of Global Public Policy (GLPP) program is an executive program in partnership with USC-HKU designed for professionals in the public, private and nonprofit sectors around the world who have substantial experience in relevant professions and are eager to understand creatively solve complex policy problems that often lay at the intersection of the public, private and nonprofit sectors. The curriculum offers a rigorous and innovative look at increasingly complex policy issues that policy leaders face in today's fast-changing global economy with special attention to issues in Greater China that have global resonance. The GLPP curriculum weaves together a full spectrum of analytical competencies, a set of core orientations that focus on attaining economic and social impact through innovative policy solutions straddling the public-private divides, and a solid body of knowledge of policy themes that are significant in both China and globally. The program is delivered in an executive format with students completing the program in 15 months with a combination of in-person modules in Hong Kong, Los Angeles, and Beijing and online learning.
Candidates for admission must have maintained a minimum B (3.0) average during their undergraduate degree work and 3-5 years professional work experience. International students must submit TOEFL scores. See Price webpage for more specific application information.
The Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management (MNLM) program is designed to prepare students to distinguish themselves as leaders in the nonprofit sector whether managing nonprofits, advocating for social change or developing and implementing innovation solutions to social problems.
Students are required to complete 40 units of graduate work, with 32 units of core organized under three areas: theory and context, leadership and management, and analytical skills and 8 elective units based on their interests.
*PPD 502 is a prerequisite for PPD 542.
Students complete 8 units of electives based on their interest and in consultation with their adviser.
The planning of cities is as old as urban civilization. The contemporary planning profession has expanded to include a broad range of applications that draws upon emphases of foresight, common good and interconnections of elements in human settlements. Planners are engaged in evaluating and guiding community and urban development at geographic scales, ranging from the local American neighborhood to the global village utilizing the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
Planners play an increasingly important role in managing the pressing problems and competing demands of change and growth in shaping a better future. The Master of Planning (MPl) curriculum reflects this forward-looking and constantly evolving role.
The MPl curriculum provides a core of knowledge underlying the key forms and applications of planning. This core sets the foundation for a wide choice of specific careers in the field and extends the relevance and value of graduate education over an extended period of time. A goal of the MPl curriculum is to prepare planners to practice anywhere in the world.
The Planning Accreditation Board of the American Planning Association and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning accredit the MPl program.
All persons pursuing the MPl will complete core courses which present basic theories, techniques and methods.
Concentrations are available in five broad areas: economic development; preservation and design of the built environment; social and community planning; sustainable land use planning; and transportation and infrastructure planning. After students register, the faculty will suggest specializations that allow students to focus their concentrations even further or span planning more broadly.
A concentration in any of these areas qualifies graduates for a wide range of private, public and nonprofit sector careers with government agencies, consulting firms, corporations, utilities, international technical assistance programs, nonprofit and special interest organizations and joint public-private ventures.
The program of study for this professional graduate degree requires completion of 48 units, including 16 units of core curriculum, 8 units of planning studios, 4 units of methodology related to the student's concentration, a required concentration gateway course and 16 units of electives, including two additional courses related to a student's concentration. A comprehensive examination and an approved non-credit internship are also required. The degree may be pursued on either a full-time or part-time basis.
A basic competence in descriptive and inferential statistics is required. This prerequisite may be fulfilled by successfully completing PPD 525 or by having completed a previous course (within five years) with a grade of B or higher (A = 4.0).
2-unit courses may be offered in seven-and-ahalf week blocks.
Planning studios are an integral part of the curriculum of the Price School of Public Policy, providing the essential educational link between academic education and preparation for professional practice. The planning studios require that students learn to work together as a team by applying their respective capabilities and knowledge to a real-world common problem and to produce a professional project. Students must complete 8 units of domestic or international planning studios under PPD 531 (4) to satisfy this requirement. A maximum of 12 units may be taken.
Local agencies, communities and firms often sponsor planning studios to obtain research and analysis. Community groups seek assistance as a means of informing themselves more thoroughly on community problems and issues or for obtaining planning analysis otherwise unavailable to them. The products of planning studios are usually in the form of policy recommendations, a suggested plan or alternative plans, databases, background information, base maps, or any one of many specific contributions.
MPl planning studios can either be situated in the United States or around the world. Past courses have examined the tragedy around Katrina in New Orleans, developed economic development plans for local Southern California cities, and studied changing public spaces in Germany.
Price International Laboratories (PPD 613a, PPD 613b ) can be taken as an elective in the MPl program. The program strongly encourages students to enroll in one laboratory during their course of study. In recent years, Price lab courses have been offered in China, Brazil and England.
Students must declare their concentration during the fall semester prior to taking the comprehensive examination in the spring semester. Students are required to complete the gateway course and methodology course related to their concentration as part of their preparation for their comprehensive examination. The student's concentration must contain a 4-unit methodology course, a 4-unit gateway course and 8 other units. At least 12 of these units must be selected from Price School curriculum. Courses outside the Price School should be selected by the student with the approval of an academic adviser and must be directly concerned with the subject matter of the concentration.
After students register, the faculty will provide them with a series of specializations they may take in association with the concentrations. These specializations are not required; they are provided as guidance for students interested in these subject areas. The specializations vary. Some suggest ways that students can more deeply study a single area within planning, while others provide a broad overview of planning and policy issues. The specializations draw upon courses within the MPl program, the Price School sister programs and courses from other USC units.
is the basis for prosperous community development. Job creation and the development of service or employment sites are the core of economic development. At a higher geographical scale, development of regional economies provides a focus for planning in an international context.
addresses the architecture of the city, viewed not as a series of individual buildings, but as a set of visual and functional connections between buildings on a street front or in a district. In contemporary settings, planning and construction do not begin with a blank slate. Rather, new structures are inserted into an existing built environment, which must be respected for its historical heritage and its contributions to the new. Students in this concentration are encouraged to draw from courses related to landscape architecture and historic preservation in the School of Architecture.
gives specific attention to the changing needs of neighborhood residents and to the ways in which different planning policies, programs and activities contribute to resident well-being. Community planning is a process of organizational change that links residents and services to produce communities that are safe, healthy and socially connected. Achieving these goals demands that residents actively advocate for their communities.
centers on community land use planning set in the context of regional growth or decline. The planning process involves forecasting transportation means, population growth and housing needs, together with providing comprehensive planning to accommodate that growth in a way that preserves and enhances local quality of life. Envisioning better futures, livability, environmental protection accessibility, mobility and affordable housing production are all part of smart growth strategies for sustainable regional growth.
is the combination of vital functions that determine the efficiency and productivity of a city. Issues of access and mobility of urban residents must be addressed. Circulation of workers from home to workplace, and of residents to shopping and services, are fundamental determinants of land use and urban form. Students in this concentration acquire mastery of the basics of transportation analysis, with emphasis on analysis of different policies that serve transportation and infrastructure needs within urban areas.
Students are required to complete their gateway course prior to participating in the comprehensive examination. The following courses are required for their concentration:
Students are required to complete one methodology course related to their concentration. Students are encouraged to complete a second methodology course among their electives. The following courses are required for their concentration:
Successful completion of a comprehensive examination is required of each student seeking the Master of Planning degree (except for students pursuing the dual degree with either economics or gerontology). Students pursuing the dual degree with real estate development can choose the MPl or MRED examination. The comprehensive examination integrates accumulated lessons of the core courses and planning studios. Students are also expected to utilize material covered in their concentration and electives.
The comprehensive examination is given only in the spring semester of each year. Students usually take the examination in the last semester of their second year. Students must declare their concentration during the fall semester prior to completing the comprehensive examination in the spring semester. They must have completed the gateway and methodology courses in the declared concentration prior to taking the comprehensive examination.
The MPl Program degree committee administers the comprehensive examination. Examinations are graded on a pass/fail basis. Students who fail the examination may take it a second time the next year. The examination may only be repeated once.
Students are encouraged to select electives related to their course of study. A Price international laboratory course is especially encouraged.
Students working toward the Master of Planning degree must complete an internship of at least 10 weeks duration and 400 hours in an organization engaged in planning or a closely related activity. Students must submit a report to the director of career services describing and evaluating the internship experience. Arrangements must also be made for an evaluative report of the internship by the student's supervisor submitted directly to the academic adviser. The internship is not for unit credit.
Students often fulfill their internship while working part-time in a planning-related job during their course of study in the program or in the summer between the two academic years. If a student has had equivalent career experience prior to admission to the program, the MPl director may waive the internship requirement on the recommendation of the student's academic adviser.
The Price Office of Career Services actively works with school alumni and area planning organizations to assist students in obtaining appropriate internships. Numerous internship opportunities are available in the greater Los Angeles area. The student is responsible for securing the internship and fulfilling the requirement.
With the advice of the faculty, a student may elect to enroll in directed research as an elective. Working directly with a faculty member, the student pursues an interest or problem appropriate to the student's program of study.
The faculty member supervising the student must approve the final product of directed research. The final product may be a written report, article, graphic formulation, physical model, mathematical-statistical analysis, computer output or film — depending on the most appropriate expression of the research undertaken.
The Master of Planning normally requires two academic years of full-time study. Courses are also scheduled to allow completion on a part-time basis.
At least 36 units of graduate-level study must be done in residence at USC. The residency requirement may not be interrupted without prior permission from the Price School of Public Policy. Students accepted into the program with academic deficiencies will require a correspondingly longer time to complete their course work. Students seeking the degree on a part-time basis must take at least one course each semester.
Students must be enrolled at USC for the fall and spring semesters each year until all degree requirements have been met. Students who find it necessary to be excused from a semester of registration must request a leave of absence from the Academic Programs Office by the last day to drop/add courses of the semester in question; such leaves may be granted for up to one year. For additional information refer to USC policies governing continuous enrollment, readmission, and leaves of absence in the Academic Policies section of this catalogue.
All requirements for the Master of Planning must be completed within five calendar years from the beginning of the semester in which the student was admitted to the program. University regulations prohibit the acceptance of credits for courses taken toward the Master of Planning degree more than seven years after the date they were successfully completed.
While enrolled in the program a student must maintain a grade point average of at least a 3.0 for all courses taken toward the degree.
Any student with a cumulative grade point average below 3.0 for all courses taken in the program will be placed on academic probation. A student whose semester grade point average is below 3.0, but whose cumulative grade point average is 3.0 or higher, will be placed on academic warning.
A student may be disqualified to continue toward a graduate degree if the student has been on academic probation for two consecutive semesters. Whether or not on academic probation or warning, a student may be disqualified at any time from continuing in the program if the dean of the school, after consultation with the faculty, determines that the student is deficient in academic achievement or in another qualification required for the attainment of the Master of Planning degree.
Graduate work by transfer may be accepted from approved graduate schools as determined by the USC Articulation Office upon recommendation of the dean of the school. Not more than 12 units of graduate work, with grades of B or better may be transferred for credit to the Master of Planning degree.
The following courses, or their equivalents, cannot normally be transferred for unit credit from other institutions: PPD 500, PPD 501a , PPD 524, PPD 525, PPD 526, PPD 527, PPD 529 , PPD 531, PPD 533, PPD 590, PPD 594a, PPD 594b. Undergraduate work will not be credited for advanced or graduate standing. Students may petition to receive subject credit for these courses; but unit requirements must be met through the completion of additional electives.
Some applicants for admission to the school have been engaged in work in planning, development or closely related activities. Although this experience may have been beneficial to the students involved and may satisfy the internship requirement, it may not be considered equivalent to academic education.
The Master of Planning and Development Studies degree is designed for mid-career professionals in planning, development or related disciplines who desire to update and/or redirect their professional skills and careers. The program is very flexible, allowing students to pursue areas of expertise that they find valuable in their present or future careers. Entering students must have a minimum of five years of planning, development or related professional work experience.
The Master of Planning and Development Studies program requires completion of 28 units. Basic degree requirements consist of two core courses; 16 units in a concentration area approved by an adviser; and an integrative seminar course during which the student completes a written and oral comprehensive examination.
Students elect a concentration area from one of three already defined or, with prior approval by an adviser, design a concentration from Price School of Public Policy courses and USC graduate courses. A minimum of eight units must be Price School of Public Policy courses. The three defined concentration areas are:
Select 16 units from the following courses:
Select 16 units from the following courses:
Select 16 units from the following courses:
Successful completion of a comprehensive examination is required of all students seeking the Master of Planning and Development Studies degree. The integrative seminar course (PPD 638) and comprehensive exam should be taken during the semester of intended graduation. During the seminar class, students identify a practice-oriented problem covering the core courses and concentration area, which ideally is sponsored by a planning and/or development office or firm. The student will: (1) prepare a professional-quality document; (2) present the solution to a faculty committee with invited sponsor guests; and (3) have an oral defense. Students who fail the examination may take it again within one year, but it may only be repeated once.
The Master of Planning and Development Studies may be completed in one academic year of 12 units in the fall and spring semesters and the four-unit integrative seminar/comprehensive examination the following summer semester.
At least 18 units of graduate study must be done in residence at the University Park Campus, the USC State Capital Center or at an approved off-campus study center.
Students in the program must complete all requirements for the Master of Planning and Development Studies within five calendar years from the beginning of the semester in which the student was admitted to the program.
While enrolled in the program, a student must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0) for all courses taken toward the degree.
Any student with a cumulative grade point average below 3.0 for all courses taken in the program will be placed on academic probation. A student whose semester grade point average is below 3.0, but whose cumulative grade point average is 3.0 or higher, will be placed on warning.
A student may be disqualified to continue toward a graduate degree if the student has been on academic probation for two consecutive semesters. Whether or not on academic probation or warning, a student may be disqualified at any time from continuing in the program if the dean of the school, after consultation with the faculty, determines the student is deficient in any degree requirement.
Credit for graduate work may be transferred from approved graduate schools as determined by the USC Degree Progress Department in the Office of Academic Records and Register on recommendation of the dean of the school. Not more than four units of graduate work, with grades of B or better, can be transferred for credit toward the Master of Planning and Development Studies degree.
The following courses, or their equivalents, may not normally be transferred for unit credit from other institutions: PPD 611, PPD 612 and PPD 638. Undergraduate work may not be transferred into the degree program for unit credit.
Some applicants for admission to the school will have been engaged in work in planning, development or closely related activities. Although this experience should be beneficial to the students involved, it may not be considered equivalent to academic education.
The Master of Public Administration programs are under the jurisdiction of the Price School of Public Policy. All admissions decisions are made by the school, following guidelines set by the university. See the Admission section of this catalogue.
All questions about the programs and all materials required for admission should be submitted to: MPA Programs, Admissions Office, RGL 111, University Park, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0626.
Admission to each of these programs is determined by the faculty and admissions committees connected with those areas. Application packages should be sent directly to the program office.
The admission decision is made using criteria which include verification that the applicant has completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited college, has maintained a B average in undergraduate course work and has earned an acceptable score on the verbal and quantitative portions of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). Other elements of the applicant's educational and experiential background are also evaluated. International students whose native language is not English must also submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score.
Each candidate should submit the following to the school: (1) official transcripts of all previous college and university work, showing an awarded degree where appropriate; (2) copies of GRE or GMAT scores; (3) an essay answering questions on the admission questionnaire provided by the school; (4) an up-to-date resume which includes academic and professional accomplishments; (5) three or more letters of evaluation from previous instructors and from professional associates who can attest to the applicant's potential; (6) completed USC Graduate Admission Application, along with the nonrefundable processing fee; and (7) completed Price School of Public Policy Supplemental Graduate Application.
International applicants may be asked to supply additional information. See the Graduate Admission section of this catalogue.
Applications for admission are evaluated monthly. Those students who are also applying for financial aid, or who must meet other deadlines for admission, should submit application materials early enough to allow the admissions decision to be made in advance of those other deadlines.
The admissions process generally takes about four to six weeks after all necessary materials have been submitted.
Most MPA students are classified as pre-service or in-service students at the time of admission. Pre-service students are those who enter the program with less than two years of professional work experience. In addition to course work, pre-service students complete an internship. Students pursuing the Intergovernmental Management specialization or one of the dual degree programs are not classified as pre-service or in-service. Appeals for reclassification of this designation must be submitted during the first semester of enrollment.
Any undergraduate major is acceptable as preprofessional background, provided the applicant has had at least 12 semester units (16 quarter units) of undergraduate course work in cultural anthropology, economics, ethnic studies, social and human geography, political science, sociology or related social science area courses; no more than two of these courses may be in the same field.
Deficiencies in the social science prerequisite may be met while in residence by taking appropriate courses in other departments, but such course work may not be counted toward the course requirements for the master's degree.
A basic competence in descriptive and inferential statistics is also required for the MPA programs. This prerequisite may be met in one of two ways:
All prerequisites must be fulfilled within the first 12 units of graduate course work. The statistics prerequisite must also be met before enrolling in PPD 542, PPD 557, PPD 638 or PPD 666 .
Students applying for graduate programs should send applications and appropriate documents to the MPA Programs Admissions Office, which processes all such applications.
A student is accepted for admission only for the semester indicated on the letter of admission. If the student desires to enter at another time, or if the student cannot arrive on campus in time for the semester in which he or she was admitted, the student must contact the MPA Programs Admissions Office in writing. That office will contact the Office of International Admissions.
Students who do not enroll for the semester indicated on the letter of admission cannot be guaranteed admission to a later session. They will need to work with the MPA Programs Admissions Office to determine procedures to follow.
International students on student visas must be registered as full-time students as arranged by the Office of International Services. Doctoral students must carry a load of at least 6 units to be considered full-time students. A full-time graduate load is eight units. Such students are not eligible to be considered students without formal registration and may be in violation of immigration laws when not properly registered.
International students who have questions about registration requirements should contact the Office of Recruitment and Student Affairs.
MPA applicants may be permitted to take courses before the admission process is completed or they may be admitted before certain conditions have been met; each student must, however, attain regular status (standing) admission to the school prior to or upon completion of 8 graduate units.
Students taking courses who have not been admitted to the school are designated limited status students. These students may be taking courses to meet prerequisites; they may be waiting for part of their application package materials to arrive; or they may be investigating whether an MPA is the best choice for them.
To be considered for limited status enrollment, interested students need to complete the Price School of Public Policy Limited Student Application for Enrollment form and submit official or unofficial copies of their transcripts from their bachelor's degree granting institution. Students with a 3.0 grade point average (A = 4.0) may enroll in up to 8 units of graduate courses in the Price School of Public Policy.
Price School of Public Policy Limited Student Application for Enrollment forms may be obtained from the Admissions Office, Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California, RGL 111, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0626; (213) 740-6842. Limited students may only enroll during the in-person registration period (the week before classes begin).
Limited status students may apply only 8 units of appropriate graduate work toward the MPA after admission. Units beyond these first 8 must be petitioned for through the school. Students on limited status are encouraged to complete the application and admission processes before completing those first 8 units.
PhD students who pass the qualifying examinations and complete the MPA course requirements or their equivalent during their course work at USC may, with the recommendation of the coordinator of the MPA program, apply for and receive the MPA degree.
The MPA course requirements are designed to address current and future professional competencies for accomplishment; to establish a sequence of basic required courses; and to maximize student choice and depth in specialized studies. The curriculum requires 40 units for completion (41 for pre-service students). Pre-service students, that is, those who have less than 25 months' employment experience in a professional level position, are also required to take an internship that includes a one-unit seminar.
Three of the required core courses (PPD 500, PPD 501a, PPD 501b and PPD 540) provide the foundation to the field and the fourth (PPD 546) serves as a capstone course. PPD 540 must be taken in the first semester or within the first 12 units and PPD 546 must be taken in the final semester or last 12 units of the student's program.
MPA students are expected to develop managerial competencies in three areas by taking at least one course in each of the following areas:
(With the approval of the MPA or center director, the student may choose a human resource management elective to fulfill this requirement.)
(With the approval of the MPA or center director, the student may choose a financial management elective to fulfill this requirement.)
*The statistics requirement must be met before enrolling in PPD 542, PPD 557 or PPD 666.
Students may elect to devote their elective courses (14 units) to gain depth in a designated area cluster. These areas include the following: community and economic development, environmental management and land-use policy, financial management, health administration, human resources management, information technology management, intergovernmental management, international policy and management, local government, nonprofit management, planning, public policy, real estate development, transportation, and urban form and design.
Students may elect to follow a more generalist perspective and take their elective courses from the array of elective offerings.
Thesis option, PPD 594a Master's Thesis, PPD 594b Master's Thesis (4 units), may be taken as part of the elective category. Information regarding the thesis contract is available from the MPA director. All theses and dissertations submitted in fulfillment of requirements for graduate degrees must conform to university regulations with regard to form and method of preparation.
Pre-service students — that is, those with fewer than 25 months' employment in a professional level position —are required to complete at least 300 hours of an internship and an internship seminar (PPD 543). MPA students may enroll in the internship seminar during their first semester. Students complete internships in conjunction with the internship seminar.
In addition to the substantive area cluster, MPA students may choose the specialization in intergovernmental management.
Students enroll in courses and serve in internships in at least two levels of governance. A student may take courses toward this specialization at either the Los Angeles or USC State Capital Center. Internships may be taken through either of these centers. Students electing this specialization meet with the intergovernmental management coordinator at either the Los Angeles or the USC State Capital Center to design their program.
To complete this specialization, students complete three courses from the following lists (with at least two drawn from the first list):
The Master of Public Policy (MPP) program is designed to prepare students for careers as professional policy analysts. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum and real world experience, students gain an understanding of the policy process, and develop the capacity to formulate, analyze and implement public policy.
The MPP degree is offered at the University Park Campus only.
Candidates for admission must have maintained a minimum B (3.0) average during their undergraduate degree work and attain a score of at least 500 on the verbal and at least 500 on the quantitative sections of the GRE. Exceptions to these requirements are allowed if justified by outstanding work experience, letters of recommendation, or demonstrated improvement in academic performance during undergraduate studies.
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and have a basic competence in descriptive and inferential statistics. This prerequisite may be met in one of two ways: (1) entering students must have passed an undergraduate inferential statistics class, with a grade of "B" or better, at an approved university within three years of matriculation, and must pass the MPP lab associated with PPD 554 Foundations of Public Policy Analysis, or (2) take PPD 502 x Statistical Foundations for Public Management and Policy and complete with a grade of "B" or better. If students select to take PPD 502, the units associated with this class may not be used toward the MPP degree.
Students are required to complete 48 units of graduate work, with 24 units of core and 24 elective units divided between management, analytic and specialization areas.
*During a student's final semester of the program, the Policy Analysis Practicum is required as a component of the program's 48 units of course work. The practicum is an opportunity for students to apply their analytic skills to a current problem for an actual client. Admission to the practicum is granted on the approval of the MPP director, and normally requires prior completion of most required courses.
Students complete 4 units of management elective, 8 units of analytic elective and 12 units of specialization elective. These electives typically are selected to support specialization in a substantive policy area (e.g., environment or community economic development).
*Students who select PPDE 660 to meet their analytic requirement will add the remaining 2 units to the 12 specialization units in consultation with their academic adviser.
In addition, students take 12-14 units of additional electives selected by the students with the advice of the academic adviser or director of the MPP program. These electives typically are taken in an area of policy specialization, such as: community economic development, education policy, environmental policy, health, infrastructure, international policy and development, media and communications, philanthropy and nonprofit, and transportation.
Students may not take more than 12 units outside of the Price School of Public Policy without written consent of the director of the MPP program.
The graduate Certificate in City/County Management is for students interested in acquiring the foundational training needed to pursue a career in public service leadership and provides students with the necessary knowledge, training and skills development that will ensure their professional success as a future city/county manager.
The Certificate in City/County Management consists of 16 units of graduate course work.
Applicants for the Certificate in City/County Management who are currently enrolled in a graduate program at USC and are in good standing with a 3.0 GPA only need to submit the appropriate paperwork for adding the certificate program, which may be obtained from the program administrator.
Applicants for the Certificate in City/County Management who have not matriculated at USC must make a formal application for admission to the certificate program; provide transcripts of all college work, a resume and one letter of recommendation.
Please contact the USC Price Office of Admissions at uscprice@usc.edu for more information.
The Health Management and Policy Programs of the Price School of Public Policy offers certificate programs in specialized areas of health care administration. The certificates are designed to provide practitioners with means for improving or updating their knowledge and experience in a challenging and professionally relevant course of study. Certificates are offered in Administration of Long Term Care Programs and Management of Ambulatory Care Systems. Applicants for the certificate programs must make formal application for admission to the certificate program, provide transcripts of all college work, supplemented by three letters of recommendation, including one from a former instructor, a resume and a personal statement describing their career goals and the relationship of the certificate to those ends.
It is expected that applicants to the certificate programs should have graduated from a recognized college with an approximate grade point average of B in the last 60 units of college work. Non-graduates may be admitted if the director believes that there is evidence to suggest that the applicant is capable of graduate level work.
Successful completion of the certificate will not be a deciding factor in the admission decision for the degrees offered by the Health Management and Policy Programs or the Price School of Public Policy.
The Ambulatory Care program requires 20 units of graduate credit including a 16-unit core and a four-unit specialized seminar in the area of the certificate concentration.
The Certificate in Administration of Long Term Care Programs requires 16 units of course work
The program can be completed via distance learning.
Completing a certificate program does not constitute completion of or admission to the Master of Health Administration (MHA) or Executive Master of Health Administration (EMHA) degree programs nor will it be a deciding factor in the admission decision to those programs. Students in the MHA program, however, may qualify for award of these certificates if they complete the applicable course requirements.
This graduate certificate program provides students with a foundation in homeland security and public policy. It is designed to provide expertise to individuals working in the field with an interest in refining their risk and security analysis skills as well as others with interest in the field. The certificate develops risk analysis skills and provides students with the knowledge needed to understand the issues surrounding the increasingly important issues of homeland security and public policy.
Applicants for the Certificate in Homeland Security and Public Policy who are currently enrolled in a graduate program at USC in good standing with a 3.0 GPA only need to submit the appropriate paperwork for adding the certificate program which may be obtained from the student services adviser.
Applicants for the Certificate in Homeland Security and Public Policy who have not matriculated at USC must make a formal application for admission to the certificate program, provide transcripts of all college work, a resume and one letter of recommendation.
The certificate in homeland security and public policy consists of 15–16 units of graduate course work depending on the course selected.
The Graduate Certificate in International Policy and Planning strengthens students' understanding of global policy, planning and public management issues underscoring comparative differences in policy approaches and governance institutions across countries, builds a core foundation of knowledge about the governing institutions and agreements that operate on a global level, and prepares students for working in international organizations. The professions of graduate students in the Price School (public administration, public policy, urban planning, health policy and management, and real estate development) are globalizing. To analyze and understand the impact of globalization on their chosen field and to be competitive in a global context, emerging leaders in these professions should be conversant in thinking and operating on a global scale. Earning this certificate better prepares students for the professional demands of the globalized era.
The Certificate in International Policy and Planning consists of 14 units of graduate course work.
*If students select PPD 613a and PPD 613b, both must be completed.
Students select at least 6 units of elective courses. The elective courses may be taken from within the Price School of Public Policy course offerings or other USC units. The electives will be selected from three topic areas: international development; urbanization, policy issues and sustainability; and global health. The electives will be selected in consultation with and approved by the faculty advisor for the certificate program. The electives should be chosen such that the combination of core classes and electives produces a well-rounded and rigorous preparation for professional practice in a globalized context.
Applicants for the Certificate in International Policy and Planning who are currently enrolled in a graduate program at USC and are in good standing with a 3.0 GPA only need to submit the appropriate paperwork for adding the certificate program, which may be obtained from the program administrator.
Applicants for the Certificate in International Policy and Planning who have not matriculated at USC must make a formal application for admission to the certificate program; provide transcripts of all college work, a resume and one letter of recommendation.
Please contact the USC Price Office of Admissions at uscprice@usc.edu for more information.
This graduate certificate program provides students with a foundation in nonprofit management and policy. The certificate develops nonprofit management skills and provides students the knowledge needed to understand the increasing importance of nonprofits in society and their role in forming and influencing public policy.
Applicants for the Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Policy who are currently enrolled in a graduate program at USC and are in good standing with a 3.0 GPA only need to submit the appropriate paperwork for adding the certificate program, which may be obtained from the student services adviser.
Applicants for the Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Policy who have not matriculated at USC must make a formal application for admission to the certificate program, provide transcripts of all college work, a resume and one letter of recommendation.
The certificate in nonprofit management and policy consists of 16 units of graduate course work.
Students select 4 elective units. The elective course(s) may be taken from within the Price School of Public Policy course offerings or other USC units. The elective selection must be approved by the faculty adviser for the certificate program.
Up to 10 units of the certificate may be applied to both the certificate and the core requirements or electives in the Master of Public Administration program. Up to 12 units may be applied toward both the certificate and the core or electives in the Master of Public Policy program.
The Master of Public Administration director will provide advisement.
This graduate certificate program provides students with a foundation in political management. It is designed to provide expertise for students who wish to work in public policy advocacy, in political relations, with elected officials and with the public, nonprofit or private sectors.
Applicants who are currently enrolled in a graduate program at USC and are in good standing with a 3.0 GPA only need to submit the appropriate paperwork for adding the certificate program which may be obtained from the student services adviser.
Applicants who have not matriculated at USC must make a formal application for admission to the certificate program, as well as provide transcripts of all college work, a resume and one letter of recommendation.
The Certificate in Political Management consists of 14–16 units of graduate course work depending on the courses selected.
Select one: 2 or 4 units
Up to 10 units of the certificate may be applied toward both the certificate and to the core requirements or electives in the Master of Public Administration. Up to 12 units may be applied toward both the certificate and toward core or electives in the Master of Public Policy or Master of Planning.
The director of the graduate programs in public policy and management will provide advisement.
Students enrolled in the Public Financial Management certificate program are required to take 52 graduate units of course work (53 for pre-service students).
In addition, students must take 16 units of course work in finance and related subjects
Preservice students must also serve an internship and be enrolled in PPD 543.
Students may receive this certificate with a specialization in intergovernmental management provided they complete the three course sequence (PPD 661, PPD 662, PPD 669). Students may satisfy this requirement if they apply two of these courses toward the 10-unit elective requirement and apply the third course toward the 16-unit finance and related subjects requirement.
*Students who select PPD 554 (rather than PPD 555) must select an additional 2-unit elective.
This program provides students with a solid foundation of training and skills in management. Individuals who need training in public administration but who are unable to enroll for the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree may find this certificate program of particular interest. Key to the program's success is the close integration of the academic curriculum and the application of skills and theory to managerial work assignments. Students may enroll at any time throughout the year.
This graduate certificate program provides students with a foundation in public policy analysis. It is designed to provide expertise in public policy to individuals who do not want to pursue the Master of Public Policy degree. Potential students include those who are pursuing another degree and want to complement that work with a specialization in public policy, as well as qualified students holding a bachelor's degree who have not matriculated at USC. The certificate develops policy analytic skills and their integration with a policy issue area of interest to the student.
Applicants for the Certificate in Public Policy who have not matriculated at USC must make a formal application for admission to the certificate program, provide transcripts of all college work, a resume and one letter of recommendation.
The program consists of 16 units of graduate course work.
There are many policy issues courses from which to choose (e.g., health, nonprofit, transportation, environment, housing).
The Master of Public Policy director will provide advisement.
This graduate certificate program provides students with a foundation of the key elements of real estate development. It is designed to provide these foundations for non-Master of Real Estate Development students who wish to obtain this knowledge to complement their graduate program of study as well as their careers. For admissions information, visit the Price School Website.
The certificate in real estate development consists of 12 units of graduate course work: RED 510, RED 511, and RED 512.
This graduate certificate program provides students with a foundation in policy and planning issues in sustainability and the environment. The certificate develops analytic and methodological skills and provides students the knowledge to understand the increasing importance of issues surrounding the environment and sustainability in policy and planning.
For admissions information, please visit the Price Website. The Master of Planning director will provide advisement.
The Certificate in Sustainable Policy and Planning consists of 12-14* units of graduate course work:
*Students in the certificate program will take the 2-unit version of PPDE 634.
Students select six to eight* units of electives.
*If students select 3-unit courses, they will take 6-7 units of electives. Others will take 8.
The graduate Certificate in Transportation Systems is an interdisciplinary program administered by the Department of Civil Engineering. The certificate program allows students to specialize in transportation applications, while simultaneously receiving a degree in their home department. The certificate in transportation systems combines elements of transportation engineering with transportation policy, planning and project management. The program is especially appropriate for students intending to pursue careers as developers of transportation technologies or as implementors of technologies within government agencies.
Students electing the certificate program apply to the Department of Civil Engineering.
Course prerequisites for the program are:
These prerequisites may be satisfied after enrollment in the certificate program by taking the indicated courses or their equivalent. Graduate students cannot receive credit for courses numbered below 400. Detailed admissions requirements are published by the Department of Civil Engineering.
The curriculum consists of five graduate courses for a total of 17 units.
Qualified students holding a bachelor's degree also have the option of enrolling in the certificate program without receiving a separate graduate degree.
The dual degree program with the USC Gould School of Law and the USC Price School of Public Policy enables qualified students to earn a Juris Doctor/Master of Public Administration (JD/MPA) in approximately four years of study.
Some of the topics covered in the law school are also covered in the program of the Price School of Public Policy, so some credit toward the law degree may appropriately be given for specified graduate work taken in the Price School of Public Policy. Similarly, some credit toward the master's degree may appropriately be awarded for certain work completed in the law school. The goal of the program is to encourage law students to gain a recognized competence in administration, which has a direct relevance for the roles lawyers are asked to play in society.
Students must apply to, and be accepted by, both schools. They may be accepted to a dual degree program at the time of their acceptance to the law school or at the beginning of their second year of law school. The program requires the completion of the required first year of law school and the fulfillment of a statistics prerequisite, which can be met by passing an undergraduate inferential statistics class with a grade of B or better at an approved university within three years of matriculation or taking PPD 502 x Statistical Foundations for Public Management and Policy and completing with a grade of "B" or better. To earn the JD, all students (including dual degree students) must complete 35 numerically graded law units at USC after the first year. The associate dean may make exceptions to this rule for students enrolled in law school honors programs.
Credit toward the law degree may not be given for graduate work completed prior to the completion of the first year of law school. The Price School of Public Policy, on the other hand, may allow some credit toward the MPA for approved work completed prior to the first year of law school.
Students are required to complete 97 units of course work.
Required law school courses
The remaining 39 units of law school courses, 32 additional units of public administration courses.
These courses are from the MPA core
The USC Price School of Public Policy and the law school offer a dual degree that enables qualified students to earn both a Juris Doctor and a Master of Public Policy in approximately four years of study.
The dual degree allows students to acquire a blend of the analytic skills of public policy and an understanding of legal institutions and processes. This combination of knowledge is well suited for law students who want to affect the policy-making process and craft legislation to aid in achievement of public policy goals. It is equally appropriate for prospective policy analysts who are interested in law and public policy.
Students must apply to, and be accepted by, both schools. They may be accepted to the dual degree at the time of their acceptance to the law school or at the beginning of their second year of law school. Dual degree students spend the first year of the program completing the required first year of law school. The remaining units of law school courses and the required 36 units of core MPP courses are taken by students in the second through fourth years.
Students are required to complete 114 units of course work, including 78 units in the Gould School of Law and 36 units in the USC Price School of Public Policy. The MPP program has a statistics prerequisite. See Public Policy (MPP). Requirements for this dual degree are listed in the USC Price School of Public Policy section.
The Master of Real Estate Development/Master of Business Administration dual degree program enables students to expand their skills in planning, land development, marketing, decision sciences, accounting, management, finance and economics. The program is targeted for students who have a clear career goal of becoming real estate developers but who lack formal training in business. The program normally requires two years (including summers) of full-time study in residence to complete.
A total of 82 units is required. Required courses include: all required courses in an MBA program; FBE 565 Economics of Urban Land Use: Feasibility Studies (3 units); FBE 588 Advanced Real Estate Law (3 units); graduate business electives sufficient to bring the total units completed in the USC Marshall School of Business to at least 48; and Policy, Planning, and Development courses (34 units). Dual degree students may not count courses taken outside the USC Marshall School of Business toward the 48 units. Students must have an approved laptop computer as required by instructors and must demonstrate calculator and spreadsheet skills.
Comprehensive Examination: Students are required to complete a comprehensive examination administered by faculty members from both the Marshall School of Business and the Price School of Public Policy.
Gerontology and health administration students can specialize in health care administration (profit and nonprofit) through the dual degree with the USC Davis School of Gerontology and the USC Price School of Public Policy's Health Administration Program. Students in the dual degree program must be admitted by both academic units and complete 78 units of post-graduate academic work.
Statistics: The statistics requirement for dual degree students is the same as those that apply to the Master of Health Administration.
Program Adaptation: The USC Davis School of Gerontology will waive GERO 589 Case Studies in Leadership and Change Management because students enrolled in this program will have a primary professional focus in health administration.
Students enrolled in the dual degree are not required to take PPD 511(as opposed to the stand alone MHA degree students) because they develop the necessary proficiencies related to their career goals in long term care administration through other courses such as GERO 550, GERO 591 and GERO 593. In addition, PPD 601 is required for the dual degree (and not the stand alone MHA program) because most of these students will work in long-term care facilities and this course is critical for success in that market.
Any course substitutions are done by petition on an individual basis and should be part of a carefully developed course of study. The USC Price School of Public Policy should be consulted concerning this program of study.
The Master of Planning/Master of Arts, Art and Curatorial Practices in the Public Sphere dual degree program offers an unusually rich opportunity for students interested in developing a new knowledge base to become successful professionals working in the arena of organizing art projects in urban public space, planning and community development. Los Angeles and the facilities at USC provide a unique learning laboratory to educate a more competitive professional with a better understanding of both the administration of public art and issues of urban planning.
Students must complete the following requirements in this program: 70 units, including 28 units in the Master of Arts, Art and Curatorial Practices in the Public Sphere program, 22 in policy, planning, and development, and 20 in a field of study with no more than 8 units taken from other USC programs.
2-unit courses may be offered in seven-and-a-half week blocks.
*PPD 627 is the methodology course for the Preservation and Design of the Built Environment concentration. Students who choose to do a concentration other than Preservation and Design of the Built Environment need to take the respective methodology course.
Dual degree students, like all other MPl students, must take a comprehensive examination and fulfill the internship requirement.
Students may include no more than 8 units from outside the Roski School of Art and Design and the Price School of Public Policy. The MPl program requires students to declare their concentration during the fall semester prior to taking the comprehensive examination in the spring semester. Students are required to complete the gateway course and methodology course related to their concentration as part of their preparation for their comprehensive examination. The student's concentration must contain a 4-unit methodology course, a 4-unit gateway course and 8 other units directly concerned with the subject matter of the concentration.
Students must complete a master's thesis or final thesis project through the Roski School of Art and Design and the MPl comprehensive examination through the Price School of Public Policy.
All students must complete 400 hours of internship through the Price School of Public Policy. This internship may be partially or completely fulfilled through prior professional experience.
The USC Price School of Public Policy and the Department of Economics jointly offer a two-year program leading to the MPl and MA degrees. Applicants must apply to the Price School of Public Policy and the USC Graduate School and meet the admission requirements of both.
Requirements for completion of the dual degree program are 58 units, including 24 units in economics and 34 units in planning.
2-unit courses may be offered in seven-and-a-half week blocks.
Planning Studios: PPD 531 (4, 4) to total 8 units.
Electives: 14 units of elective courses taken within the Price School of Public Policy.
Thesis: A thesis is required on a subject interrelating economics and urban planning and development. Students must register in a minimum of 4 units of ECON 594a, ECON 594b, ECON 594z (2-2-0) and maintain continuous registration until completion of the thesis.
Internship: Dual degree students in this program must fulfill the internship requirement.
During the summer after the first year of graduate study, the student normally serves an internship in a planning organization. The student must complete a thesis acceptable to both faculties.
The Master of Planning/Master of Public Administration dual degree program is designed for the study of the relationships between planning and public administration. Administrative skills, budgeting and fiscal analysis, a knowledge of operations services of local governments, and formulation and conduct of planning operations within the context of municipal management are required. This dual degree program normally requires five semesters in residence.
Requirements for completion of the dual degree program are 60 units, including 26 units in public administration, 20 units in planning and 14 units of electives (8 in planning), as follows:
Prerequisites: 12 undergraduate course credit units of social science, not more than 8 units in any one field, are required. Students must also satisfy the MPA statistics prerequisite and other prerequisites. PPD 525 satisfies the Price School of Public Policy prerequisite in descriptive and inferential statistics for students in the Master of Planning/Master of Public Administration dual degree program. Dual degree students completing PPD 525 with a grade of B or higher (A = 4.0) need not take PPD 502 x Statistical Foundations for Public Management and Policy.
2-unit courses may be offered in seven-and-a-half week blocks.
Planning Studios: PPD 531 (4, 4) to total 8 units.
Electives: 14 units of elective courses taken within the Price School of Public Policy. Eight of these elective units must be taken in the planning program. Dual degree students who complete PPD 502 with a grade of C or higher need not take PPD 525. Instead, they should take 2 additional elective units for a total of 16.
Dual degree students, like all other MPl students, must take a comprehensive examination and fulfill the internship requirement.
The Master of Planning/Master of Public Health (MPl/MPH) dual degree is designed for individuals who envision a career that combines urban planning and public health disciplines. This dual degree combines the knowledge of urban planning with an understanding of health from a population perspective. It will provide training for planning, evaluating and guiding healthy community and urban development, and will enable graduates who seek to be agents of change within the profession to assume leadership roles in planning and in public health at the local, state and national levels. A total of 79 units are required for the dual degree.
Students must select 16 units in a concentration from one of the five concentrations in the planning program. Students are required to complete the gateway course and methodology course related to their concentration as part of their preparation for their comprehensive examination. The student's concentration must contain a 4-unit methodology course, a 4-unit gateway course and 8 other units. See further details on the concentrations in the Master of Planning section of the catalogue.
Students will complete a total of 8 units of domestic or international planning studios under PPD 531L (4) to satisfy this requirement.
Dual degree students, like all other MPl students, must take a comprehensive examination and fulfill an internship requirement. Students will take 200 hours of planning internship placement in addition to 2 units in PM 596 and 2 units in PM 597. See below for further internship details for this dual degree.
*PM 593 is a variable unit course, 4 or 8 units. Students are required to take 4 units for this dual degree.
All students admitted into the dual degree program must complete all requirements for each program.
Students in the dual degree may substitute two MPl core courses with PM courses. PPD 525 may be substituted with PM 510 and PPD 526 may be substituted with PM 563. Students enrolled in the dual degree are not required to take PPD 525 (as opposed to the stand alone MPl degree students) because they develop the necessary proficiencies in statistics in PM 510, which provides them the opportunity to learn biostatistics, health statistics and the application of statistics necessary for success in this dual degree and for their future career. Dual degree students are not required to take PPD 526 and may take PM 563 as this course covers global health and international issues and will provide students with the information needed for success in their career.
Students may substitute 4 units of the health promotion track electives with relevant courses from the Price School of Public Policy. Relevant courses would include PPDE 630 Community Health Planning, PPD 511, PPD 513, and PPD 514.
In addition, for PM 596, students complete an internship specific to meet the competencies of the health promotion track. Dual degree students would enroll in this 2-unit course and complete a 150-hour placement. The other 150 hours would be waived because students will spend 200 hours during their planning internship, acquiring additional relevant practical experience. (Note: This is consistent with the established dual degree programs with medicine, pharmacy, social work and clinical psychology).
The skeleton curriculum is described by these requirements. In fact, students will tend to take additional courses specific to their planning concentration and will enroll in additional units.
The Master of Planning/Master of Real Estate Development dual degree program enables students to expand their skills in planning, land development, market analysis, finance and economics. Exposure to both fields becomes an educational as well as a professional asset for careers in either real estate development or planning. This dual degree program normally requires five semesters, including one summer, in residence.
A total of 74 units is required for the dual degree, all from within the Price School of Public Policy.
2-unit courses may be offered in seven-and-a-half week blocks.
Electives: 12 units of PPD courses and 12 additional units of elective courses taken within the Price School of Public Policy.
Students are also required to complete a comprehensive examination. Students have the option of selecting either the existing MPl or existing MRED examination.
The internship requirement is waived for students who enter the program with professional experience in either planning, real estate or a related field.
The MS/MPl dual degree is one of a few in the nation which combines the knowledge of the older population with the skills needed to plan services for older people. The MPl prepares the graduate for the responsibilities involved in development of public and private institutions and programs. The MS indicates a special focus on the older person and the skills to analyze and design programs for this growing population. The MS is offered through the USC Davis School of Gerontology.
Requirements for completion of the dual degree program are 66 units including 26 units in gerontology, 36 units in planning and a minimum of 4 units of thesis in either gerontology or planning, as follows:
2-unit courses may be offered in seven-and-a-half week blocks.
Concentration Methodology: A 4-unit course selected from the concentration list shown in MPl program.
Planning Studios: PPD 531 (4, 4) to total 8 units.
Electives: 8 units of elective courses taken within the Price School of Public Policy.
Thesis: A thesis is required on a subject interrelating gerontology and planning. Students must register in a minimum of 4 units of PPD 594a, PPD 594b, PPD 594z (2,2,0) or GERO 594a, GERO 594b, GERO 594z (2,2,0). Students must maintain continuous registration until completion of the thesis.
Program Adaptation: The USC Davis School of Gerontology waives GERO 589 Case Studies in Leadership and Change Management because students enrolled in this program will have a primary professional focus in planning.
This graduate program offers students a unique opportunity to develop skills and expertise in the field of public administration from a U.S. and Korean perspective. The program is designed and offered in partnership with Seoul National University (SNU). Students spend a year at USC Price and a year at Seoul National University and earn the MPA degree.
Students wishing to pursue the dual MPA degree will have to apply to both SNU GSPA and USC Price separately and fulfill both institutions' admissions criteria independently. Please see the Price Website for further information.
or
Electives
M2856.000100* Theories of Global Public
Administration, or
M2856.000600 Economics and Public
Administration Units: 3
Electives Units: 6
PPD 546 ** Capstone in Public
Administration Units: 4
*Price students would take either PPD 540 or PPD
501a and PPD 501b in their first year, and then would
take the equivalent SNU GSPA course for the other one in their
second year.
**The capstone course is taken in the last semester at
Price.
M2856.000100 Theories of Global Public
Administration Units: 3
M2856.000300 Social Research Methods of Public
Administration Units: 3
Electives Units: 6
Independent study (thesis preparation) Units:
6
Electives
Price students could take both the PPD 540 and PPD 501a and PPD 501b courses in either their first year or their second year, instead of one of the two in each year.
GSPA students could take Economics and Public Administration in their first year rather than in their second year at Price, and they could take PPD 540 in their second year at Price rather than in their first year.
Price students could take Social Research Methods of Public Administration at GSPA in their second year instead of Policy and Program Evaluation (PPD 542) in their first year, and GSPA students could take Policy and Program Evaluation (PPD 542) at Price in their second year instead of Social Research Methods of Public Administration in their first year.
The Master of Public Administration/Master of Arts in Jewish Nonprofit Management (MPA/MA) has been developed, in cooperation between the USC Price School of Public Policy and the HUC-JIR School of Jewish Nonprofit Management, to prepare those students who want to make a career in Jewish nonprofit management. Students receive a solid academic and experiential foundation in the American Jewish expe-rience — its history, culture and structure — combined with the theory and practice of community organization and administration.
Students must complete 88 units of course work, 36 in public administration, and must serve two academic years in supervised fieldwork. There is an opportunity to spend either 12 months in Sacramento, California, or Washington, D.C. At these sites, students attend classes while serving internships in the offices of politicians, lobbyists or other advocates.
Students must meet admission requirements and be admitted by both the Price School of Public Policy and HUCJIR's School of Jewish Nonprofit Management (formerly the HUC-JIR School of Jewish Communal Service).
The program begins in June of each year and continues for the next 24 months. Students are expected to work out individual course plans with advisers from each school.
In addition to applying to the Price School of Public Policy, those interested in the program should contact the Office of Admissions, Hebrew Union College — Jewish Institute of Religion, 3077 University Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90007-3796, for comprehensive information about its requirements.
Public administration course work may be taken in Los Angeles or Sacramento. In Sacramento, a student will complete the Price core and elective courses, will take independent study with an HUC professor, and will serve in an internship while enrolled in HUC fieldwork classes.
Select 14 units from the list above. Substitutions may be requested by petition to the graduate adviser in the Price School of Public Policy.
Throughout the program, students are expected to serve in supervised internships. Fieldwork is administered cooperatively by the faculties of HUC-JIR School of Jewish Nonprofit Management and the Price School of Public Policy.
Students enrolled in the dual degree are not required to take a research methods course (PPD 542, PPD 557 or PPD 666) in the MPA program (as opposed to the stand alone MPA degree students) because they develop the necessary proficiencies in research methods in the course offered in the HUC-JIR School of Jewish Nonprofit Management (CS 562 Jewish Social Research: Trends and Analysis). Students in the dual degree may elect an alternative four units within the Price School.
The Master of Public Administration/Master of Science in Gerontology (MPA/MS) dual degree offers students interested in management of agencies and institutions the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of the administrative and organizational processes and management skills necessary for the effective delivery of services to older persons.
In the MPA/MS dual degree, students spend their first year taking the required courses in the USC Davis School of Gerontology. The research course, GERO 593 Research Methods and the capstone course GERO 555 Integrating Gerontology: A Multidisciplinary Approach, are taken in the USC Davis School of Gerontology. The student begins courses in the Price School of Public Policy during the second semester of the first year.
Two versions of this dual degree are available, one with a general orientation and one with an emphasis on health services administration. Students must apply to both schools and, if accepted to both, participate in a specially designed program combining course work from both schools.
Curriculum requirements for the general focus dual degree are detailed in the USC Davis School of Gerontology section of this catalogue. Students are encouraged to seek advisement as they plan their actual programs, since curriculum changes may occur.
For the MS in Gerontology, 12 units of electives are waived as well as GERO 589 Case Studies in Leadership and Change Management because students enrolled in this program have a primary professional focus in public administration. For the Master of Public Administration, 12 units of gerontology courses are used as the substantive specialization.
The Master of Public Administration/Master of Social Work (MPA/MSW) dual degree offers students interested in careers as administrators of social agencies the opportunity to prepare for social work while developing the administrative capabilities necessary in the public sector.
The MPA/MSW requires two calendar years of full-time study. The first academic year is devoted to the standard social work first year curriculum. During the second year, the curriculum combines social work and public administration course work. The curriculum for both summers will be in public administration.
Students can enter this program only with the written consent of both schools. Students who apply initially to the USC School of Social Work must declare their intention to pursue the MPA/MSW dual degree at the time of their application. If admission is approved, such students will be admitted to the dual degree program. Social work students selecting this program are required to select the Community Organization, Planning and Administration concentration in their second year program.
Students must complete 82 units (54 in social work and 28 in public administration).
*Students who have taken a Price leadership course are not required to take SOWK 611.
**Electives in public administration need to be approved by the graduate adviser in the Price School of Public Policy.
The Master of Public Policy/Master of Planning dual degree program gives students the opportunity to develop a depth of analytic and design skills with which to effectively address the problems of urban communities. The dual degree program normally requires six semesters in residence.
Completion of the dual degree requires 72 units, including: PPD 500 and PPD 501a , 32 units in public policy, 22 units in planning, 6-8* units in electives and 8 units in planning studios/practicum.
Applicants must have a basic competence in descriptive and inferential statistics. This prerequisite may be met in one of two ways: (1) entering students must have passed an undergraduate inferential statistics class, with a grade of "B" or better, at an approved university within three years of matriculation, and must pass the MPP lab associated with PPD 554 Foundations of Public Policy Analysis, or (2) take PPD 502 x Statistical Foundations for Public Management and Policy and complete with a grade of "B" or better. If students select to take PPD 502, the units associated with this class may not be used for graduate credit.
Units: 6-8*
Students who select PPDE 660 will take an additional 2 units of electives in consultation with the adviser.
(includes 4 units of methodology to be selected with adviser from the following list)
Students are required to take 6-8* units of electives from the curriculum offered by the university. Non-Price School courses may be selected by the students with the approval of an academic adviser.
After finishing the core courses of both programs, students are required to take 8 units in practicum/planning studios: 4 units from the public policy program (PPD 561a, PPD 561b) and 4 units from the planning program (PPD 531).
Dual degree students, like all other MPl students, must take a comprehensive examination and fulfill the internship requirement.
Planning and development are critical concerns of the nation and the world today. Whether redesigning the health care system, reproducing economic innovation in our central cities, or facilitating economic and social relationships across the globe, planners and developers are on center stage.
Leading the way into the next century will be a group of experienced practitioners who have updated and expanded their professional achievements by developing additional conceptual and research competency through the Doctor of Policy, Planning, and Development (DPPD).
The goals of the program are: to create a unique educational environment that will forge these professionals into a cadre for urban change; to develop urban professionals who can merge development and planning tools to design new integrative policy planning and implementation systems; to establish a set of new problem solving paradigms for examining and altering planning and development decision-making and to equip professionals with sophisticated analytical tools and a sharper cultural awareness so they can practice planning and development anywhere in the world.
The program is intended for people with considerable professional experience and intellectual interests. Requirements for admission include: GPA of 3.0 (A = 4.0) for all post-high school academic work, and, for international students, submission of TOEFL or IELTS scores; five letters of recommendation, including at least one academic and one professional; five or more years of professional experience; a resume and, if appropriate, a portfolio; and a study prospectus detailing a proposed field of study. Guidelines for preparing the prospectus are included in the application package. Additional requirements for international students are listed under Admission of International Students. The GRE and GMAT are neither accepted nor required for the DPPD program. Each application will be examined with the aim of admitting an applicant whose study prospectus suggests the ability and focus to produce an innovative approach to professional practice.
Applicants are expected to hold a master's degree in architecture, landscape architecture, public administration, real estate development, urban/city/regional planning, urban design or a closely related field. Applicants with master's degrees in other fields will be expected to complete foundation courses prior to entering the degree's core classes.
Upon admission to the program, each student will be assigned a faculty adviser who will oversee his or her program.
The Doctor of Policy, Planning, and Development is administered by the Price School of Public Policy for fulltime and part-time students. The DPPD requires completion of 60 units of course work comprising the following elements:
Up to 20 units of foundation courses are required. These courses may be taken from the school's master's degree programs or, with prior approval, from other USC graduate degree programs. Students who hold a related master's degree may be admitted with advanced standing. Students are required to complete 36 units of course work and 4 units of PLUS 694a PLUS 694b, PLUS 694c, PLUS 694d, PLUS 694z (project units).
A student's methods course should be approved by the student's Professional Advisory Committee. Possible courses include:
As quickly as possible, the student will form a Professional Advisory Committee consisting of the student's adviser and two other school and/or USC faculty and up to five professionals whose activities are related to the student's. This committee shall oversee the student's program to its conclusion.
At the completion of no more than 16 units beyond the foundation courses and/or PLUS 603 and PLUS 623, students will complete a written examination which will consist of responding to a short list of specific planning and development problems using appropriate professional paradigms. The student will then meet with the Professional Advisory Committee to formally review the student's progress toward the degree.
In consultation with their faculty adviser and Professional Advisory Committee, students will craft a field of study related to the professional arena of practice. The field may or may not reflect standard academic boundaries, such as transportation and land use planning. Students should take advantage of USC's resources in developing the field, especially taking into consideration the relationship of practice to theory and context. Twenty units of course work are required for the field of study, 8 of which may be taken outside the Price School of Public Policy.
In PLUS 692 students complete a professional conspectus that defines their field of study, its structure and place within professional practice, and other related questions. The conspectus will be presented to the student's Professional Advisory Committee for acceptance. Only after it is accepted may the student proceed to the Planning, Design and Development Project.
The capstone project of the DPPD is the student's completion of the Planning, Design and Development Project (PDDP). The PDDP is a study of an aspect, site, issue or other such element of professional practice. Each PDDP should be designed to present an innovative or original contribution to the practice of planning and development. The parameters of the PDDP are intentionally left wide, allowing the project to be produced as solely text, or text in conjunction with film, computer program, design or another multimedia format.
The PDDP is supervised by the student's Professional Advisory Committee. Students must maintain continuous registration in the PLUS 694a, PLUS 694b, PLUS 694c, PLUS 694d, PLUS 694z series until completion of the PDDP. Upon completion of an approved draft of the PDDP, students will present their findings in an open session, but the Professional Advisory Committee is the sole evaluator.
This degree is administered by the Price School of Public Policy. At least 24 units must be fulfilled in residence at USC. The total length of the study must not exceed six academic years. Students are encouraged to actively participate in a non-credit Price School of Public Policy doctoral workshop. Policies regarding time limits, leave of absence, scholarship standing, academic warning, and other issues not directly addressed are consistent with those of the Graduate School. Please consult the Academic Policies, Graduate and Professional Education and the Graduate School sections for additional information.
The Price School offers two PhD programs. Both the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy and Management and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Urban Planning and Development degree programs are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Students should also refer to Graduate and Professional Education and The Graduate School sections of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by The Graduate School.
The PhD programs in the Price School both emphasize rigorous programs of advanced study and research, stressing qualitative or quantitative analysis and the theoretical foundations of their field of study. The programs are designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop their own specialization and expertise in either major field — public policy and management or urban planning and development — while also offering them a breadth of knowledge in an especially rich intellectual environment.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and Management and the Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Planning and Development are administered by the doctoral committee of the school. The PhD program in Public Policy and Management requires the completion of 60 units of course work, comprising the following elements: master's core in a substantive field (15–17 units), theoretical core (11–12 units), methodology (10–12 units), field/specialization courses (12 units), teaching seminar (2 units), research seminar (4 units) and dissertation (4 units minimum). The PhD program in Urban Planning and Development requires the completion of 60 units of course work, comprising the following elements: master's core (14–16 units), doctoral core (8 units), methodology (10–12 units), field/specialization courses (16 units), teaching seminar (2 units), research seminar (4 units), and dissertation (4 units minimum).
*Students may petition to substitute PPD 715 with a different theory course derived from a discipline. Examples include MOR 602, ECON 500, etc.
Students select 12 units of field courses which can be used to develop disciplinary expertise related to specialization interest or additional methodological expertise. Fields are developed with qualifying exam committee approval, can include any combination of the Price School and outside courses and are unique to each student.
Students will take PPD 710a, PPD 710b (2 units each, 4 total units), the Price School research seminar course.
Students will take two semesters of the teaching seminar, PPD 700 (2 units).
Students entering the doctoral program without a relevant master's degree in public administration or public policy or a related field will be required to complete prerequisites (15–17 units) relevant to their program.
Students entering the doctoral program with a master's degree from an accredited institution in public management/administration, public policy, planning, or urban development or related field may be admitted with advanced standing to either PhD program. In the Public Policy and Management program, students must complete a minimum of 39–41 units of doctoral classes beyond that graduate degree, exclusive of PPD 794a Doctoral Dissertation, PPD 794b Doctoral Dissertation, PPD 794c Doctoral Dissertation, PPD 794d Doctoral Dissertation, PPD 794z Doctoral Dissertation units, for a minimum of 43–45 semester units. In the Urban Planning and Development program, students must complete a minimum of 40–42 units of doctoral classes beyond that graduate degree, exclusive of PPD 794a Doctoral Dissertation, PPD 794b Doctoral Dissertation, PPD 794c Doctoral Dissertation, PPD 794d Doctoral Dissertation, PPD 794z Doctoral Dissertation units, for a minimum of 44–46 semester units. Additional course work may be required if deemed necessary by the student's faculty following the screening examination.
A maximum of 6 units of transfer credit may be applied toward a doctoral degree with advanced standing. Only course work not used to complete the master's degree described above is available for transfer credit. No exceptions are allowed.
Students will form an initial qualifying exam committee by the end of the first fall semester, which officially oversees the development of the student's academic program through the qualifying examination. Five tenure or tenure track committee members are designated to provide guidance in the field developed by the student. A minimum of three members, including at least one tenured member, must be from among the faculty participating in this Doctor of Philosophy program, and at least one member must be from outside the Price School of Public Policy. Students should refer to the Graduate School section regarding the qualifying exam committee and the outside member. The complete qualifying exam committee must be in place no later than the third semester.
Students must have a 3.3 overall GPA in first-year courses to continue in the program.
At the end of each spring semester, the student submits an academic work plan for the coming year to his or her qualifying exam committee chair. The plan should include courses, degree progress, seminar attendance and what was learned from those, and a research plan that articulates the major research questions being explored. At the conclusion of year one, the chair reviews and approves the work plan and at the end of year two, the chair reviews the work plan and the second year paper.
The qualifying exam committee prepares a comprehensive written examination covering the fields of study. Following completion of the written portion, the entire committee conducts an oral examination of the student, focusing on material both complementary and supplementary to the written examination but relevant to the field and overall program selected by the student. Upon passing both portions of the qualifying examination, the student becomes a candidate for the Doctor of Philosophy degree. The qualifying exam will occur in the fall of year three.
Students are expected to have a proposal defense within one year of passing the qualifying exam.
The dissertation is based on original research. The research is supervised by a dissertation committee of three or more regular USC faculty, at least one of whom must be from outside the Price School of Public Policy. A twosemester minimum registration in PPD 794a, PPD 794b, PPD 794c, PPD 794d, PPD 794z is required of all candidates. Students must maintain continuous registration until completion of the dissertation.
Oral defense of the dissertation before the dissertation committee is usually made on a preliminary draft.
All theses and dissertations submitted in fulfillment of requirements for graduate degrees must conform to university regulations with regard to format and method of preparation. Regulations for Format and Presentation of Theses and Dissertations is available from the Graduate School, Grace Ford Salvatori 315, or online at the Graduate School Website.
Refer to the Graduate School section in this catalogue for policies regarding time limits, leave of absence, scholarship standing and probation.
The Price School offers two PhD programs. Both the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy and Management and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Urban Planning and Development degree programs are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Students should also refer to Graduate and Professional Education and The Graduate School sections of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by The Graduate School.
The PhD programs in the Price School both emphasize rigorous programs of advanced study and research, stressing qualitative or quantitative analysis and the theoretical foundations of their field of study. The programs are designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop their own specialization and expertise in either major field — public policy and management or urban planning and development — while also offering them a breadth of knowledge in an especially rich intellectual environment.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and Management and the Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Planning and Development are administered by the doctoral committee of the school. The PhD program in Public Policy and Management requires the completion of 60 units of course work, comprising the following elements: master's core in a substantive field (15–17 units), theoretical core (11–12 units), methodology (10–12 units), field/specialization courses (12 units), teaching seminar (2 units), research seminar (4 units) and dissertation (4 units minimum). The PhD program in Urban Planning and Development requires the completion of 60 units of course work, comprising the following elements: master's core (14–16 units), doctoral core (8 units), methodology (10–12 units), field/specialization courses (16 units), teaching seminar (2 units), research seminar (4 units), and dissertation (4 units minimum).
Students take a minimum of four courses to develop their specialized area of study. Courses may be taken in the Price School or other USC units. Students, working with their qualifying exam committees, have considerable flexibility in forming specializations.
Students will take PPD 710a, PPD 710b (2 units each, 4 total units), the Price School research seminar course.
Students will take two semesters of the teaching seminar, PPD 700 (2 units).
Students entering the doctoral program without a relevant master's degree in urban planning or a related field will be required to complete prerequisites (16–18 units) relevant to their program.
Students entering the doctoral program with a master's degree from an accredited institution in public management/administration, public policy, planning, or urban development or related field may be admitted with advanced standing to either PhD program. In the Public Policy and Management program, students must complete a minimum of 39–41 units of doctoral classes beyond that graduate degree, exclusive of PPD 794a Doctoral Dissertation, PPD 794b Doctoral Dissertation, PPD 794c Doctoral Dissertation, PPD 794d Doctoral Dissertation, PPD 794z Doctoral Dissertation units, for a minimum of 43–45 semester units. In the Urban Planning and Development program, students must complete a minimum of 40–42 units of doctoral classes beyond that graduate degree, exclusive of PPD 794a Doctoral Dissertation, PPD 794b Doctoral Dissertation, PPD 794c Doctoral Dissertation, PPD 794d Doctoral Dissertation, PPD 794z Doctoral Dissertation units, for a minimum of 44–46 semester units. Additional course work may be required if deemed necessary by the student's faculty following the screening examination.
A maximum of 6 units of transfer credit may be applied toward a doctoral degree with advanced standing. Only course work not used to complete the master's degree described above is available for transfer credit. No exceptions are allowed.
Students will form an initial qualifying exam committee by the end of the first fall semester, which officially oversees the development of the student's academic program through the qualifying examination. Five tenure or tenure track committee members are designated to provide guidance in the field developed by the student. A minimum of three members, including at least one tenured member, must be from among the faculty participating in this Doctor of Philosophy program, and at least one member must be from outside the Price School of Public Policy. Students should refer to the Graduate School section regarding the qualifying exam committee and the outside member. The complete qualifying exam committee must be in place no later than the third semester.
Students must have a 3.3 overall GPA in first-year courses to continue in the program.
At the end of each spring semester, the student submits an academic work plan for the coming year to his or her qualifying exam committee chair. The plan should include courses, degree progress, seminar attendance and what was learned from those, and a research plan that articulates the major research questions being explored. At the conclusion of year one, the chair reviews and approves the work plan and at the end of year two, the chair reviews the work plan and the second year paper.
The qualifying exam committee prepares a comprehensive written examination covering the fields of study. Following completion of the written portion, the entire committee conducts an oral examination of the student, focusing on material both complementary and supplementary to the written examination but relevant to the field and overall program selected by the student. Upon passing both portions of the qualifying examination, the student becomes a candidate for the Doctor of Philosophy degree. The qualifying exam will occur in the fall of year three.
Students are expected to have a proposal defense within one year of passing the qualifying exam.
The dissertation is based on original research. The research is supervised by a dissertation committee of three or more regular USC faculty, at least one of whom must be from outside the Price School of Public Policy. A twosemester minimum registration in PPD 794a, PPD 794b, PPD 794c, PPD 794d, PPD 794z is required of all candidates. Students must maintain continuous registration until completion of the dissertation.
Oral defense of the dissertation before the dissertation committee is usually made on a preliminary draft.
All theses and dissertations submitted in fulfillment of requirements for graduate degrees must conform to university regulations with regard to format and method of preparation. Regulations for Format and Presentation of Theses and Dissertations is available from the Graduate School, Grace Ford Salvatori 315, or online at the Graduate School Website.
Refer to the Graduate School section in this catalogue for policies regarding time limits, leave of absence, scholarship standing and probation.
Return to: USC Price School of Public Policy
Physical Education Building 112
(213) 740-2670
Sean C. Marler, MEd, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF
Professor: Sean C. Marler, MEd, (Lieutenant Colonel, USAF)
Assistant Professors: Casey Whitson, BS, (Captain, USAF); Matthew Stewart, BS, (Captain, USAF)
The Department of Aerospace Studies offers a three to four-year program of instruction leading directly to commissioning as an officer in the United States Air Force. To obtain a commission, qualified students must pass an aptitude test, physical fitness assessment and a medical examination; complete the aerospace studies program of instruction and concurrently receive an undergraduate or graduate degree. Credits earned in aerospace studies courses may be counted as electives in some degree programs. Those students who qualify for and are selected to enter Air Force pilot training will be given flight instruction upon graduation. Qualified applicants may compete for a variety of Air Force scholarships, some of which pay full tuition, books and associated fees. USC also offers a matching $4,000 scholarship per year for all AFROTC scholarship recipients. See the Tuition and Fees page for additional scholarship information.
This program consists of up to eight semesters of aerospace studies courses (AEST 100a, AEST 100b through AEST 400a, AEST 400b) plus a four-week summer field training course. Students enroll in the first four semesters of aerospace studies (AEST 100a, AEST 100b and AEST 200a, AEST 200b) in the same manner as in any other course of instruction at USC. Students will be considered on a competitive basis to attend the summer field training course and enroll in the final four semesters (AEST 300a, AEST 300b and AEST 400a, AEST 400b). The program can be tailored for students who join after the beginning of their freshman year.
Field training is offered during the summer at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. Students participate in four weeks of intensive training, normally between their sophomore and junior years.
The major areas of study in the field training course include junior officer leadership training, career orientation, survival training, weapons training, physical training, base functions and the Air Force environment.
Additional summer training courses at locations around the world are available to interested students to build leadership and human relations skills, develop cultural and language proficiency, provide a general orientation in Air Force specialties and motivate cadets toward an Air Force career. The training opportunities vary each year but may include cultural and language immersion programs, engineering research and apprenticeships, and orientation programs related to other air, space and cyberspace specialties.
Return to: USC Price School of Public Policy
Physical Education Building 110
(213) 740-4026
Justin M. Chezem (Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army)
Professor/Commander: Justin M. Chezem (Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army)
The Department of Military Science provides professional training for students leading to a commission, upon graduation, in the Active Army, Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. Through the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps Program (AROTC), scholarship benefits include full tuition, fees and book stipends. Scholarships are also available for Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty. Military science instruction is focused on hands-on leadership development and the practical application of military skills needed to produce America's future leaders. Additionally, military science courses count as electives in many degree programs. MS 101 and MS 102 are open to students who are not enrolled in the program, but have an interest in leadership, management, military history or military training. Enrollment in the Army ROTC program is open to qualified full-time students.
The majority of Army ROTC cadets attend USC on Army scholarships. All Army scholarships are merit-based and are not dependent on individual financial need.
Scholarships are available for both Active Duty and Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to qualified applicants for two-, three- or four-year periods depending on the applicant's academic level and program of study. Scholarship cadets receive benefits that cover full tuition, fees and a book stipend, and are available to all majors. See the Tuition and Fees page for additional scholarship information.
Contracted scholarship and non-scholarship cadets can receive a monthly stipend subsistence allowance, based on academic class. Contracted scholarship cadets receive an annual book allowance. All enrolled scholarship and non-scholarship cadets receive uniforms and military science textbooks from the department.
The four-year military science curriculum is designed to be part of the student's undergraduate degree program. During the freshman and sophomore years, students receive introductory instruction in the theory of warfare, military history, military leadership and basic military skills. Cadets participate during their junior and senior years in a professional development program with instruction in leadership, management, military justice and advanced military skills.
The three-year program is available to qualified sophomore undergraduate students. Students may compress the first two years of the ROTC program by attending two ROTC classes per semester during their sophomore year. Scholarships are available, on a competitive basis, for students with three years remaining toward the completion of their undergraduate degree. Transfer students who meet the same criteria are also eligible for scholarships. Upon acceptance, students then follow the military science program described for the four-year program.
The two-year program is available to qualified junior and senior undergraduate students and graduate students who have two years of academic work remaining. Veterans who have achieved junior academic status and meet enrollment criteria are also eligible for this program. Students may receive credit for the first two years of the ROTC program by attending the ROTC Leaders Training Course or by previous junior ROTC participation. Transfer students who meet the same criteria are also eligible for scholarships. Upon acceptance, students then follow the military science program described for junior and senior cadets in the four-year program.
Several military training programs are available to qualified cadets. A five-week paid Leaders Training Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky, qualifies students for the two-year program. All cadets attend a 32-day paid ROTC Leadership Development and Assessment Course at Fort Lewis, Washington, after their junior year. This course provides practical application of advanced military and leadership skills required for commissioning.
Qualified candidates may also receive training in Airborne school, Air Assault school (rappelling from helicopters), Cadet Troop Leadership Training (training in Army units around the world), Northern Warfare school (Arctic survival) and Mountain Warfare school.
Return to: USC Price School of Public Policy
Physical Education Building (PED) 101
(213) 740-2663
Jonathan Hitesman, BS, JD, LLM (Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps), Commanding Officer
Professor: Jonathan Hitesman, BS, JD, LLM (Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps)
Associate Professor: Julito Antolin, BS, MA (Commander, U.S. Navy)
Assistant Professors: Mark E. Burrell, BS (Major, U.S. Marine Corps); Raymond A. Hill IV, MS (Lieutenant, U.S. Navy); Phillip Foster, BS (Lieutenant, U.S. Navy); Lou Alvarez, BS (Lieutenant, U.S. Navy)
The Department of Naval Science provides professional training for undergraduate students (midshipmen) leading to a commission, upon graduation, in the United States Navy or the United States Marine Corps. Through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Program (NROTC), scholarship students receive full tuition, fees, book stipend and $250–$400 per month subsistence allowance. The university also provides an additional automatic scholarship of $4,000 per year for each NROTC scholarship recipient. Non-scholarship students may apply to participate as members of the midshipman battalion with limited financial assistance, earning a commission upon completion of the baccalaureate degree. Because of the rapid development of highly technical ship systems, aviation and other military equipment, the majority of Navy scholarships are awarded to science and engineering majors; however, limited Navy scholarships and all Marine Corps scholarships are currently available to students pursuing any major offered by the university, as long as they complete basic technical requirements. In addition to university requirements, midshipmen must complete 15–22 units of naval science courses, a physical fitness test and three active duty summer training sessions, each about three to six weeks long.
All naval science courses are open to students who are not in the program but have an interest in the Navy and Marine Corps related fields, such as engineering, navigation, amphibious warfare, naval operations, history and leadership/management.
The majority of naval science students attend the university on Navy or Marine Corps scholarships. Scholarships are awarded primarily on a four-year basis to high school seniors selected in nationwide competition. Two- and three-year scholarship programs are also available with a similar selection process. In addition to tuition and fees, books and uniforms, students receive subsistence allowance of $250–$400 per month. Navy Option midshipmen later will be required upon graduation to serve a minimum of five years of active military service. Additional requirements may be required for specific job assignments. The NROTC program only commissions Naval officers into the following communities: Aviation (pilot or naval flight officer), Submarine Warfare, Surface Warfare, Special Operations (Explosive Ordinance Disposal), Special Warfare (SEALs) or Medical/Dental Corps.
Students may join NROTC as non-scholarship "College Program" students. These students receive uniforms and participate as regular midshipmen in the program but do not receive scholarship or stipend funds or attend summer training. College Program students must complete and be selected for a two- or three-year scholarship or be placed in an "Advanced Standing" status in order to continue in the program and receive an active duty commission.
The Marine Corps option prepares midshipmen for service as second lieutenants in the United States Marine Corps. Marine Option Midshipmen must successfully complete Officer Candidate School (OCS) in order to earn their commission. This intensive 6-week course is completed during their final summer training session. Marine Corps Option students also participate, on a limited basis, in local field training exercises during the academic year. Marine Corps Option midshipmen will be required upon graduation to serve at least four years on active duty.
Students must meet USC degree requirements in their chosen fields and complete the prescribed naval science courses and Professional Laboratory (PROLAB). In addition, Navy scholarship students must include in their programs MATH 125 Calculus I and MATH 126 Calculus II and PHYS 151Lg Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics and Thermodynamics and PHYS 152L Fundamentals of Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism; two courses of English, one course in American history/national security policy and one course in language or culture.
More detailed program information and the online application process is available at: nrotc.navy.mil/index.aspx. The USC NROTC Website is usc.edu/dept/nrotc.
Return to: USC Price School of Public Policy
Professor Marlon Boarnet, senior associate dean for Academic Affairs and director, Graduate Programs in Urban Planning, engages students in a challenging discussion about Los Angeles as a microcosm of future change. The USC Sol Price School of Public Policy is home to more than 200 faculty members from diverse disciplines and backgrounds who contribute to an environment that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, experimentation and collaboration. Photo by Tom Queally.
The USC Price School of Public Policy provides a dynamic learning environment where interdisciplinary education abounds. At USC Price, students choose a program of study from the independent yet related fields of public administration and leadership, public policy, nonprofits and philanthropy, health management and policy, urban planning, real estate development and executive leadership. Students are supported by a committed faculty who contribute to the strong sense of community present in the school.
The school's mission is to improve the quality of life for people and their communities. Faculty engage in solving some of society's most pressing issues — and challenge students to do the same. USC Price is renowned for its expertise in areas such as: sustainability and the environment, health care policy, nonprofit management, housing and real estate, transportation, infrastructure, urban development and land use, social policy, governance, civic engagement, community development, immigration and risk analysis, among others.
Defining characteristics of USC Price are the depth of its academic classroom experience and connecting classroom theory to professional practice through practicums, internships and laboratory work locally, nationally and around the globe. Students graduate with the knowledge, skills and experiences to lead in their chosen field of practice.
Today's complex challenges call for leaders who are able to work across disciplines and across the public, private and nonprofit sectors to find solutions. It is for this multidisciplinary reality that USC Price prepares its students.
USC Price students go on to hold high-ranking appointments in our nation's capital, analyze and determine public policy, design new transportation systems, and redesign city, county, state and federal governance structures — in the United States and abroad.
Ralph and Goldy Lewis Hall 312
(213) 740-0350
FAX: (213) 740-5379
Email: price@usc.edu
usc.edu/schools/price
Jack H. Knott, PhD, Dean
Michael B. Nichol, PhD*, Interim Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs
Marlon Boarnet, PhD, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs
Neeraj Sood, PhD, Vice Dean for Research
Regina T. Nordahl, JD, MBA, SPHR, Associate Dean, Administration
Carol A. Rush, MPA, Associate Dean, Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
John Sonego, MA, Associate Dean for Development and External Relations
C. Erwin and Ione L. Piper Dean's Chair: Jack H. Knott, PhD
University Professor: Kevin Starr, PhD (History)
Wallis Annenberg Chair in Communication and Journalism: Manuel Castells, PhD (Communication)
Judith & John Bedrosian Chair in Governance & Public Enterprise: Raphael Bostic, PhD
Blue Cross of California Chair in Health Care Finance: Glenn A. Melnick, PhD
Margaret and John Ferraro Chair in Effective Local Government: Genevieve Giuliano, PhD*
James Irvine Chair in Urban and Regional Planning: Tridib Banerjee, PhD, FAICP*
Lusk Chair in Real Estate: Richard K. Green, PhD (Business)
Jeffrey J. Miller Chair in Government, Business and the Economy: Elizabeth Graddy, PhD*
Emery Evans Olson Chair in Nonprofit Entrepreneurship & Public Policy: James M. Ferris, PhD
Quintiles Chair in Pharmaceutical and Regulatory Innovation: Darius Lakdawalla, PhD (Pharmacy)
Leonard D. Schaeffer Director's Chair of the USC Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics: Dana Goldman, PhD*
Norman Topping Chair in Medicine and Public Policy: Paul B. Ginsburg, PhD
Borstein Family Endowed Professor of Real Estate: Christian L. Redfearn, PhD
Maria B. Crutcher Professor of Citizenship and Democratic Values: Terry L. Cooper, PhD
Governor Downey Professor of State and Global Policy: Arnold Schwarzenegger
Frances R. and John J. Duggan Distinguished Professor of Public Administration: Shui Yan Tang, PhD*
William M. Keck Professor of Energy Resources: Donald Paul, PhD (Engineering and Earth Sciences)
Dr. Chester A. Newland Professor of Public Administration: Janet Vinzant Denhardt, DPA
Presidential Professor of Health Economics: Daniel McFadden, PhD
Judge Widney Professor: Leonard D. Schaeffer
Judge Widney Professor of Poetry and Public Culture: Dana Gioia, MA, MBA
Professors: Ali E. Abbas, PhD (Engineering); Antonio Bento, PhD; Marlon Boarnet, PhD; Ann Crigler, PhD (Political Science); Howard Greenwald, PhD; Eric Heikkila, PhD; Alan Kreditor, MCP, AICP; Dan Mazmanian, PhD; Martin Krieger, PhD; Jacquelyn McCroskey, PhD (Social Work); James Moore II, PhD (Engineering); Dowell Myers, PhD; Gary Painter, PhD; Manuel Pastor, PhD (Geography and American Studies and Ethnicity); Jane Pisano, PhD; Jon Pynoos, PhD (Gerontology); Alison D. Renteln, PhD* (Political Science); David Sloane, PhD; Robert Suro (Journalism); Detlof von Winterfeldt, PhD (Engineering)
Associate Professors: Elizabeth Currid-Halkett, PhD; Christian Grose, PhD (Political Science); Geoffrey Joyce, PhD (Pharmacy); Annette Kim, PhD; Juliet Musso, PhD*; Rodney Ramcharan, PhD; Christian Redfearn, PhD; Peter Robertson, PhD*; Lisa Schweitzer, PhD; Jeffrey Sellers, PhD (Political Science); Katharine Strunk, PhD (Education); Kathleen Wilber, PhD (Gerontology)
Assistant Professors: Emma Aguila, PhD; Alice Chen, PhD; Jorge De la Roca, PhD; Kathleen Doherty, PhD; Nicolas Duquette, PhD; Nicole Esparza, PhD; Alexandra Graddy-Reed, PhD; Marco Huesch, PhD; Pamela McCann, PhD; Mark D. Phillips, PhD; William Resh, PhD; Abby Wood, PhD; Julie M. Zissimopolous, PhD
Professors (Teaching): Robert Denhardt, PhD; LaVonna B. Lewis, PhD; Dora Vertenten, DPA
Associate Professors (Teaching): Elizabeth Falletta, MRED; Deborah J. Natoli, PhD
Assistant Professors (Teaching): Tara Blanc, PhD (nonresident); William Leach, PhD (nonresident); T.J. McCarthy, PhD; Jennifer Miller, PhD; Kelly Rawlings, PhD (nonresident); Minzi Su, PhD (nonresident); Michael Thom, PhD
Research Professors: Hilda Blanco, PhD; Stephen Hora, DBA; Adam Rose, PhD
Research Associate Professors: Michael Cousineau, PhD (Medicine); Christopher Weare, PhD
Research Assistant Professors: John Romley, PhD; Heather Rosoff, PhD; Dan Wei, PhD
Distinguished Fellow: Stan Ross, Honorary JD
Professors of Practice: Michael E. Harris (Health Services Administration and Policy); Sherry Bebitch Jeffe (Public Policy Communication); Geraldine Knatz, PhD (Public Policy & Engineering); Leonard Mitchell (Economic Development); Mark Pisano (Public Administration); Dan Schnur (Political Science); Antonio R. Villaraigosa (Policy); Frank Zerunyan (Governance)
Adjunct Professors: Janis Breidenbach, MA; Jonathan Brown, DPA; Robert Champion, MRED; Thomas Collins, EdD; Rick Culley, PhD; Tim Gage, MPP; Patrick G. Hays, MHA; Lori Howard, PhD; Stanley Iezman, JD; Robert Ingenito, MA; Jong S. Jun, PhD; Patrick Kapsner, MPA, FACMPE; Michael Keston, MBA; Allan Kotin, MA; Ehud Mouchly, MA; Tomson Ong, JD, PhD, LLM; James Osterling, MBA; Robert Smythe, BS; Erroll Southers, MPA; Donna Staal, DPA; Deborah Torres, MArch; Henry Zaretsky, PhD
Adjunct Associate Professors: Aggie Afarinesh, MPA; P.K. Agarwal, MS; Austin Anderson, MBA; Deepak Bahl, MBA, MPl; William Barcellona, MHA, JD; Bruce Baltin; Vinayak Bharne, MArch; Sandipan Bhattacharjee, MPl; David Brown, JD; Grace Cheng, MSPH; Glenn Daley, M.Phil., MBA; Terri Dickerhoff, MRED; Grace Dyrness, DPDS; Ali Farahani, PhD; James Fawcett, PhD; Veronica Flores, MA; Matt Gainer, MFA; Richard Garcia, DPA; Guillermo Gil, MBA; Todd Gish, PhD; Shawn Godkin, M.Arch; Ray Gonzales, PhD; David Grunwald, JD, MPP; Richard A. Hagy, PhD; Ray Hahn, MHA; Mark Hanson, PhD; Daniel Haverty, DPA; Con Howe, MCP; Donald Hufford, MD; Daniel Inloes, MPL, MPA; Bryan Jackson, JD; Dion Jackson,MBA, MPl, MRED; Daniel Jordan, PhD; Rym Kaki, PhD; Steven Kellenberg, MAUD; William R. Kelly, MPA, MBA, MA; Michael Kodama, MA; Kathy Kolnick, PhD; Alon Kraft, MPl; Jeffrey Kreshek, MBA, MRED; Vi-Nhuan Le, PhD; Richard Little, MS; Kenneth Long; John Loper, MRED; Melissa Lopez, PhD; Robert Manford, DPPD; Marcella Marlowe, PhD; Carl Meyer, MArch; Ryan Millsap, PhD; Donald Morgan, PhD; Bret Nielsen, MRED; Mark E. Oliver, MRED; Ralph Oyaga, MBA, JD; P. Michael Paules, MPA; Katherine Perez, MURP; John Perfitt, MBA; John Raffoul, DPA; Maurice Rahimi, PhD; Ann Reyes Robbins, PhD, JD; Ellen Riley, MBA; Jeanne Ringel, PhD; Shlomi Ronen, MBA; Robert A. Saunders, MRED; Jeffrey Schaffer, MPA; Bonnie Shrewsbury, MA; Susan Sinclair, MBA; Krista Sloniowski, MPl; Jeffrey Smith, PhD; Matthew Smith, MRED; Helene Smookler, PhD; Donald Spivack, MCP; Elwood Tescher, MArch; Halil Toros, PhD; Mark Velez, JD, PhD; Barry Waite, MPA; Jeffrey Wasserman, PhD; Dennis A. Watsabaugh; Clyde Wesp, MD; Chris Wilson, MBA; Jack Wong, MA; Ke Ye, PhD; Diane Yoder, PhD
Frances R. and John J. Duggan Professor Emeritus in Public Administration: Chester A. Newland, PhD
Emeritus Professors: William C. Baer, PhD, AICP; Gerald Caiden, PhD; Robert M. Carter, D.Crim.; T. Ross Clayton, PhD; Lois Friss, Dr.PH; David Lopez-Lee, PhD; Peter Gordon, PhD; David Mars, PhD; Robert C. Myrtle, DPA; E.K. Nelson, DPA; William Petak, DPA; Francine Rabvinovtiz, PhD, AICP; Warren Schmidt, PhD; Gilbert Siegel, PhD; Robert Stallings, PhD; Richard A. Sundeen, PhD*; Robert E. Tranquada, MD; Joseph S. Wholey, PhD; William J. Williams, DPA
Emeritus Associate Professors: Wesley E. Bjur, PhD; Catherine Burke, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
The Price School of Public Policy offers the following degrees:
The Bachelor of Science and the school's master's degrees are also offered jointly as a progressive five-year program and the school participates in the following interdisciplinary minors:
The Master of Planning is offered as a dual master's degree with programs in architecture, landscape architecture, art and curatorial practices in the public sphere, business administration, economics, gerontology, public administration, public health, public policy, real estate development and social work.
The Master of Public Administration is offered as a dual master's degree with programs in planning, gerontology, Jewish nonprofit management, law and social work.
The Master of Real Estate Development is offered as a dual degree with the Master of Business Administration, Juris Doctor and Master of Planning.
The Master of Health Administration is offered as a dual degree with the Master of Science in Gerontology.
The Master of Public Policy is offered as a dual degree with programs in law and planning.
Pi Alpha Alpha is the national honor society for public affairs and administration. Graduate students in the Price School of Public Policy who have completed at least 18 semester units and have earned a 3.7 grade point average are eligible for membership.
Pi Sigma Alpha is the national honor society for students in public administration, political science, and international relations. Students who have completed at least three courses from among these fields and have earned at least a 3.5 grade point average are eligible to apply.
The Price School of Public Policy offers a suite of degrees that allow undergraduate students to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to understand complex health, environmental and urban issues, as well as to potentially enter the professional fields of health and nonprofit management, public policy, real estate development, and urban planning. Students may enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Policy, Planning, and Development or the Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Development. In addition, students can select from a challenging set of minors or possibly the very competitive progressive degrees associated with the Master of Health Administration, Master of Planning and Master of Public Administration.
Freshman and transfer students may indicate their desire to declare a Price School major on their university application. Students enrolled at USC wishing to declare either Price major or to be admitted into the minors must be in good academic standing. Interested current USC students should contact the Admissions and Recruitment Office in RGL 111 for more information.
Students must discuss courses of study with the appropriate undergraduate advisers throughout their college enrollment and need to develop their own individual programs with faculty and staff advisers at the time of first enrollment and throughout their college careers.
The Price School of Public Policy offers students who have demonstrated exceptional academic success the opportunity to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in a progressive degree program. This program allows students to earn both the Bachelor of Science and a master's degree in five years. Further details about progressive degrees can be found on the Requirements for Graduation page.
Admission is available after the completion of 64 units of course work toward the undergraduate degree. Students must apply for admission to the progressive degree program after completing 64 units of applicable course work to their undergraduate programs, but prior to the completion of 96 units of course work (not including AP, IB or courses taken prior to high school graduation). The application for admission to the progressive degree plan must be accompanied by a course proposal plan and two letters of recommendation with one at least from a Price School faculty member.
The Bachelor of Science and master's degree may be awarded separately upon completion of all degree requirements, but the master's degree will not be awarded before the bachelor's degree. Students who elect not to complete the master's, must complete 128 units to earn the bachelor's degree, including 32 units of upper division Price course work (including any graduate Price classes).
All requirements for the progressive degree must be completed within 12 semesters. If not completed within that time, students will no longer be eligible for the master's degree but may still earn the bachelor's.
Graduate courses will not be accepted for transfer credit. Undergraduate classes may be transferred in accordance with university guidelines.
This program covers the most current theories and practice of construction planning and management. The program provides a valuable adjunct credential to professional school students pursuing careers in business administration, public administration, environmental studies, and other areas; and a unique opportunity for professional focus to students in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
Construction activities are complex. In contemporary society, effective planning and management of these activities requires specialized knowledge of the technical, economic and political environment. This program couples the knowledge of how construction activities are organized with a broader understanding of the urban system in which construction projects are embedded. With the exception of statistics, all of the required courses are within the Department of Civil Engineering and the Price School of Public Policy.
Any USC undergraduate who has completed the equivalent of two full-time semesters in good standing is eligible to pursue the minor program. This minor program is rigorous enough to serve as an introductory credential for students subsequently electing to pursue advanced studies in development, urban planning, construction management or allied fields.
See the Department of Civil Engineering for course requirements.
The minor in international policy and management brings together courses from the School of International Relations, dealing with the new global challenges, specific regions of the world, and international organizations and policies, and the Price School of Public Policy, dealing with core management skills and public policy processes. Students will examine the changes and challenges which are transforming the world, and the policy and management skills used to deal with them. To increase their understanding of the context and application of these concepts, students must complete a semester-long internship either in Washington, D.C. (through participation in the Washington, D.C. semester program) or in Los Angeles with an organization that has an international focus.
Students minoring in international policy and management take three courses in international relations, including the gateway course, IR 305 gw Managing New Global Problems; three courses in public policy and management; and an approved internship through the School of International Relations ( IR 491x Field Study). For additional course information, see International Relations.
Applicants for admission to the Master of Health Administration; Executive Master of Health Administration; Executive Master of Leadership; Master of Nonprofit Management and Leadership; Master of Planning; Master of Planning and Development Studies; Master of Public Administration; Master of Public Policy; Master of Public Policy and Management; Master of Real Estate Development; Doctor of Policy, Planning, and Development; Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and Management; and Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Planning and Development must have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited educational institution. In recognition of the increasing diversity of capabilities required as the theories and practices of policy, planning, and development evolve, students from a variety of undergraduate and graduate backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Applicants for admission will be expected to have completed a broad range of undergraduate courses in addition to their academic major or professional concentration. Generally, this will be reflected in completion of courses from the following fields: English; economics (basic theory); political science, history or sociology; physical or natural science; art or philosophy. In addition, mathematics (algebra, calculus, probability theory) and a course in statistics are strongly recommended.
Admission to graduate programs in the Price School of Public Policy is highly selective and competitive. Preference is given to those with a record of high educational achievement and personal qualities favoring success in the fields of planning or development. Applicants must have achieved superior grades during undergraduate and any graduate education. A grade point average of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0) is normally expected as well as satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). The GRE and GMAT are neither accepted nor required for the DPPD or executive MHA programs. Students applying for admission to the Master of Nonprofit Management and Leadership, Master of Planning, Master of Planning and Development Studies or the Master of Real Estate Development program may submit results from the Graduate Management Administration Test (GMAT). MRED applicants may also submit results from the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). In exceptional cases, an applicant who has not met these scholarship requirements may be admitted with conditions of admission.
For specific information on admission requirements and application procedures, contact the Price School of Public Policy, Office of Recruitment and Admissions, at (213) 740-0550. Certificate in Transportation Systems applicants should apply to the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. For additional information, contact the school at (213) 740-0587.
The Degree Progress Department determines whether work done elsewhere is available for consideration for credit toward the USC degree. That office requires official transcripts of all course work done before entering USC. A Graduate Transfer Credit Statement of these official transcripts, done after a student has been admitted to regular status at USC, will indicate which units are available for transfer. These courses do not apply toward the degree unless, and until, the student's major department approves and submits transfer credit to the Degree Progress Department in the Office of Academic Records and Registrar.
Application of any available transfer credits toward a graduate degree will be determined by the director of the particular degree program, based on the semester units available for transfer as shown on the Transfer Credit Statement.
These general guidelines are followed by the admissions evaluator and by faculty members: (1) the work must be completed at an accredited graduate school; (2) the grade must be B or better; (3) the work must be a fair and reasonable equivalent to current USC course work at the graduate level which fits into the logical program for the degree; (4) the units are not more than seven years old at the time of admission to their master's program (or 10 years old for a doctoral program); (5) the units must reflect current knowledge in the field; and (6) the work must be completed prior to admission to the USC program.
USC does not give transfer credit for life experience, credit by examination, noncredit extension courses or thesis course supervision.
Please consult with your degree director before enrolling in courses outside of USC. In many of the Price School's master's degree programs, only courses taken outside of USC prior to admission may be applied to your degree.
The school recognizes that some applicants may have covered the material contained in core courses or courses required for a particular specialization. Under these circumstances, one particular course requirement may be waived, allowing the student to complete a more advanced course in the same area. Students who have a background in a particular area of study may be allowed to substitute other courses. In these situations students do not receive unit credit but are permitted to take course work, which does not repeat earlier academic experiences.
Waiver of content is usually given only in the case of previous academic study of the subject, not in the case of experiential background in the area.
Students who believe they are eligible for content waiver decisions must petition the faculty of the school, providing evidence of the previous work through transcripts, syllabi and other pertinent material. Contact the school's Student Affairs Office for information.
This program is jointly sponsored by the Epstein Industrial and Systems Engineering Department and the Price School of Public Policy, and administered by the Epstein Industrial and Systems Engineering Department. This degree is designed for students with sufficiently quantitative bachelor's degrees in engineering, the sciences or applied social science who are interested in operations management and health care applications, and whose career objectives lead to increasing technical management responsibilities in large health care organizations, particularly hospitals. Students with less quantitative social science or other non-technical backgrounds interested in health administration objectives may also want to consider the Master of Health Administration program in the Price School of Public Policy. For information, see Industrial and Systems Engineering.
USC's Price School of Public Policy offers professional consulting-like experience for graduate students in its core master's degree programs. Participants are presented with a challenging professional assignment and a well-defined client and terms of reference. Students typically work in teams to produce a professional report and related materials that are presented to the client at the close of the assignment. The terms of reference for the lab vary each year depending upon the client, the instructor and the setting, among other considerations.
In principle, these professional labs may be held anywhere, either in Los Angeles, elsewhere in the United States or abroad.
The Price School professional laboratory teaches students to integrate scholarly knowledge with professional practice. Likewise, it helps participants make the transition from the classroom back to a "real world" setting. In the case of international labs, participants also gain a deeper and more direct understanding of how the culture of professional practice can vary from one setting to the next. Through the Price School professional laboratory students build their credentials and experience while also extending their network of professional contacts.
These professional labs are intended primarily for graduate students in public administration, planning, real estate development, public policy and health administration. A distinctive feature of the professional laboratory is that it is intended as an integrative professional experience across the school, so that students from any of these programs may participate fully.
Each summer the Price School offers one or more international labs/workshops. Recent international labs have been held in China, Brazil, Germany, Morocco, Italy and Vietnam. All students are encouraged to take at least one international lab course.
The Hertie School of Governance exchange program is a one-semester exchange program offered during the fall semester. The program will provide opportunities for students to acquire knowledge and skills necessary to become global leaders and succeed in a global market. All instruction is in English; proficiency in a foreign language is not required. Courses completed at the Hertie School of Governance are graded credit/no credit on the student's USC transcript. The courses are selected from a list approved by the Price School of Public Policy. Students must work with their program administrator to understand how the courses will return to their degree.
This 17-unit graduate certificate is jointly sponsored by the Epstein Industrial and Systems Engineering Department and the Price School of Public Policy (Master of Health Administration program), and administered by the Epstein Industrial and Systems Engineering Department. See the Industrial and Systems Engineering Department for course requirements.
This is a four-week intensive training program in the art and science of management. The program is designed to enhance leadership effectiveness and the development of a management generalist perspective.
This five-week laboratory focuses on issues in executive leadership, strategic management, environmental analysis, international finance and economics, computer-based project planning, and implementation of planned change strategies.
A dual degree program is an academic option that allows a student to enroll in two graduate programs simultaneously. Application must be made to both schools, and if accepted to both, the student pursues a specially designed program which combines selected courses from the two academic units. Students are required to seek advisement from both schools. The student will have the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills from two fields of study.
The dual degree program enables the student to integrate a closely related field with planning or development. The purpose of the dual program is to provide an enriched educational experience; accordingly, concurrent course work in the two fields is required.
Since the unit requirements of dual degrees depend upon the mutual transfer of units between the two academic units, no other transfer of credits will be allowed.
Students who decide, at any point, to earn only one of the two degrees must meet all the regular requirements for earning that degree alone.
Students in Master of Planning dual degree programs must fulfill the comprehensive examination and appropriate internship requirements except where noted otherwise.
See the School of Architecture for degree requirements.
The Master of Planning/Master of Advanced Architectural Studies dual degree program facilitates highly related cross-disciplinary studies in architecture and in planning at the master's level. This program offers students interested in developing a career in urban design an opportunity to make more substantial commitments in both disciplines and to achieve a more coherent and extensive knowledge in the design of built environments and public policy. This dual degree program normally requires five semesters in residence.
Qualified students who are admitted to the graduate programs in both the School of Architecture and the USC Price School of Public Policy may complete both degrees in a highly integrated five-semester program. Such students must already possess a five-year professional degree in architecture.
Requirements for completion of the dual degree program are 72 units, including 36 units in architecture and 36 units in planning. See the USC School of Architecture for course requirements.
See the Marshall School of Business for degree requirements.
The dual degree option in planning and landscape architecture (in the USC School of Architecture) trains professionals in policy and design, and to be competent with design problems at different scales, but with a distinctly urban focus. Candidates must be independently admitted to the Master of Planning and Master of Landscape Architecture programs. The dual degree program normally requires between five and seven semesters in residence.
Completion of the dual degree requires 24 units of courses in urban planning, 10 units of thesis option I or II and either 32 units of landscape architecture (for those students admitted with advanced standing); 48 units of landscape architecture (for those students admitted with advanced placement); or 74 units of landscape architecture (for those students admitted to the three-year curriculum). See USC School of Architecture for course requirements.
See the USC Gould School of Law for degree requirements.
See the Marshall School of Business for degree requirements.
For rules governing a second master's degree, see the Requirements for Graduation page. In accordance with these policies, transfer credits will be granted only on the basis of a written petition to the MPA program coordinator and on the basis of credits recognized by USC in a Transfer Credit Statement.
Students may want to prepare for teaching as well as for public service. By careful planning in the upper division of the undergraduate degree and during the graduate years, requirements for a bachelor's degree, a master's degree and the university recommendation for a community college instructorship may be met without unnecessary duplication of effort and waste of time. Those interested in teaching should consult advisers in both the USC Price School of Public Policy and the USC Rossier School of Education before beginning upper division and graduate work.
Regulations governing the Master of Science in Civil Engineering permit some candidates for this degree to take 12 units outside the School of Engineering. Those who wish to do so may take 12 units in public administration. Two courses in this sequence must be selected from among PPD 500, PPD 501a, PPD 501b, PPD 540, PPD 541, PPD 545, PPD 546. One course in this sequence must be selected from among PPD 542, PPD 557, PPD 666. PPD 541 requires PPD 502x and statistics as prerequisites. PPD 546 should be taken last if elected.
This program is designed to prepare competent individuals to administer the long term care needs of America's elderly population. It is jointly offered by the Davis School of Gerontology, the Marshall School of Business, and the Price School of Public Policy. For information see the USC Davis School of Gerontology.
For information, see Industrial and Systems Engineering.
The USC Price School of Public Policy offers the Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and Management (PhD), the Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Planning and Development (PhD) and the Doctor of Policy, Planning, and Development (DPPD). The PhD degrees are designed to prepare individuals for university level teaching and research. The DPPD degree is intended to develop a high level of conceptual and research competence for professional leadership in planning and development. The DPPD is administered by the Price School of Public Policy; the PhD programs are administered by the Graduate School and the faculty of the Price School of Public Policy. PhD students must consult the Graduate School section of this catalogue for regulations and requirements pertaining to its degrees. Students should also consult the Academic Policies section of this catalogue.
Completion of the requirements for all these degrees is assumed to take a minimum of three years of approved graduate study and research beyond the bachelor's degree. For the PhD student, a minimum of 24 graduate units completed in residence on the University Park Campus in Los Angeles is required. DPPD students are required to complete a minimum of 24 units at the University Park Campus. Full-time study is represented by enrollment in 6 units during the semester. Usually the school and the student's qualifying exam committee insist on a clear and mutually understood commitment of time and energy by the student to ensure significant involvement in the doctoral learning experience. For university policies regarding continuous enrollment, leave of absence and readmission, see the Requirements for Graduation page.
Admission to graduate standing for the PhD or DPPD is recommended by the school's admissions committee acting under guidelines established by the Graduate School as outlined in the Graduate School section and the Graduate Admission section. In addition to those guidelines, DPPD students are expected to have a minimum of five years of substantial relevant experience. Students intending to apply should direct questions about the program and all materials for the admission application to Doctoral Programs, Office of Student Affairs, RGL 111, Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0626.
The deadline for applications for admission to the PhD and DPPD programs is December 1. Applications for admission are made once each year for fall semester admission.
The admission decision for PhD students is made using criteria which include verification that the applicant has a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, has maintained a high grade point average in the last 60 units of undergraduate work, and has earned a competitive score on the verbal and quantitative portions of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Other elements of the applicant's educational and experiential background are also evaluated, including performance in other advanced degrees. DPPD applicants must also provide evidence of at least five years of practical administrative or other relevant experience. The GRE and GMAT scores are neither accepted nor required for the DPPD program.
Each applicant should submit the following: (1) one copy of official transcripts of all previous college and university work (be sure that these official transcripts show an awarded degree where appropriate); (2) copies of GRE scores; (3) a 1,000-word essay discussing the applicant's background and reasons for wanting to pursue a PhD degree and identifying his or her personal, educational and professional goals; (4) an up-to-date resume, including academic and professional accomplishments; (5) three letters of recommendation, two from previous instructors, the other from an instructor or from a professional supervisor or colleague. The letters should indicate the applicant's academic and professional accomplishments and potential; (6) a completed USC Graduate Admission Application, along with the nonrefundable application fee; (7) a writing sample of approximately 1,000 words (in addition to the applicant essay); and (8) a completed Price School of Public Policy Supplemental Graduate Application. International applicants are asked to submit additional information. Applicants should carefully choose, and clearly state, the degree objective (PhD or DPPD) for which they are applying, since different sets of admissions criteria exist for each of them.
The application of any available transfer credits toward a graduate degree at USC will be determined by the faculty and the dean of the Price School of Public Policy, based on the semester units available for transfer as shown in the Transfer Credit Statement (determined by the USC Office of Academic Records and Registrar). Refer to Admission with Advanced Standing for more information.
Admission to the university is granted for a specified semester, and it is expected that students will begin their programs during that semester. The school will normally allow students to defer their enrollment up to one year from the admission semester. Students who wish to defer enrollment should notify the school in writing no more than 30 days after the beginning of the semester of admission. Students who do not inform the school in a timely manner of their intent to defer enrollment may be required to reapply for admission.
Please note that more stringent regulations apply to international students. See the Admission and Orientation section of this catalogue.
Acceptance to graduate standing does not in itself imply that the student is admitted or will be admitted to candidacy for an advanced degree. Application for admission as a candidate for an advanced degree is a separate and subsequent step. See the The Graduate School section of this catalogue.
All international applicants for admission to doctoral programs should submit materials to Doctoral Programs, Recruitment and Admissions Office, RGL 111, Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0626. See the Admission of International Students section of this catalogue.
PhD students are required to have a 3.3 overall GPA in first-year courses to continue in the program. DPPD students are required to pass a screening procedure after 16 units of course work. The procedure is designed to ensure that only those students who have demonstrated intellectual and scholarly potential continue in the program.
There are differences between the screening process for PhD and DPPD students. Students should consult the relevant faculty director of the doctoral program in which they are enrolled.
A qualifying exam committee assists the student in outlining an academic program leading toward the degree. Students will form an initial qualifying exam committee by the end of the first fall semester. The committee might not yet include the Graduate School representative from outside the Price School, but must include at least three tenure track the Price School faculty members, one of whom is identified as the chair. This committee bears responsibility for counseling the doctoral student, for approving a course schedule and preliminary and qualifying examinations, and for recommending the student for admission to candidacy. After approval of the student's program and proposed time schedule, the program is submitted in writing to the relevant director. This should be accomplished by the beginning of the second year, following successful screening.
The complete qualifying exam committee must be in place no later than the third semester. The chair should have recognized expertise in the qualifying area and should be a regular participant in the qualifying examination committee for that area. The majority of the members of the qualifying exam committee (typically at least three out of five) should be experts in the area in which the student is qualifying and should be regular participants in the qualifying examination committee. The remaining members should have a clear interest in this area with the exception of the outside member whose primary responsibility is to serve as the representative of the Graduate School, ensuring the university's commitment to the equitable treatment of all students and that the highest quality education standards are upheld.
Students will formalize their relationship with their committees through the development of a work plan which specifies all courses, degree progress, seminar attendance and what was learned from these sessions as well as a research plan that articulates major research questions being explored. At the end of the first year of study, the qualifying exam committee chair reviews and approves the work plan. At the end of the second year, the full qualifying exam committee reviews the work plan and the second year paper.
The USC School of Social Work is celebrated for its rigorous career preparation and scientific contributions. Here, a School of Social Work intern helps a an older veteran as part of a community gardening project at Veterans Villages Recovery Center in Long Beach, California. Photo by David Ahntholz and Tracy Boulian, Two Point Pictures.
The USC School of Social Work offers programs of study leading to the Master of Social Work (MSW) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in social work. These programs provide the student a broad background of knowledge about health and welfare problems, the meaning of programs past and present that have been established to meet them, and current issues and policy trends in the field.
At the same time, the student is helped to become a professional person through development of a philosophy in harmony with that of the profession: to prevent and mitigate severe social problems that challenge the viability of culturally diverse and complex urban settings; to build on the strengths of individuals, families and communities; and to lead the scholarly search for innovative, efficacious and just solutions.
Montgomery Ross Fisher
Building 214
Main: (213) 740-2711
Admissions: (213) 740-2013
FAX: (213) 740-0789
Email: sswadm@usc.edu
usc.edu/socialwork
Marilyn L. Flynn, PhD, Dean, 2U Endowed Chair in Educational Innovation and Social Work
R. Paul Maiden, PhD, Vice Dean, Academic and Student Affairs
Judy Axonovitz, MS, Director, Skirball Academic Center
Janine Braun, EMBA, MEd., Assistant Dean, Admissions and Scholarship Programs
Paul Carlo, PhD, Director, USC Center on Child Welfare
Monica Ellis, MA, Assistant Dean, Student Services
Carmen Frierson, Vice Dean, Administration
John Gaspari, MSW, Executive Director, USC Center for Work and Family Life
Eugenia Weiss, PsyD, Interim Director, San Diego Academic Center
Anthony Hassan, EdD, Director, Center for Innovation and Research on Veterans and Military Families
Dan Hester, Director, International Programs
Steve Hong, BS, Director, Management Information Systems
Jehoon Lee, PhD, Director, Center for Asian-Pacific Leadership
Carrie Lew, EdD, Assistant Dean, Professional Development and Alumni Relations
Cindy Monticue, MA, Director, Marketing Communications
Michàlle Mor Barak, PhD, Director, PhD Program
Scarlett Powers Osterling, MSW, Senior Associate Dean, External Relations
Elizabeth Pringle-Hornsby, EdD, Director, Orange County Academic Center
Cherry Short, MSc, Associate Dean, Global and Community Initiatives
Wendy Smith, PhD, Associate Dean, Faculty Development
Haluk Soydan, PhD, Director, Hamovitch Center for Science in the Human Services
Donna Toulmin, JD, Director, USC/DCFS Training Program, USC Center on Child Welfare
William Vega, PhD, Executive Director, USC Roybal Institute on Aging
Joshua Watson, EdD, Director, Student Services
June Wiley, PhD, Director, Virtual Academic Center
Leslie Wind, PhD, Associate Dean for Academic Programs
Terris Wolff, MBA, MSBA, Chief Technology Officer, Information Technology
Marleen Wong, PhD, Associate Dean, Field Education
Chinese-American Golden Age Association/Dr. Frances Wu Endowed Chair: Iris Chi, DSW
Dean's Professor of Social Work and Preventive Medicine: Hortensia Amaro, PhD
Margaret W. Driscoll/Louise M. Clevenger Professorship in Social Policy and Administration: Bruce Jansson, PhD*
Dean's Professor of Social Work and Business: Michàlle E. Mor Barak, PhD*
Frances L. and Albert G. Feldman Endowed Professorship in Social Policy and Health: Lawrence Palinkas, PhD
Ernest P. Larson Professor of Health, Ethnicity and Poverty: Kathleen Ell, DSW
Frances G. Larson Professor of Social Work Research: John Brekke, PhD*
John Milner Professor of Child Welfare: Jacquelyn McCroskey, DSW*
Provost's Professor of Social Work, Preventive Medicine, Psychiatry, Family Medicine and Gerontology: William Vega, PhD
Cleofas and Victor Ramirez Professor of Practice, Policy, Research and Advocacy for the Latino Population: William Vega, PhD
David Lawrence Stein/Violet Goldberg Sachs Professor: Penelope K. Trickett, PhD*
Richard M. and Ann L. Thor Professor in Urban Social Development: Suzanne Wenzel, PhD
Lenore Stein-Wood and Williams S. Wood Professor of School Behavioral Health: Ron Avi Astor, PhD
2U Endowed Chair in Educational Innovation and Social Work: Marilyn Flynn, PhD
Professors: Hortensia Amaro, PhD; Ron Avi Astor, PhD; John Brekke, PhD*; Iris Chi, DSW; Kathleen Ell, DSW; Marilyn L. Flynn, PhD; Bruce Jansson, PhD*; R. Paul Maiden, PhD; Jacquelyn McCroskey, DSW*; Michàlle E. Mor Barak, PhD*; Lawrence Palinkas, PhD; Penelope K. Trickett, PhD*; Avelardo Valdez, PhD; William Vega, PhD; Wynne Waugaman, PhD; Suzanne Wenzel, PhD
Associate Professors: Maria Aranda, PhD*; Concepcion Barrio, PhD; Devon Brooks, PhD; Maryalice Jordan- Marsh, PhD; Helen Land, PhD*; Karen Lincoln, PhD; Ferol Mennen, DSW*; Dorian Traube, PhD; Shinyi Wu, PhD; Ann Marie Yamada, PhD
Assistant Professors: Carl Castro, PhD; Julie Cederbaum, PhD; Alice Cepeda, PhD; Tamika Gilreath, PhD; Jeremy Goldbach, PhD; Erick Guerrero, PhD; Benjamin Henwood, PhD; Michael Hurlburt, PhD; Seth Kurzban, PhD; Jungeun Olivia Lee, PhD; Emily Putnam-Hornstein, PhD; Eric Rice, PhD
Clinical Professors: Eileen Abel, PhD; Rafael Angulo, MSW; Margarita Artavia, MSW; Judith Axonovitz, MSW; Ralph Fertig, JD; Anthony Hassan, EdD; Stephen Hydon, MSW; Anne Katz, PhD; Murali Nair, PhD; Jolene Swain, MSW; Doni Whitsett, PhD; Marleen Wong, PhD
Clinical Associate Professors: Jane Allgood, PhD; Estela Andujo, MSW; Juan Araque, PhD; Michelle Bell, EdD; Karra Bikson, PhD; Ruth Cislowski, MSW; Tory Cox, MSW; Laurel Davis, MSW; Annalisa Enrile, PhD; Kimberly Finney, PhD; Pamela Franzwa, MSW; Conrad Fuentes, MSW; Kim Goodman, MSW; Mary Beth Harris, PhD; Suh Chen Hsiao, MSW; Dawn Joosten, PhD; Seth Kurzban, PhD; Terri Lee, MSW; Shelley Levin, PhD; Omar Lopez, MSW; Martha Lyon-Levine, PhD; Gokul Mandayam, PhD; Shannon Mayeda, PhD; Renee Michelsen, MSS; Sam Mistrano, JD; Tyan Parker Dominguez, PhD; Elizabeth Phillips, PhD; Elizabeth Pringle-Hornsby, MSW; Michael Rank, PhD; Russana Rowles; Michal Sela-Amit, PhD; Renee Smith-Maddox, PhD; Candace Smith, EdD; Wendy Smith, PhD; Fred Stone, PhD; Vivien Villaverde, MSW; Eugenia Weiss, PsyD; Ruth White, PhD; June Wiley, PhD; Leslie Wind, PhD; Deborah Winters, MSW; Lisa Wobbe-Veit, MSW; Darlene Woo, MSW; Beverly Younger, PhD
Clinical Assistant Professors: Rosamaria Alamo, MSW; David Bringhurst, PhD; Nikki Cavalier, LCSW; Susan Edwards, MSW; Terence Fitzgerald, PhD; Amber Ford, MSW; Stephanie George; Bianca Harper, DSW; Leroy Curtis Johnson, MSW; Jennifer Lewis, PhD; Marsalee Malatesta; Rick Newmyer, MSW; Amber Ramirez; Erik Schott, EdD; Melissa Singh, MSW; Ruth Supranovich, MSW; Kristen Zaleski, PhD
Adjunct Professors: Lucia Aparicio, MSW; Vern Bengtson, PhD; Margaret Fetting, PhD; Michael Jackson, PhD; Wanda Jewell, MSW; Sheri Kelfer, MSW; Diane Meadow, PhD; Rose Monteiro, MSW; Carlos Sosa, MSW; Monika White, PhD; Jeff Wilkins, MD; Marcia Wilson, PhD
Adjunct Associate Professors: Rita Davis, MSW; Nancy Flax-Plaza, MSW; Herbert Hatanaka, DSW; Heather Halperin, MSW; Kristie Holmes, PhD; CarolAnn Peterson, PhD; Mara Ziegler, MSW
Adjunct Assistant Professors: Steven Bush, MSW; Stephanie Carter, MSW; Linda Cox, MSW; Susan Lindau, MSW; Leigh Miller, MSW
Research Professors: Charles Kaplan, PhD; Haluk Soydan, PhD
Research Associate Professors: Jehoon Lee, PhD; Donald Lloyd, PhD; Janet Schneiderman, PhD
Research Assistant Professors: Hazel Atuel, PhD; Sara Kintzle, PhD; Sonya Negriff, PhD; Harmony Rhoades, PhD; Sherrie Wilcox, PhD, Hsin Yi Hsiao, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Howard J. Parad, DSW*; Rino Patti, DSW*; Barbara Solomon, DSW*
Emeritus Field Education Faculty: Rhoda G. Sarnat, MA
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
The School of Social Work offers the Master of Social Work (MSW), the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and the dual Master of Social Work/Doctor of Philosophy, Social Work (MSW/PhD) degrees. In addition, the school offers dual degrees with the schools of business; gerontology; law; medicine; public policy; and Hebrew Union College.
The School of Social Work currently offers dual degree programs with a number of other USC professional schools. In addition, the school maintains a dual degree program at Hebrew Union College located adjacent to the USC campus.
The goal of these programs is to encourage graduate students to gain a recognized competence in another discipline which has direct relevance to the roles filled by social workers in society. Dual degree programs are based on the premise that some topics covered in the school are also addressed in the curricula of other departments, so that some credit toward an MSW degree may be given for specific courses in the cooperating department. Similarly, these departments have recognized that some credit toward their corresponding degree may be awarded for work completed in the School of Social Work. For this reason, students enrolled in dual degree programs can obtain both degrees with a reduced number of total units. Students wishing to enroll in dual degree programs must apply for and be admitted to both schools.
The MS/MSW dual degree offers the student interested in direct service or community organization the credentials most valued in clinical and therapeutic practice. Students enrolled in this dual degree receive an MSW as well as an MS in Gerontology. This dual degree requires completion of 73 units: 32 units of work in the Davis School of Gerontology and 41 units in the School of Social Work. The course work is usually completed over a 24-month period for full-time students.
Students must complete MSW course work in foundation, foundation field instruction and core courses specific to the AHA or COBI departments.
See the Social Work and Gerontology (MSW/MS) in the Davis School of Gerontology for course requirements.
The Master of Public Administration/Master of Social Work (MPA/MSW) dual degree program provides those students interested in careers as administrators of social service agencies the opportunity to combine preparation in the substantive field of social work with the acquisition of the administrative capabilities necessary in the public sector. Students must complete 82 units: 54 units in social work and 28 units in public administration.
Dual degree students must complete MSW course work in foundation, field and core courses specific to the AHA, COBI or CYF departments.
Most students complete both program requirements over a 24-month period for full-time students. See the USC Price School of Public Policy for course requirements.
The Juris Doctor and Master of Social Work (JD/MSW) dual degree program with the USC Gould School of Law is a four-year program in which students complete a total of 121 units. This includes 45 units in social work and 76 units in law.
To earn the JD, all students (including dual degree students) must complete 35 numerically graded law units at USC after the first year. The associate dean may make exceptions to this rule for students enrolled in law school honors programs. Students must apply to both programs prior to matriculation. The program of study is as follows:
First and Second Years: Complete both the first year JD program of study and MSW course work in foundation, field and core courses specific to the AHA, COBI or CYF departments.
Third Year: Complete the second year JD program.
Fourth Year: Complete the remaining required core department and field courses and one semester of field instruction and the final semester of the JD program in the spring.
The law school gives credit for the third semester in the School of Social Work, while the latter recognizes law courses as substitutions for a one-semester practice course, special topics courses, a third semester of social policy and one semester of field instruction (for which a clinical law semester is substituted).
The MSW/MBA dual degree develops knowledge and skills in working with individuals, families and groups, as well as organizational dynamics, marketing, decision sciences, accounting and human relations. Students interested in working in the management of human services and not-for-profit organizations will develop knowledge of human resources, philanthropic and corporate social responsibility, organizational development and information management.
Prospective students must apply to both the School of Social Work and the USC Marshall School of Business.
The MSW/MBA requires completion of a total of 96 units: 48 in the Marshall School of Business and 48 in the School of Social Work.
Students must select Department of Community, Organization, and Business Innovation (COBI). Dual degree students must complete MSW course work in foundation, field and core courses specific to the COBI department.
Course requirements in the Marshall School of Business include all required courses in an MBA program and graduate business electives sufficient to bring the total units completed in the Marshall School of Business to at least 48. Dual degree students may not count courses taken outside the Marshall School of Business toward the 48 units. For MBA admission and degree requirements, visit USC Marshall School of Business.
The MBA and the MSW degrees are awarded simultaneously upon completion of all program requirements.
The Hamovitch Center for Science in the Human Services, located in the School of Social Work, serves as the administrative umbrella for the school's centers of research excellence. These centers of interdisciplinary research include the areas of mental health, health, corporate and industrial social work, child abuse, interpersonal violence and other projects of interest to individual faculty. The center hosts seminars and colloquia which are open to the university and community.
Research projects are supported by federal, state, county and school resources. The center engages faculty in research, demonstration and application in building and testing theory, developing research instruments, testing models of service and treatment modalities, evaluating programs and service policy. The center also provides opportunities for doctoral students to acquire research training through ongoing and newly initiated faculty research projects. Doctoral students are encouraged to apply to participate in such projects which often lead to dissertation possibilities. Predoctoral fellowships and/or research assistantships for projects conducted at the center are sometimes available to incoming and ongoing doctoral students. The center also enables doctoral students to conduct their own research through the auspices of the center, including their dissertation research. All doctoral students are encouraged to attend and participate in the center's colloquia and programs to enhance their involvement with and skills in research and knowledge development.
The program of study which leads to the Master of Social Work degree consists of 60 units (42 units of course work and 18 units of field practicum). The program is available at these locations: University Park, Orange County Academic Center in Irvine, Skirball Academic Center in West Los Angeles, San Diego Academic Center in Rancho Bernardo and Virtual Academic Center via the Internet and can be completed in a full-time (four-semester) program or part-time (six- or eight-semester) program. In addition, some classes are offered at City Center in downtown Los Angeles.
The basic foundation curriculum introduces students to the range of social welfare problems and programs, and to the varieties of human behavior with which social work is concerned. At the same time, students learn the methods by which the social worker, the social agency and the organized community work with people and problems. Field instruction, under supervision in a social agency, is scheduled for two or three days a week, enabling students to apply theory to practice. All content areas include content on diversity, social work values and ethics, and economic justice and populations at risk. At the completion of foundation requirements, students are expected to have acquired a sense of professional responsibility and the ability to use knowledge on behalf of the individual, the group and the community.
The school is organized into three departments: 1) Children, Youth and Families; 2) Adults and Healthy Aging; 3) Community, Organization, and Business Innovations. Students will select one of these departments of study and, upon completion of the foundation semester, take core courses, including SOWK 611, and electives focused on department-specific issues. Each department offers its own six core courses, and students will choose three electives focused on their individual interests.
Specific course content includes:
This department prepares students to address the needs of vulnerable children, youth and families from the earliest years of childhood through adolescence and the transition to adulthood. Course work focuses on promoting wellness and preventing trauma, as well as which kinds of service programs are showing the best results for families with different makeups from a variety of racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Students are trained to serve families in a variety of service settings, including health, mental health, early education, schools, child welfare and juvenile justice.
This department is focused on enhancing the health and well-being of younger and older adults within families, agencies, institutions, communities and other environments, and eliminating disparities. The curriculum offers course work in mental health and substance use, integrated primary and behavioral health care, wellness and recovery, promotion of healthy aging, social welfare policy, and program and policy evaluation and analysis.
This department prepares students to lead bold, large-scale solutions to social problems and drive positive change in organizations, businesses and government agencies. Students can customize their learning experience by specializing in community organization, workplace interventions or military social work, and taking courses in social change, advocacy, evaluation research, organizational planning and development. The community track prepares students to think critically about problems in communities and organizations, identify barriers to progress and design interventions to facilitate change. The business track prepares students for corporate settings, where they may help employees manage the demands between work and life and companies build positive relationships with their communities.
This system of curriculum offerings provides a strong educational program with a continuing commitment to a generalist base and a focused set of concentrations, in combination with a range of options to meet special interests. This program enables graduates to move into the social work community with a combination of knowledge and skills in a broad arena, as well as in-depth knowledge and skills in a particular method, population or area of service.
The curriculum builds on a liberal arts foundation that all entering students are required to have. The applicant should have a range of undergraduate courses in the humanities and the social and physical sciences.
The Master of Social Work degree requires a minimum of 60 semester units of courses, including field education (1000 clock hours).
The degree is not awarded solely on the basis of credits earned but also requires evidence of competence in both theory and practice. At their discretion, the faculty may require courses or fieldwork or both beyond the minimum requirements.
The master's degree program requires two academic years of full-time study or a structured part-time program which must be completed in a maximum of four years.
In accordance with the requirements of the Graduate School, a grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for admission to the School of Social Work. Likewise, the university requires an overall GPA of 3.0 for graduation from the master's degree program.
Course requirements are organized in five interdependent content areas that continue throughout the two years: social work practice; social welfare, policy and services; human behavior and the social environment; research; and fieldwork.
Academic credit is not granted for life experience or work experience in lieu of the field practicum or any other courses in the curriculum.
All newly admitted campus-based students will follow a program that includes one course in social work practice; one course in policy; one course in human behavior; one course in research methods; one course in leadership, four semesters of field education; six department-specific core courses and three electives.
Plus six additional department core courses and 3 additional Social Work electives totaling 27 units.
Plus 9 additional units of concentration courses and 9 additional units of Social Work electives
Field education is an integral part of the Master of Social Work curriculum. Two year-long field education courses are required. The school works closely with thousands of community agencies, organizations, businesses and other field partners to ensure students receive valuable hands-on practice experience that complements their classroom learning. Students must complete two field internships, or 1,000 field hours in order to be awarded the Master of Social Work degree. The first placement requires 14-16 hours a week at a practicum agency that aligns with a student's department and includes a two-hour practice lab in the first semester. In these labs, students will be trained to apply three evidence-based interventions: motivational interviewing, problem-solving therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. In the second semester, students will participate in a two-unit field seminar while completing 16 hours a week at a practicum agency. In the second year of the program, students will increase their field time to 20 hours a week, and in some cases, they may be able to remain at their original field site if the organization can facilitate advanced learning experiences. Additionally, second-year students will participate in a one-unit field seminar where they will learn to apply evidenced-based interventions specific to their department.
Field education takes place in selected agencies and centers, which represent the complete range of social services. Field placements are approved on the basis of the quality of their professional practice, commitment to social justice and to addressing social work problems, interest in participating in professional education, and ability to make personnel and resources available. Field instructors, who are employed by either the agency or the school, are responsible for teaching students in their field placements. The associate dean for field education is administratively responsible for all field assignments.
Each placement in field education is made on an individual basis, which takes into consideration the following: geographic location, previous experiences, future goals, professional interests, special needs and stipend requirements. In these placements, students engage in selected and organized social work activities that provide practical experience in applying skills learned in the classroom.
The number of field placement options for non-driving students is limited. Students are encouraged to have access to an automobile for field placement.
The research requirement consists of one foundation course. In the foundation course of study, SOWK 546 or SOWK 562 are designed to impart knowledge of research methodology and statistics. Students are required to enroll in courses that combine research skills with evaluation and program development in their in their department field of study.
Applicants who have recently completed part or all of the first half of graduate study at a Council on Social Work Education-accredited school of social work may apply as transfer students. In addition to materials described in the section on application procedures, transfer students should forward course syllabi and a bulletin of the school for the year in which the course or courses were taken.
Transfer credits may be applied for those courses determined to be equivalent to USC's first-year courses or to meet the expectation of the second-year electives. The grade point average for any course taken at another school of social work must be at least 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale. Where foundation courses are similar, but not equivalent, transfer students may be permitted to take a waiver examination for possible exemption from those courses. Transferred credit for fieldwork will be computed on the basis of clock hours completed as well as on the breadth and depth of contents covered.
The School of Social Work offers a Military Social Work and Veteran Services program in the MSW curriculum targeting military personnel, spouses and other military dependents and military retirees who wish to maintain a post-military career affiliation with the armed forces; military veterans who wish to provide professional services to their military comrades; and civilian personnel who are committed to assisting military personnel, their families and military veterans with adapting, coping and managing the stresses and strains of military life and post-military life.
Beyond the basic professional social work foundation course requirements of the Master of Social Work degree, the program in Military Social Work and Veteran Services will offer a series of specialized courses focusing on the needs of military personnel, veterans and their families. Students will take two courses in special topics that focus on this area of practice. Individuals pursuing the Military Social Work and Veteran Services program options will also be able to select from a variety of highly relevant elective courses that will serve to enhance their training and future service delivery capabilities.
The School of Social Work offers an advanced standing option for students who have graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CWSE)-accredited BSW program within the past five years. To be eligible for the advanced standing option, students must have successfully completed their BSW with a minimum GPA of 3.00 for the last 60/90 units of undergraduate work. A cumulative 3.5 GPA for all social work courses with a grade of B or better is required for admission.
Students admitted to advanced standing will bypass 23 units of the MSW program and be required to complete 37 units total of the following course work:
Plus six additional department core courses and 2 additional Social Work electives totaling 24 units.
The option is available at University Park Campus and the Virtual Academic Center and can be completed in three semesters.
The School of Social Work currently offers dual degree programs with a number of other USC professional schools. In addition, the school maintains a dual degree program at Hebrew Union College located adjacent to the USC campus.
The goal of these programs is to encourage graduate students to gain a recognized competence in another discipline which has direct relevance to the roles filled by social workers in society. Dual degree programs are based on the premise that some topics covered in the school are also addressed in the curricula of other departments, so that some credit toward an MSW degree may be given for specific courses in the cooperating department. Similarly, these departments have recognized that some credit toward their corresponding degree may be awarded for work completed in the School of Social Work. For this reason, students enrolled in dual degree programs can obtain both degrees with a reduced number of total units. Students wishing to enroll in dual degree programs must apply for and be admitted to both schools.
The dual degree program combines in-class learning and fieldwork under the auspices of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion's School of Jewish Nonprofit Management (formerly the School of Jewish Communal Service) and the University of Southern California's School of Social Work. Students in this dual degree program simultaneously pursue graduate studies leading to the MSW and an MA in Jewish Nonprofit Management over a 24-month period for full-time students. A total of 90 units must be completed to meet the requirements of both degrees (42 units in social work and 48 units at the HUC-JIR School of Jewish Nonprofit Management).
Dual degree students must complete MSW course work in foundation, foundation field instruction and core courses specific to the AHA, COBI or CYF departments.
Students must apply to both programs prior to matriculation.
The dual degree program between the USC School of Social Work and the USC Price School of Public Policy offers unique opportunities for students who want to devote their professional careers to social policy, social planning or social services delivery. Students with a dual degree will have broader employment options beyond those in traditional planning or social work.
The schedule of courses allows students to experience direct service in the first year so that course work planning is supplemented by a knowledge of consumers, service delivery, etc. Courses for both schools are taken simultaneously, intermingling social work and planning content. Two years of field practicums in social work provide in-depth exposure to social service issues from both planning and direct service perspectives, thus satisfying some of the planning laboratory/workshop requirements and eliminating the need for a separate planning internship requirement.
Requirements for completion of the MSW/MPl degree are 83 units including 51 units in social work and 32 units in planning. Students must select a community organization, planning and administration concentration in the second year of their social work program.
*Students who have taken a leadership course in PPD are not required to take SOWK 611.
2-unit courses may be offered in seven-and-a-half week blocks.
Planning Studios: PPD 531 (4) for 4 units.
Electives: 8 units of elective courses taken within the Price School of Public Policy.
Dual degree students, like all other MPl students, must take a comprehensive examination and fulfill the internship requirement.
The School of Social Work currently offers dual degree programs with a number of other USC professional schools. In addition, the school maintains a dual degree program at Hebrew Union College located adjacent to the USC campus.
The goal of these programs is to encourage graduate students to gain a recognized competence in another discipline which has direct relevance to the roles filled by social workers in society. Dual degree programs are based on the premise that some topics covered in the school are also addressed in the curricula of other departments, so that some credit toward an MSW degree may be given for specific courses in the cooperating department. Similarly, these departments have recognized that some credit toward their corresponding degree may be awarded for work completed in the School of Social Work. For this reason, students enrolled in dual degree programs can obtain both degrees with a reduced number of total units. Students wishing to enroll in dual degree programs must apply for and be admitted to both schools.
The Master of Public Administration/Master of Social Work (MPA/MSW) dual degree program provides those students interested in careers as administrators of social service agencies the opportunity to combine preparation in the substantive field of social work with the acquisition of the administrative capabilities necessary in the public sector. Students must complete 82 units: 54 units in social work and 28 units in public administration.
Dual degree students must complete MSW course work in foundation, field and core courses specific to the AHA, COBI or CYF departments.
Most students complete both program requirements over a 24-month period for full-time students. See the Master of Public Administration/Master of Social Work (MPA/MSW) in the USC Price School of Public Policy for course requirements.
The School of Social Work currently offers dual degree programs with a number of other USC professional schools. In addition, the school maintains a dual degree program at Hebrew Union College located adjacent to the USC campus.
The goal of these programs is to encourage graduate students to gain a recognized competence in another discipline which has direct relevance to the roles filled by social workers in society. Dual degree programs are based on the premise that some topics covered in the school are also addressed in the curricula of other departments, so that some credit toward an MSW degree may be given for specific courses in the cooperating department. Similarly, these departments have recognized that some credit toward their corresponding degree may be awarded for work completed in the School of Social Work. For this reason, students enrolled in dual degree programs can obtain both degrees with a reduced number of total units. Students wishing to enroll in dual degree programs must apply for and be admitted to both schools.
The Master of Social Work/Master of Public Health (MSW/MPH) dual degree offers the student interdisciplinary preparation in the fields of public health and social work leading to the Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees. The dual degree program is a collaborative effort between the School of Social Work and the Department of Preventive Medicine in the Keck School of Medicine. The objectives of the program are to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote health, prevent disease and enhance the delivery of health and social services in the community. Students will build interdisciplinary skills and an interdisciplinary professional identity by developing an understanding of the breadth of each field and their interface, while permitting concentration in particular specialization areas. The program prepares graduates for work in a variety of interdisciplinary settings; and for some, it will provide the basis for doctoral study.
Students must complete a minimum of 81 units, 34 of which fulfill unique requirements of the MSW, 27 which fulfill the unique requirements of the MPH, and 20 which fulfill the requirements of both degrees. Most students complete both program requirements over three years for full-time students; however, the program may be completed in less time if the student takes a full course load during the two summer sessions (MPH course work only; MSW is not available during the summer).
Dual degree students must complete MSW course work in foundation, field and core courses specific to the AHA, COBI or CYF departments. Students will take MPH course work specific to the following public health tracks: health education and promotion; public health policy; or child and family health. MPH track will be determined by the MSW department chosen by the student.
The School of Social Work currently offers dual degree programs with a number of other USC professional schools. In addition, the school maintains a dual degree program at Hebrew Union College located adjacent to the USC campus.
The goal of these programs is to encourage graduate students to gain a recognized competence in another discipline which has direct relevance to the roles filled by social workers in society. Dual degree programs are based on the premise that some topics covered in the school are also addressed in the curricula of other departments, so that some credit toward an MSW degree may be given for specific courses in the cooperating department. Similarly, these departments have recognized that some credit toward their corresponding degree may be awarded for work completed in the School of Social Work. For this reason, students enrolled in dual degree programs can obtain both degrees with a reduced number of total units. Students wishing to enroll in dual degree programs must apply for and be admitted to both schools.
The MS/MSW dual degree offers the student interested in direct service or community organization the credentials most valued in clinical and therapeutic practice. Students enrolled in this dual degree receive an MSW as well as an MS in Gerontology. This dual degree requires completion of 73 units: 32 units of work in the Davis School of Gerontology and 41 units in the School of Social Work. The course work is usually completed over a 24-month period for full-time students.
Students must complete MSW course work in foundation, foundation field instruction and core courses specific to the AHA or COBI departments.
See the Master of Social Work and Gerontology (MSW/MS) in the Davis School of Gerontology for course requirements.
The School of Social Work currently offers dual degree programs with a number of other USC professional schools. In addition, the school maintains a dual degree program at Hebrew Union College located adjacent to the USC campus.
The goal of these programs is to encourage graduate students to gain a recognized competence in another discipline which has direct relevance to the roles filled by social workers in society. Dual degree programs are based on the premise that some topics covered in the school are also addressed in the curricula of other departments, so that some credit toward an MSW degree may be given for specific courses in the cooperating department. Similarly, these departments have recognized that some credit toward their corresponding degree may be awarded for work completed in the School of Social Work. For this reason, students enrolled in dual degree programs can obtain both degrees with a reduced number of total units. Students wishing to enroll in dual degree programs must apply for and be admitted to both schools.
The MSW/PhD dual degree program is a course of study leading to both a graduate degree (Master of Social Work) and doctor of philosophy (PhD) in social work. This course of study is offered to exemplary students seeking advanced research based study in social work to become professional leaders who will make significant contributions to the knowledge base of the profession in the social work academic world. Prospective students must meet both the MSW and PhD standing admission requirements.
A total of at least 90 units is required for the dual degree with at least 42 units in the MSW program and at least 48 units in the PhD program (exclusive of SOWK 794a, SOWK 794b, SOWK 794c, SOWK 794d, SOWK 794z, Doctoral Dissertation). Students who select the mental health concentration will be required to complete at least 93 units (at least 45 MSW units and at least 48 PhD units). The program can be completed within four years.
Elective* Units: 3
Research or statistics course* Units: 3
Three external courses outside of Social Work Units: 9
SOWK 790 Research Units: 6
*Must be taken in School of Social Work or elsewhere at USC
Students in the Department of Community, Organization, and Business Innovations (COBI); Department of Adults and Health Aging (AHA); and Department of Children, Youth, and Families (CYF) will be required to complete an additional 18 units of MSW department-specific core courses.
Students must complete a minimum of 48 course units beyond the master's degree (exclusive of SOWK 794a SOWK 794b SOWK 794c SOWK 794d SOWK 794z Doctoral Dissertation). Students must complete at least 24 units within the School of Social Work and at least three courses in other departments or schools within the university. At least 8 of these 12 units must be in courses with a substantive rather than a research-methodology or statistic focus. Students must also take at least one 3-unit elective and one additional research or statistics course either in the School of Social Work or elsewhere in the university. Each student must develop a concentration either in another discipline outside the School of Social Work (such as gerontology; sociology; psychology; preventive medicine; business; policy, planning and development; or political science) or in a problem area where different external courses in different departments or schools bear on a specific social problem like homelessness. An overall grade point average of B (3.0) on all graduate work attempted in the doctoral program is required for graduation.
All students are expected to master core content. They must also complete 12 units from the substantive five core courses.
Substantive Courses – Students choose four:
Macro focus: students with a macro focus in policy, community
organization or administration must complete either SOWK
702 or SOWK 743 .
Micro focus: students with a micro focus in direct practice must
complete either SOWK 703, SOWK 733 or SOWK 744.
Core Courses:
Dual degree students will develop an Individualized Study Plan (ISP) at two points in their educational process. They will develop a plan with their mentor before the fall semester begins in year 1 to identify courses they plan to take in their first and second years. It will be approved by the doctoral committee. Students will develop a plan with their mentor in the spring semester of their second year to identify courses and tutorials they will take in their third and fourth years.
With the enrollment of a small group of highly qualified experienced social workers, the School of Social Work established the first social work doctoral program in the Western United States in 1953. Over the years, the school has continued the tradition of providing opportunities for learning in small classes, seminars and tutorials.
The major goal of the doctoral program in social work is to produce social work scholars who will have the capacity to make valuable and significant contributions to the knowledge base of the profession. Students acquire the skills necessary to become professional scholars and develop a significant capacity for professional leadership. Toward this end, the school is committed to pursuing excellence in education with persons of definite promise and to seeking gifted students of varied social, ethnic and economic backgrounds.
Through training in specific areas, graduates of the program develop theoretical, conceptual, critical and analytic skills which can be applied to social, organizational, interpersonal and personal problems. They emerge from the program with substantive knowledge and analytic skills that enable them to contribute to understanding social problems and ways of solving them. With these skills, they are able to take a disciplined approach to the issues confronting the profession of social work and the field of social welfare and are prepared to make a significant contribution to the research and scholarship that informs society's effort to improve the human condition.
The PhD program in social work is administered by the Doctoral Committee of the School of Social Work in accordance with the policies set by the Graduate School. The requirements listed below are special to the School of Social Work and must be read in conjunction with the general requirements of the Graduate School.
Admission Requirements
Applicants for admission to the doctoral program must meet the following requirements:
Under unusual circumstances, applications from persons who do not meet these requirements, including those who have just been awarded the MSW degree, will be considered. In cases where the MSW (or its equivalent) has recently been granted and the applicant does not have the prerequisite post-master's degree employment experience, it may be required that such experience be acquired concurrent with enrollment in the doctoral program.
Under very unusual circumstances, applications to the doctoral program in social work will be considered from those who do not hold the MSW or an equivalent degree. Such applicants, in order to be admitted to the program, must have a master's degree (or its equivalent) in a field related to social work and a demonstrated commitment to the field of social work as evidenced by substantial contribution to the knowledge base of the profession. Admission decisions on applicants who do not hold an MSW or equivalent degree will be made by the full Doctoral Program Committee of the School of Social Work rather than by a subcommittee of that body.
Priority will be given to applications that are completed by January 1.
All applicants to the doctoral program must submit the following information: (1) graduate admission application using the university's online system; (2) statement of purpose which is submitted as part of the online application; (3) current resume which is uploaded as part of the online application; (4) all undergraduate and graduate transcripts; (5) four letters of reference, at least three of which are from persons who can assess the student's scholarly potential; (6) recent GRE scores; (7) recent TOEFL or IELTS scores; (8) documented evidence of financial support is required of all international applicants; (9) PhD Information Form for the School of Social Work; (10) career plans and goals; and (11) scholarly writing sample.
There is no foreign language requirement for the PhD degree. Competence in advanced research methodology and statistics is required through satisfactory completion of required courses. All international students are required to submit their TOEFL or IELTS scores from a test date prior to application and to meet university requirements for teaching.
Students must complete a minimum of 48 course units beyond the master's degree (exclusive of SOWK 794a, SOWK 794b, SOWK 794c, SOWK 794d, SOWK 794z Doctoral Dissertation). Students must complete at least 24 units within the School of Social Work and at least three courses in other departments or schools within the university. At least 8 of these 12 units must be in courses with a substantive rather than a research-methodology or statistic focus. Students must also take at least one 3-unit elective and one additional research or statistics course either in the School of Social Work or elsewhere in the university. Each student must develop a concentration either in another discipline outside the School of Social Work (such as gerontology; sociology; psychology; preventive medicine; business; policy, planning and development; or political science) or in a problem area where different external courses in different departments or schools bear on a specific social problem like homelessness. An overall grade point average of B (3.0) on all graduate work attempted in the doctoral program is required for graduation.
All students are expected to master core content. They must also complete 12 units from the substantive five core courses.
24 units from the following:
students with a macro focus in policy, community organization or administration must complete either SOWK 702 or SOWK 743 as part of their core curriculum.
students with a micro focus in direct practice must complete either SOWK 703, SOWK 733 or SOWK 744.
*Must be taken in School of Social Work or elsewhere at USC
Students must complete a minimum of 12 units per semester in their first semester and second semester of their first year in the program to maintain their status as full-time students and eligibility for financial support from the School of Social Work.
The second year of the curriculum is largely individualized to meet each student's educational goals. It is organized around a specific field of social work practice or a problem area. In the case of fields of practice or problem area, students gain knowledge of that field's development and policies; one level of comparative practice theory applicable to that field; comparative explanatory theory appropriate to the field and the chosen practice level; and advanced research methods which can be used to explore field-specific questions.
Field of Practice is defined as a field of activity in which there is an identifiable service delivery system, a continuum of care for clients, and a defined or established role for social workers.
Given the current expertise of the faculty and available faculty resources, students may choose from the following fields of practice specializations:
Given the current expertise of the faculty and available faculty resources, students may choose from the following fields of practice specializations: (1) families and children, (2) mental health, (3) health, (4) occupational/industrial employment, (5) aging/gerontology, or (6) economic security/income maintenance.
Additional fields of practice can be added to the above choices depending on faculty interest, expertise and availability.
Problem Area is defined as a social or service delivery problem that is relevant to the field of social work such as homelessness or urban health systems.
Practice Theory is defined as advanced knowledge of comparative practice theories at one point on the intervention continuum as they relate to the field of practice chosen. The practice intervention continuum is defined to include practice with individuals, families and groups, as well as community practice, administration, planning, and policy practice.
Explanatory Theory is defined as advanced knowledge of comparative social science theories as they relate to the field of practice and level of intervention chosen.
Specialized Research Skills is defined as advanced skills in research methodology and statistics which support the student's dissertation within the field of practice.
Students fulfill the requirement for the mastery of the content of their individualized course of study through a combination of at least three (2-unit) directed tutorials (SOWK 790) with members of the social work faculty, at least three university courses in other departments of the university and an elective.
Students prepare an individualized course study plan with their faculty adviser in the spring of the first year that is approved by the doctoral committee. It details classes and tutorials that each student will take during the second year of the program.
The program offers students skills training in both teaching and research.
All doctoral students must teach for two semesters before they graduate. Requirements may be fulfilled by coteaching, teaching as an assistant or solo teaching. Before beginning these teaching experiences, students must take a teaching course approved by the doctoral committee. International students must meet the English proficiency standards set forth by the American Language Institute and participate, if necessary, in specialized training offered by the Center for Excellence in Teaching.
Students are also offered the opportunity for enhanced skills building in research through a research internship. The one- or two- semester internship (SOWK 785), starting typically in the spring of the second year, is designed to provide students with hands-on, practical experience with an ongoing faculty research project prior to the start of their own dissertation research. Typically, activities include data collection and/or analysis. The practicum is expected to yield a paper of publishable quality co-authored by the student and the faculty member.
Students may enroll in SOWK 599 by petitioning the doctoral committee in writing. The decision to grant or deny admission will be based on each applicant's learning and research interests and permission of the instructor.
The usual program includes two years of full-time course work, plus an additional period for completing the qualifying examinations and dissertation. In rare cases, students who are not able to take the full-time program because of employment may spread course work over three years. They must, however, have the equivalent of full-time study in residence for at least one year.
Students should specify whether they are applying for the full-time or part-time program at the time they apply to the program. Part-time students usually carry two courses per semester during the academic year. They may wish to accelerate their progress by enrolling in appropriate courses when available during the summer session.
The time limit for completing all requirements for the Ph.D. degree is eight years from the first course taken at USC to be applied toward the degree. Students who have completed an applicable master's degree at USC or elsewhere (almost all students in the social work doctoral program) must complete the Ph.D. in six years.
The transfer of post-master's doctoral course work from another institution will only be considered if a grade of B or better (A = 4.0) has been obtained, and the course has been completed within the last five years. Transfer of credits must be petitioned and approved by both the School of Social Work and the Graduate School.
When students have completed a minimum of 16 units (but not more than 24 units) of doctoral course work, the doctoral committee assesses their performance and makes a decision about their readiness to continue in the program. If the decision is to deny permission to continue, the students are so notified. If permission is granted, a qualifying exam committee is established.
The qualifying exam committee is composed of five faculty members, four of whom, including the chair, are from the School of Social Work and one from an academic unit of the university other than the School of Social Work. The function of the qualifying exam committee is to oversee the development of the student's academic program through the qualifying examination.
As a prerequisite to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree, students must pass written and oral qualifying examinations. In order to take the examinations, students must complete all core courses, at least 6 units of SOWK 790 tutorials and at least 32 units of course work in the doctoral program with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
All students must pass a qualifying examination by completing a paper that the examination committee judges to be of publishable quality and passing an oral examination on subject matter related to the paper. The paper must deal with a substantive theoretical, model-building or methodological issue in the student's chosen area. Critical reviews of the literature or reports of empirical studies conducted by the student specifically for the qualifying examination are acceptable. The topic of the paper will be chosen in conjunction with the student's chair and must be defended before and agreed to by the entire examination committee. The content of the paper is to go beyond products developed for tutorials and must be an independent effort. Further details for completing the paper and oral examination are provided as needed. When students pass the written and oral portions of the qualifying examination, they advance to candidacy.
In accordance with university policy, since the two portions of the qualifying examination are considered part of a single examination, only one retake of either portion of the examination is permitted. When the oral examination has been passed, the student is formally admitted to candidacy.
When the student is admitted to candidacy, a dissertation committee is established consisting of three members of the qualifying exam committee, one of whom must be from outside the School of Social Work. The dissertation committee has the responsibility of providing consultation in research, approving the dissertation, conducting the final oral examination and recommending the candidate for the Ph.D. degree. The doctoral dissertation should make a contribution to knowledge and theory related to the profession of social work. Dissertations must not only show technical mastery of the subject and research methodology but must also demonstrate the candidate's ability to work independently as a scholar.
The first step in the dissertation process is the development of a dissertation proposal. Normally about 25-30 pages, the proposal should contain a clear statement of purpose, a rationale for the research, research questions or hypotheses, a review of pertinent literature, and an explication of the research methods to be used including the design, instrumentation, sampling procedures and plan for analysis. The proposal must include human subject clearances for the anticipated research obtained from the appropriate school and university committees.
The dissertation proposal is submitted to the student's dissertation committee and defended. Upon approval of the proposal, a copy is filed with the director of the doctoral program.
It is expected that students will begin work on their dissertation prospectus as soon as possible after completion of the qualifying examinations, and that an acceptable proposal will be presented within three months of the completion of the examination.
Since the abstract of the dissertation is also published in Dissertation Abstracts International, it should be written with care and must be representative of the final draft of the dissertation. A shorter abstract for publication in Social Work Research and Abstracts is also required.
Upon approval of the final draft of the dissertation by all members of the dissertation committee, the candidate must pass a general final oral examination. After the candidate successfully completes the final oral examination, the committee recommends the candidate to the Graduate School for the Ph.D. degree.
Return to: USC School of Social Work
The USC School of Social Work is celebrated for its rigorous career preparation and scientific contributions. Here, a School of Social Work intern helps a an older veteran as part of a community gardening project at Veterans Villages Recovery Center in Long Beach, California. Photo by David Ahntholz and Tracy Boulian, Two Point Pictures.
The USC School of Social Work offers programs of study leading to the Master of Social Work (MSW) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in social work. These programs provide the student a broad background of knowledge about health and welfare problems, the meaning of programs past and present that have been established to meet them, and current issues and policy trends in the field.
At the same time, the student is helped to become a professional person through development of a philosophy in harmony with that of the profession: to prevent and mitigate severe social problems that challenge the viability of culturally diverse and complex urban settings; to build on the strengths of individuals, families and communities; and to lead the scholarly search for innovative, efficacious and just solutions.
Montgomery Ross Fisher
Building 214
Main: (213) 740-2711
Admissions: (213) 740-2013
FAX: (213) 740-0789
Email: sswadm@usc.edu
usc.edu/socialwork
Marilyn L. Flynn, PhD, Dean, 2U Endowed Chair in Educational Innovation and Social Work
R. Paul Maiden, PhD, Vice Dean, Academic and Student Affairs
Judy Axonovitz, MS, Director, Skirball Academic Center
Janine Braun, EMBA, MEd., Assistant Dean, Admissions and Scholarship Programs
Paul Carlo, PhD, Director, USC Center on Child Welfare
Monica Ellis, MA, Assistant Dean, Student Services
Carmen Frierson, Vice Dean, Administration
John Gaspari, MSW, Executive Director, USC Center for Work and Family Life
Eugenia Weiss, PsyD, Interim Director, San Diego Academic Center
Anthony Hassan, EdD, Director, Center for Innovation and Research on Veterans and Military Families
Dan Hester, Director, International Programs
Steve Hong, BS, Director, Management Information Systems
Jehoon Lee, PhD, Director, Center for Asian-Pacific Leadership
Carrie Lew, EdD, Assistant Dean, Professional Development and Alumni Relations
Cindy Monticue, MA, Director, Marketing Communications
Michàlle Mor Barak, PhD, Director, PhD Program
Scarlett Powers Osterling, MSW, Senior Associate Dean, External Relations
Elizabeth Pringle-Hornsby, EdD, Director, Orange County Academic Center
Cherry Short, MSc, Associate Dean, Global and Community Initiatives
Wendy Smith, PhD, Associate Dean, Faculty Development
Haluk Soydan, PhD, Director, Hamovitch Center for Science in the Human Services
Donna Toulmin, JD, Director, USC/DCFS Training Program, USC Center on Child Welfare
William Vega, PhD, Executive Director, USC Roybal Institute on Aging
Joshua Watson, EdD, Director, Student Services
June Wiley, PhD, Director, Virtual Academic Center
Leslie Wind, PhD, Associate Dean for Academic Programs
Terris Wolff, MBA, MSBA, Chief Technology Officer, Information Technology
Marleen Wong, PhD, Associate Dean, Field Education
Chinese-American Golden Age Association/Dr. Frances Wu Endowed Chair: Iris Chi, DSW
Dean's Professor of Social Work and Preventive Medicine: Hortensia Amaro, PhD
Margaret W. Driscoll/Louise M. Clevenger Professorship in Social Policy and Administration: Bruce Jansson, PhD*
Dean's Professor of Social Work and Business: Michàlle E. Mor Barak, PhD*
Frances L. and Albert G. Feldman Endowed Professorship in Social Policy and Health: Lawrence Palinkas, PhD
Ernest P. Larson Professor of Health, Ethnicity and Poverty: Kathleen Ell, DSW
Frances G. Larson Professor of Social Work Research: John Brekke, PhD*
John Milner Professor of Child Welfare: Jacquelyn McCroskey, DSW*
Provost's Professor of Social Work, Preventive Medicine, Psychiatry, Family Medicine and Gerontology: William Vega, PhD
Cleofas and Victor Ramirez Professor of Practice, Policy, Research and Advocacy for the Latino Population: William Vega, PhD
David Lawrence Stein/Violet Goldberg Sachs Professor: Penelope K. Trickett, PhD*
Richard M. and Ann L. Thor Professor in Urban Social Development: Suzanne Wenzel, PhD
Lenore Stein-Wood and Williams S. Wood Professor of School Behavioral Health: Ron Avi Astor, PhD
2U Endowed Chair in Educational Innovation and Social Work: Marilyn Flynn, PhD
Professors: Hortensia Amaro, PhD; Ron Avi Astor, PhD; John Brekke, PhD*; Iris Chi, DSW; Kathleen Ell, DSW; Marilyn L. Flynn, PhD; Bruce Jansson, PhD*; R. Paul Maiden, PhD; Jacquelyn McCroskey, DSW*; Michàlle E. Mor Barak, PhD*; Lawrence Palinkas, PhD; Penelope K. Trickett, PhD*; Avelardo Valdez, PhD; William Vega, PhD; Wynne Waugaman, PhD; Suzanne Wenzel, PhD
Associate Professors: Maria Aranda, PhD*; Concepcion Barrio, PhD; Devon Brooks, PhD; Maryalice Jordan- Marsh, PhD; Helen Land, PhD*; Karen Lincoln, PhD; Ferol Mennen, DSW*; Dorian Traube, PhD; Shinyi Wu, PhD; Ann Marie Yamada, PhD
Assistant Professors: Carl Castro, PhD; Julie Cederbaum, PhD; Alice Cepeda, PhD; Tamika Gilreath, PhD; Jeremy Goldbach, PhD; Erick Guerrero, PhD; Benjamin Henwood, PhD; Michael Hurlburt, PhD; Seth Kurzban, PhD; Jungeun Olivia Lee, PhD; Emily Putnam-Hornstein, PhD; Eric Rice, PhD
Clinical Professors: Eileen Abel, PhD; Rafael Angulo, MSW; Margarita Artavia, MSW; Judith Axonovitz, MSW; Ralph Fertig, JD; Anthony Hassan, EdD; Stephen Hydon, MSW; Anne Katz, PhD; Murali Nair, PhD; Jolene Swain, MSW; Doni Whitsett, PhD; Marleen Wong, PhD
Clinical Associate Professors: Jane Allgood, PhD; Estela Andujo, MSW; Juan Araque, PhD; Michelle Bell, EdD; Karra Bikson, PhD; Ruth Cislowski, MSW; Tory Cox, MSW; Laurel Davis, MSW; Annalisa Enrile, PhD; Kimberly Finney, PhD; Pamela Franzwa, MSW; Conrad Fuentes, MSW; Kim Goodman, MSW; Mary Beth Harris, PhD; Suh Chen Hsiao, MSW; Dawn Joosten, PhD; Seth Kurzban, PhD; Terri Lee, MSW; Shelley Levin, PhD; Omar Lopez, MSW; Martha Lyon-Levine, PhD; Gokul Mandayam, PhD; Shannon Mayeda, PhD; Renee Michelsen, MSS; Sam Mistrano, JD; Tyan Parker Dominguez, PhD; Elizabeth Phillips, PhD; Elizabeth Pringle-Hornsby, MSW; Michael Rank, PhD; Russana Rowles; Michal Sela-Amit, PhD; Renee Smith-Maddox, PhD; Candace Smith, EdD; Wendy Smith, PhD; Fred Stone, PhD; Vivien Villaverde, MSW; Eugenia Weiss, PsyD; Ruth White, PhD; June Wiley, PhD; Leslie Wind, PhD; Deborah Winters, MSW; Lisa Wobbe-Veit, MSW; Darlene Woo, MSW; Beverly Younger, PhD
Clinical Assistant Professors: Rosamaria Alamo, MSW; David Bringhurst, PhD; Nikki Cavalier, LCSW; Susan Edwards, MSW; Terence Fitzgerald, PhD; Amber Ford, MSW; Stephanie George; Bianca Harper, DSW; Leroy Curtis Johnson, MSW; Jennifer Lewis, PhD; Marsalee Malatesta; Rick Newmyer, MSW; Amber Ramirez; Erik Schott, EdD; Melissa Singh, MSW; Ruth Supranovich, MSW; Kristen Zaleski, PhD
Adjunct Professors: Lucia Aparicio, MSW; Vern Bengtson, PhD; Margaret Fetting, PhD; Michael Jackson, PhD; Wanda Jewell, MSW; Sheri Kelfer, MSW; Diane Meadow, PhD; Rose Monteiro, MSW; Carlos Sosa, MSW; Monika White, PhD; Jeff Wilkins, MD; Marcia Wilson, PhD
Adjunct Associate Professors: Rita Davis, MSW; Nancy Flax-Plaza, MSW; Herbert Hatanaka, DSW; Heather Halperin, MSW; Kristie Holmes, PhD; CarolAnn Peterson, PhD; Mara Ziegler, MSW
Adjunct Assistant Professors: Steven Bush, MSW; Stephanie Carter, MSW; Linda Cox, MSW; Susan Lindau, MSW; Leigh Miller, MSW
Research Professors: Charles Kaplan, PhD; Haluk Soydan, PhD
Research Associate Professors: Jehoon Lee, PhD; Donald Lloyd, PhD; Janet Schneiderman, PhD
Research Assistant Professors: Hazel Atuel, PhD; Sara Kintzle, PhD; Sonya Negriff, PhD; Harmony Rhoades, PhD; Sherrie Wilcox, PhD, Hsin Yi Hsiao, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Howard J. Parad, DSW*; Rino Patti, DSW*; Barbara Solomon, DSW*
Emeritus Field Education Faculty: Rhoda G. Sarnat, MA
*Recipient of university-wide or school teaching award.
The School of Social Work offers the Master of Social Work (MSW), the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and the dual Master of Social Work/Doctor of Philosophy, Social Work (MSW/PhD) degrees. In addition, the school offers dual degrees with the schools of business; gerontology; law; medicine; public policy; and Hebrew Union College.
The School of Social Work currently offers dual degree programs with a number of other USC professional schools. In addition, the school maintains a dual degree program at Hebrew Union College located adjacent to the USC campus.
The goal of these programs is to encourage graduate students to gain a recognized competence in another discipline which has direct relevance to the roles filled by social workers in society. Dual degree programs are based on the premise that some topics covered in the school are also addressed in the curricula of other departments, so that some credit toward an MSW degree may be given for specific courses in the cooperating department. Similarly, these departments have recognized that some credit toward their corresponding degree may be awarded for work completed in the School of Social Work. For this reason, students enrolled in dual degree programs can obtain both degrees with a reduced number of total units. Students wishing to enroll in dual degree programs must apply for and be admitted to both schools.
The MS/MSW dual degree offers the student interested in direct service or community organization the credentials most valued in clinical and therapeutic practice. Students enrolled in this dual degree receive an MSW as well as an MS in Gerontology. This dual degree requires completion of 73 units: 32 units of work in the Davis School of Gerontology and 41 units in the School of Social Work. The course work is usually completed over a 24-month period for full-time students.
Students must complete MSW course work in foundation, foundation field instruction and core courses specific to the AHA or COBI departments.
See the Social Work and Gerontology (MSW/MS) in the Davis School of Gerontology for course requirements.
The Master of Public Administration/Master of Social Work (MPA/MSW) dual degree program provides those students interested in careers as administrators of social service agencies the opportunity to combine preparation in the substantive field of social work with the acquisition of the administrative capabilities necessary in the public sector. Students must complete 82 units: 54 units in social work and 28 units in public administration.
Dual degree students must complete MSW course work in foundation, field and core courses specific to the AHA, COBI or CYF departments.
Most students complete both program requirements over a 24-month period for full-time students. See the USC Price School of Public Policy for course requirements.
The Juris Doctor and Master of Social Work (JD/MSW) dual degree program with the USC Gould School of Law is a four-year program in which students complete a total of 121 units. This includes 45 units in social work and 76 units in law.
To earn the JD, all students (including dual degree students) must complete 35 numerically graded law units at USC after the first year. The associate dean may make exceptions to this rule for students enrolled in law school honors programs. Students must apply to both programs prior to matriculation. The program of study is as follows:
First and Second Years: Complete both the first year JD program of study and MSW course work in foundation, field and core courses specific to the AHA, COBI or CYF departments.
Third Year: Complete the second year JD program.
Fourth Year: Complete the remaining required core department and field courses and one semester of field instruction and the final semester of the JD program in the spring.
The law school gives credit for the third semester in the School of Social Work, while the latter recognizes law courses as substitutions for a one-semester practice course, special topics courses, a third semester of social policy and one semester of field instruction (for which a clinical law semester is substituted).
The MSW/MBA dual degree develops knowledge and skills in working with individuals, families and groups, as well as organizational dynamics, marketing, decision sciences, accounting and human relations. Students interested in working in the management of human services and not-for-profit organizations will develop knowledge of human resources, philanthropic and corporate social responsibility, organizational development and information management.
Prospective students must apply to both the School of Social Work and the USC Marshall School of Business.
The MSW/MBA requires completion of a total of 96 units: 48 in the Marshall School of Business and 48 in the School of Social Work.
Students must select Department of Community, Organization, and Business Innovation (COBI). Dual degree students must complete MSW course work in foundation, field and core courses specific to the COBI department.
Course requirements in the Marshall School of Business include all required courses in an MBA program and graduate business electives sufficient to bring the total units completed in the Marshall School of Business to at least 48. Dual degree students may not count courses taken outside the Marshall School of Business toward the 48 units. For MBA admission and degree requirements, visit USC Marshall School of Business.
The MBA and the MSW degrees are awarded simultaneously upon completion of all program requirements.
The Hamovitch Center for Science in the Human Services, located in the School of Social Work, serves as the administrative umbrella for the school's centers of research excellence. These centers of interdisciplinary research include the areas of mental health, health, corporate and industrial social work, child abuse, interpersonal violence and other projects of interest to individual faculty. The center hosts seminars and colloquia which are open to the university and community.
Research projects are supported by federal, state, county and school resources. The center engages faculty in research, demonstration and application in building and testing theory, developing research instruments, testing models of service and treatment modalities, evaluating programs and service policy. The center also provides opportunities for doctoral students to acquire research training through ongoing and newly initiated faculty research projects. Doctoral students are encouraged to apply to participate in such projects which often lead to dissertation possibilities. Predoctoral fellowships and/or research assistantships for projects conducted at the center are sometimes available to incoming and ongoing doctoral students. The center also enables doctoral students to conduct their own research through the auspices of the center, including their dissertation research. All doctoral students are encouraged to attend and participate in the center's colloquia and programs to enhance their involvement with and skills in research and knowledge development.
The terms indicated are expected but are not guaranteed. For the courses offered during any given term, consult the Schedule of Classes.
American Studies and Ethnicity (BA) (see American Studies
and Ethnicity)
American Studies and Ethnicity (African American Studies)
(BA) (see American Studies and Ethnicity)
American Studies and Ethnicity (Asian American Studies)
(BA) (see American Studies and Ethnicity)
American Studies and Ethnicity (Chicano/Latino Studies)
(BA) (see American Studies and Ethnicity)
Animation and Digital Arts (BA) (see USC School of Cinematic
Arts)
Cognitive Science (BA) (see Psychology)
East Asian Area Studies (BA) (see East Asian Area
Studies)
Environmental Science and Health (BA) (see Environmental
Studies)
Environmental Studies (see Environmental Studies)
Gender Studies (BA) (see Gender Studies)
Global Studies (BA) (see Anthropology)
Health and Humanity (BA) (see Health and Humanity)
Health and the Human Sciences (BA) (see Health and Human
Sciences)
History and Social Science Education (BA) (see History)
Interdisciplinary Archaeology (BA) (see Religion)
Interdisciplinary Studies (see Interdisciplinary Studies)
International Relations (Global Business) (BA) (see
International Relations)
Law, History, and Culture (BA) (see History)
Linguistics and East Asian Languages and Cultures (BA) (see
Linguistics)
Linguistics and Philosophy (BA) (see Linguistics)
Linguistics and Psychology (BA) (see Linguistics)
Middle East Studies (BA) (see Middle East Studies)
Narrative Studies (BA) (see English)
Neuroscience (BA) (see Neuroscience (Undergraduate))
Non-Governmental Organizations and Social Change (BA) (see
Sociology)
Philosophy, Politics and Law (BA) (see Philosophy)
Political Economy (BA) (see Economics)
Religion (BA), emphasis in Judaic Studies (see Religion)
Social Sciences, with an Emphasis in Economics (BA) (see
Economics)
Social Sciences, with an Emphasis in Psychology (BA) (see
Psychology)
Visual and Performing Arts Studies (BA) (see USC School of
Dramatic Arts)
Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation (BS) (see
the USC Iovine and Young Academy)
Biochemistry (BS) (see Biological Sciences)
Biophysics (BS) (see Physics and Astronomy)
Business Administration (Cinematic Arts) (BS) (see USC
Marshall School of Business)
Business Administration (International Relations) (BS) (see
USC Marshall School of Business)
Computational Neuroscience (BS) (see Neuroscience
(Undergraduate))
Computer Science/Business Administration (BS) (see
Engineering)
Economics/Mathematics (BS) (see Mathematics)
Environmental Science and Health (BS) (see Environmental
Studies)
Environmental Studies (see Environmental Studies)
GeoDesign (BS) (see Spatial Sciences Institute)
Global Health Studies (BS) (see Keck School of Medicine of
USC)
Physical Sciences (BS) (see Physics and Astronomy)
Physics/Computer Science (BS) (see Physics and Astronomy)
Cell and Neurobiology (MS) (see Keck School of Medicine of
USC)
Clinical, Biomedical and Translational Investigations
Certificate (see Keck School of Medicine of USC)
Construction Management (MCM) (see USC Viterbi School of
Engineering)
Green Technologies (MS) (see USC Viterbi School of
Engineering)
Medical Device and Diagnostic Engineering (MS) (see USC
Viterbi School of Engineering)
Philosophy and Law (MA) (see Philosophy)
Public Diplomacy (MPD) (see School of Communication)
Digital Media and Culture Graduate Certificate (see USC
School of Cinematic Arts)
Health Systems Operations Graduate Certificate (see USC
Viterbi School of Engineering)
Optimization and Supply Chain Management Graduate
Certificate (see USC Marshall School of Business)
Sustainable Policy and Planning Certificate (see USC Price
School of Public Policy)
Sustainable Design Graduate Certificate (see USC School of
Architecture)
Transportation Systems Graduate Certificate (see USC Viterbi
School of Engineering)
Visual Studies Graduate Certificate (see Art History)
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics (PhD) (see
Biological Sciences)
Health Economics, Microeconomics Track, (PhD) (see USC School
of Pharmacy)
Health Economics, Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy Track,
(PhD) (see USC School of Pharmacy)
Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology (PhD) (see USC School of
Pharmacy)
Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD) (see USC School of Pharmacy)
American Popular Culture Minor (see American Studies and
Ethnicity)
American Studies and Ethnicity Minor (see American Studies and
Ethnicity)
Animation and Digital Arts Minor (see USC School of Cinematic
Arts)
Arabic and Middle East Studies Minor (see Linguistics)
Biotechnology Minor (see Biological Sciences)
Business Law Minor (see USC Marshall School of Business)
Cinema-Television for the Health Professions Minor (see Keck
School of Medicine of USC)
Culture, Media and Entertainment Minor (see School of
Communication)
Communication Design Minor (see USC Roski School of Art and
Design)
Communication Law and Media Policy Minor (see School of
Communication)
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Minor (see Biological
Sciences)
Computer and Digital Forensics Minor (see Engineering)
Construction Planning and Management Minor (see
Engineering)
Consumer Behavior Minor (see USC Marshall School of
Business)
Craniofacial and Dental Technology Minor (see Herman Ostrow
School of Dentistry of USC)
Critical Approaches to Leadership Minor (see Interdisciplinary
Studies)
Cultural Studies Minor (see English)
Cultures and Politics of the Pacific Rim Minor (see East Asian
Languages and Cultures)
Digital Studies Minor (see USC School of Cinematic Arts)
Early Modern Studies Interdisciplinary Minor (see
English)
East Asian Area Studies Minor (see East Asian Area
Studies)
Engineering Management Minor (see Engineering)
Enterprise Information Systems Minor (see Engineering)
Environmental Studies Minor (see Environmental Studies)
Folklore and Popular Culture Minor (see Anthropology)
Forensics and Criminality Minor (see Sociology)
Game Animation Minor (see USC School of Cinematic Arts)
Game Audio Minor (see USC School of Cinematic Arts)
Game Entrepreneurism Minor (see USC School of Cinematic
Arts)
Gender Studies Minor (see Gender Studies)
Geobiology Minor (see Earth Sciences)
Global Communication Minor (see School of Communication)
Health Care Studies Minor (see Keck School of Medicine of
USC)
Health Communication Minor (see School of Communication)
Human Rights Minor (see Political Science)
Innovation: The Digital Entrepreneur Minor (see
Engineering)
Interdisciplinary Archaeology Minor (see Religion)
International Health, Development, and Social Justice
Interdisciplinary Minor (see Interdisciplinary Studies)
International Policy and Management Minor (see International
Relations)
Jewish American Studies Minor (see Judaic Studies)
Judaic Studies Minor (see Judaic Studies)
Korean Studies Minor (see East Asian Area Studies)
Latin American Studies Minor (see Spanish and
Portuguese)
Law and Public Policy Minor (see USC Price School of Public
Policy)
Law and Society Minor (see Political Science)
Managing Human Relations Minor (see Sociology)
Mathematical Finance Minor (see Mathematical Finance)
Middle East Studies Minor (see Middle East Studies)
Musical Theatre Minor (see USC Thornton School of Music)
Narrative Structure Interdisciplinary Minor (see
English)
Natural Science Minor (see Biological Sciences)
Neuroscience Minor (see Neuroscience (Undergraduate))
Nonprofits, Philanthropy and Volunteerism Minor (see USC Price
School of Public Policy)
Performing Arts Studies Minor (see USC School of Dramatic
Arts)
Photography and Social Change Minor (see Sociology)
Political Organizing in the Digital Age Minor (see Political
Science)
Psychology and Law Minor (see Psychology)
Race, Ethnicity and Politics Minor (see Political
Science)
Resistance to Genocide Interdisciplinary Minor (see
History)
Russian Area Studies Minor (see Slavic Languages and
Literatures)
Science, Technology, and Society Minor (see Sociology)
Science Visualization Minor (see USC School of Cinematic
Arts)
Social Entrepreneurship Minor (see USC Marshall School of
Business)
Southeast Asia and its People Minor (see Anthropology)
Spatial Studies Minor (see Spatial Sciences Institute)
Thematic Approaches to Humanities and Society Minor (see
Thematic Option)
Theories of Art Minor (see Philosophy)
3-D Animation Minor (see Engineering)
3-D Art for Games Minor (see USC Roski School of Art and
Design)
2-D Art for Games Minor (see USC Roski School of Art and
Design)
Video Game Design and Management Minor (see Engineering)
Visual Culture Minor (see Art History)
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